1. 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

2. 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?

3. Key findings
ESIF regulatory frameworks build upon a limited approach to culture :
positive evolution from
supported under all objectives
limited references
innovation-driving potential overlooked :
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

4. 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

5. 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