European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde, UK Exploiting cultural assets for effective Cohesion policy interventions – are ESIF regulatory provisions a barrier or an enabler? Viktoriya Dozhdeva European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde, UK viktoriya.dozhdeva@strath.ac.uk

Context & objective Increasing recognition of culture’s role in supporting CP objectives pervasive nature of culture-related investment positive cross-sector spill-overs place-based cultural assets as a territorial competitive advantage Evident in academic discourses, policy debates, EU strategic frames How does the EU regulatory dimension frame the scope for culture-related investment under ESIF?

Key findings ESIF regulatory frameworks build upon a limited approach to culture 2007-13: positive evolution from 2000-06 supported under all objectives limited references innovation-driving potential overlooked 2014-20: references often implicit opportunities under specific instruments explicit references scarce treated as means not objective Implications for ESIF use for culture? stimulates experimentation & wider interpretation of opportunities constrains & demonstrates decreased priority

Key messages & policy recommendations (1) 1. Lack of explicit references to culture in core ESIF Regulations – among key barriers to supporting cultural investments stronger regulatory position in ESIF provisions more explicit references to culture as a driver of innovation & regional growth 2. Narrow interpretation of culture’s role in territorial development is constraining broader vision, encouraging more holistic policy approaches  greater policy effectiveness 3. Diffused references lead to support fragmentation & reduced effect consolidate/streamline existing policy options

Key messages & policy recommendations (2) 4. Lack of coordination among policy instruments increases fragmentation & diminishes overall potential of EU investment in culture strengthen synergies ESIF <--> other instruments 5. Post-2020 CP proposals limit references to ‘cultural heritage’ (ERDF/CF), and overlook culture’s contribution to ‘non-territorial’ Policy Objectives extend references to culture, incl in relation to a smarter, greener & more social Europe objectives