Introduction of participants / project ideas (PI) Presentation: What makes a good partnership? Presentation: Which projects is NWE looking for? Speed dating Review / Conclusions AGENDA Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009 What makes a good partnership?

Basic principles What do we understand by partner? Organisation which contributes financially to the project … has a clear role in the implementation … and has strong enough capacity to do so Size of partnership It depends! Take on board all relevant partners to deliver outputs … minimum of 2 partners in 2 different Member States (one of which in NWE) Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Who can be a partner? All public (or public similar) organisations with legal entity … but also private organisations, under conditions: constitute legal body act as non-profit in the context of the project (in line with real costs principle) provide all project results for common good (free) Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Partnership organisation Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009 LPLP Partne r Sub- partner Observer Sub- contractor

Lead Partner vs. Project Partner LP is the contact point for the JTS in Lille … is legally responsible for the overall project -> responsible for the financial management, signs Application Form, Subsidy Contract, drafts partnership agreement, receives ERDF and redistributes to partners … Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Sub-partners Are the exception, allowed only if strong added value Small in size and specific expertise Limited involvement in time and content Have existing strong working relation with partner All eligibility rules and real costs principle apply MUST be mentioned in the AF vs. Sub-contractors (e.g. consultants, suppliers, external experts) Work for partners but outside the project Charge commercial rates Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Observers No real involvement in project: advisory capacity Expertise or transfer of results Their costs (i.e. travel, meal) can be paid and claimed by partners Demonstrated added value for partnership Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009 LPLP Partne r Observer Sub- contractor Partne r In short… Sub- partner

Possible only if added value demonstrated Administrative steps to be taken before that partner can receive ERDF May take up to one year within EU IVB NWE has no experience with partners outside the EU yet Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009 Partners outside the NWE area

How is the partnership rated? Partnership Selection Criteria The bidding partnership is consistent: i.e. it brings together the relevant partners with the capacity to deliver and make use of project results Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Transnationality Selection Criteria High level of cooperation (extensive exchange, joint planning, joint results,…) Issue addressed is transnational (common problem) -> Cooperation is essential to reach objectives Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

What projects is NWE looking for? thematic & geographic gaps Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

4 Programme Priorities 1. Capitalising on INNOVATION 2. Managing of NATURAL RESOURCES and risks 3. Improving CONNECTIVITY 4. Strengthening COMMUNITIES Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Thematic Gaps Priority 1 Innovation Objective 1.2 strengthen clusters and networks (innovation platforms, centres of excellence, use of R&D facilities, marketing strategies etc.) Objective 1.3 improve the institutional and territorial framework for innovation and knowledge transfer (reduce contrast between stronger & weaker regions, private and public actors cooperation etc.) Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Thematic Gaps Priority 2 Environment Objective 2.3 improve the quality of soil, water and air minimise greenhouse gas emissions reduce noise pollution Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Thematic Gaps Priority 3 Connectivity Objective 3.3 promote the use of Information & Communication Technologies improve connectivity, passenger mobility & freight transport Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Thematic Gaps Priority 4 Communities Objective 4.3 promote responses to demographic change and migration impacts (integration of skilled labour force, increase of institutional capacities, improve services of ICT etc.) Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Geographic Gaps of IIIB Areas without partners Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

THANK YOU! Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009

Questions to guide speed date Do you feel lonely? Are you looking for partners? Name, country and institution Previous experience in INTERREG projects Do you have a project idea? What is it about? Partner search meeting Rotterdam 9 October 2009