1. Preparatory projects and funding opportunities th August 2010 – Copenhagen, Denmark Christopher Parker and Rachel Burn
European Union
European Regional Development Fund

2. General purpose of preparatory projects
Producing a well-balanced, high quality main project application with an appropriate partnership constellation
Facilitate the development of joint project plans on themes that correspond to the objectives of the programme
Committing partners to specific contributions
Reducing risks connected to main projects
In general, it is to ensure that a project is meeting all the NPP core concepts of transnationality and added value.

3. General background information
Continuous call
Application can be submitted at any time or as directed by PMC
Expenditure will become eligible from the date of submission
Minimum requirements
Project idea
At least 2 contributing partners from 2 countries
Public match funding in place, confirmed through match funding commitments

4. Current status of preparatory projects in the NPP 2007-2013 programme
The NPP 2007 – 2013 Programme Monitoring Committee delegated authority to the Programme secretariat to approve preparatory projects and make funding decisions.
The Programme Secretariat has assessed 60 and approved 25 preparatory projects
Committed funds preparatory projects: € (Remaining € )
A call for preparatory projects from 10th of June 2010 addressing project themes identified in gaps in the programme.
In preparation for the Sixth Call, the definition of products and services has widened and alternative wording has been provided for a number of themes to facilitate a better understanding.

5. Preparatory projects as project development support tools
Addressing programme identified gaps
Kept in focus for accepting new preparatory project applications
Continued call for 6 months preparatory projects
Approval only preparatory projects dealing with identified gaps and not yet sufficiently addressed themes in the program
Programme Secretariat’s tools to work pro-actively promoting the identified gaps
Attracting project idea holders to apply for identified project gaps/ attract potential project idea holders

6. 6 months preparatory project
EUR total budget
EUR from NPP, 60% grant rate
Conditions:
public match funding in place, confirmed through match funding commitment forms
project plan
indicating potential tangible interesting products and services.
offering participation in development workshop in June 2010; facilitated by Programme Secretariat
How to Apply seminar on September 16th, 2010

7. Preparatory project Call
The themes below are open for preparatory project applications:
In Priority 1:
Objective “To promote competitiveness by increasing and developing the capacity for innovation and networking in rural and peripheral areas”, the two themes:
exchange of best practise and establishment of cooperation networks between R&D institution and SMEs to increase the capacity for innovation, facilitate the design of innovation systems and strengthen competitiveness
cooperation and exchange of best practice between SMEs on how to address and reach markets with existing and new products

8. Preparatory project Call
Objective “To facilitate development through the use of advanced information and communication technologies and transportation in the programme area”, the three themes:
increased use of ICT to overcome distance
developing innovative product/service solutions for developing and maintaining transport infrastructure with regard to roads, railways, airports and ports under harsh climatic conditions
maritime safety in relation to remote areas with arctic, harsh conditions
And in Priority 2:
Objective “To improve sustainable development in peripheral regions by strengthening urban-rural (alternative wording: towns and surroundings) relations and enhancing regional heritage”, the theme:
urban-rural partnerships for new service solutions (alternative wording: new services for rural areas linked to towns or services provided in towns and distributed to their surrounding area.)

9. Next Main project application Call
Please note that the Sixth Call for Applications will be launched 3rd of September 2010 and closes on 14th of October 2010.
More information about the exact nature of the Sixth Call will be published in June 2010 to inform applicants in good time about what will be expected from them.

10. Next steps Further develop your project idea
Visit NPP website application forms for preparatory project
Get in contact with your Regional Contact Point
Submit application in an original blue ink signed and electronic version to
Northern Periphery Programme Secretariat
Strandgade 91, 4. sal
DK-1401 Copenhagen K, DENMARK
Check NPP website for regular updates

11. Contact Details – Programme Secretariat
Northern Periphery Programme Secretariat
Strandgade 91, 4. sal
DK-1401 Copenhagen K, DENMARK Fax:
Niclas Forsling – Head of Secretariat
Tel ,
Christopher Parker – Programme Manger for Project Development Support
Tel ,
Kirsti Mijnhijmer – Programme Manager for Information & Communication
Tel ,
Rachel Burn – Project Officer
Tel ,

12. For further information, please visit: www. northernperiphery
For further information, please visit: Thank you for listening!