1. INTRODUCTION TO THE BMW REGION
Gerry Finn
Director
BMW Regional Assembly
September 19th, 2005

3. Role of Regional Assemblies
Manage the Regional Operational Programmes under the NDP
Monitor the general impact of all E.U. Programmes under the N.D.P. / C.S.F. in their regions
Promote the co-ordination of the provision of Public Services in the Region
Evolving role in creating a regional identity
Highlighting issues of concern for the region
Ensuring that national policies take the regional dimension into account

4. BMW Regional Profile
BMW Region has 47% of land area, 27% of population & 19% of national GDP of Ireland
Growing Regional Divide in terms of GDP, unemployment, “brain drain” & infrastructure
Infrastructure deficit - roads, electricity, gas, ICT etc.
National Spatial Strategy sets a new framework for regional development

5. Regional Profile contd.
High dependence on agriculture & food processing, tourism
Low level of high value added activities
Low R&D - most research funds allocated to Greater Dublin Area
Relatively low levels of innovation
Poor levels of FDI – IDA target of 50% of greenfield sites in BMW Region

6. BMW Regional Foresight Exercise
Built on an Audit of Innovation already completed and EU, national regional strategies
Agreement on priorities for future investment programmes, including post 2006 EU Structural Funds
Feed into future National/Regional Development Plans
Stimulated debate on long-term strategic issues
Launched September 13th 2005

7. BMW Regional Foresight Exercise contd.
18 month process involving wide consultation within & outside the region
Facilitated by consultants CM International
Steering Committee & 4 expert panels
Wide consultation nationally & within region
Submissions invited from interested parties
Local/regional/national endorsement obtained

8. A Vision for the BMW Region in 2025
An innovative, knowledge-based and
competitive region, with a high quality
environment, first class infrastructure,
visionary leadership and a quality of life
for its citizens that is among the highest
in the world

9. Vision, 5 Components & 2 Cross-cutting Themes
````
VISION
High quality
environment for
sustainable
communities
21st Century
Infrastructure
Networks
Effective regional
management &
visionary leaders
Entreneurship
and knowledge as
cornerstones
of prosperity
Internationally
competitive
business
environment
Equality of Opportunity
Sustainability

10. Contact Details BMW Regional Assembly The Square Ballaghaderreen
Co. Roscommon
Tel. (353)
Fax. (353)
Website:
National Development Plan:
Website:
EU Structural Funds:
Website: