1 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results. Reshaping Cities – Industry reorganising Urban Economies Brussels, 17 February 2009

2 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy I.Aims and instruments of the Objective 2 Programme Source.: Operational Programme (ERDF) NRW, 2007, p. 70; Authors illustration Making North Rhine-Westphalias economy more competitive and adaptable and creating jobs Improving competitiveness by supporting innovation processes and strengthening the strengths of the state Achieving convergence by increasing competitiveness in structurally deprived areas Strengthening the entrepreneurial basis Promoting innovation and creating a knowledge-based society Financial aids to SME and start-up assistance Innovation, clusters and support for the development of networks Providing consulting to SMEs and business startups Business-friendly technology and research infrastructures Innovative services Inter- and intra-regional cooperation Sustainable and eco-friendly development Gender equality and non-discrimination Promoting sustainable urban and regional policies Integrated development of deprived inner-city areas Addressing development shortfalls in industrialised regions Taking into account urban aspects and demographic trends

3 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy I.Programme areas of the Socially Inclusive City scheme. Q.: ILS gGmbH NETHERLANDS BELGIUM RHEINLAND- PFALZ HESSEN

4 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy II.Focal funding areas for the priority area 3.1 Integrated Development of Deprived Inner-City Areas New urbanity and image Improvement of public areas, residential environment and urban development Re-use of brownfield sites and abandoned buildings

5 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy Local economy and employment Creating an infrastructure for promoting economic and employment aspects Business start-up and portfolio servicing Social and ethnical integration Education and school in the neighbourhood Neighbourhood initiatives Ecological and energetic improvement New exposure to the use of atmospheric water Reduction of CO² in the existing building stock Neighbourhood management and exchange of experiences Support for resident-driven measures and private investment International exchange in networks

6 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy III.Actions for Removal of Impediments to Development An efficient infrastructure and re-use of industrial areas = needed for competitive framework conditions for industry Attractive open spaces leading to better quality of the landscape = enabling environment for tourist industry, culture and recreation

7 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy European Capital of Culture 2010 =Industrial heritage Environment / ecological sustainability and risk prevention =key component of regional economic policy Rehabilitation of the Emscher-River-System / New Emscher-Valley Recycling of land

8 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy Exploitation and commodification of public areas =Precondition for attracting private-sector investment Competition =city centre as a business location Focal areas of regional development strategies =Development of integrated sites and urban neighbourhoods featuring new forms of working, living and recreation

9 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy IV.Outlook Metropolis Rhine-Ruhr: conurbation along the Rhine and Ruhr rivers, extending from Bonn in the south, Duisburg in the northwest und Hamm in the northeast 20 unitary-authority cities between 10 and 12 million residents (comparable to London, Paris, Moskau, Istanbul) Large concentration of higher education facilities: 30 universities and polytechnics Economy: key location for tradeshows, exhibitions etc. Community: efforts needed to improve integration

10 Regions for Economic Change – Networking for Results17 February 2009 European Union Regional Policy Urban development trends Conurbanisation Specialisation Fragmentation Polarisation Urban dimensions Integrative and participatory development