1. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY 1 Bölgesel Rekabet Edebilirlik Operasyonel Programı’nın Uygulanması için Kurumsal Kapasitenin Oluşturulmasına Yönelik Teknik Yardım Technical Assistance on Institutional Building for the Implementation of RCOP in Turkey This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey Summary of 5 February 2013 discussion Trainer: Valeria Valeri Ankara, 7 February 2013

2. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION 1 New IPA Regulation not yet published. Presentation 1 focused on the policy framework for EU Structural Funds 2014-2020, that presumably will provide the programming framework in pre-accession countries, too. Bibliographical references contain the key EU documents for EU2020 strategy and Structural Funds in 2014-2020. Four reform elements: Concentration (fewer priorities, fewer indicators) Performance framework (results not achieved, financial corrections possible) [Financial corrections = EU assistance cuts). Simplification Harmonised rules for each Operational Programme/Fund. Name of the Training 2

3. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION 1 The EU policy framework 2014-2020 is to be assumed as the frame for grant schemes and project development. It was highlighted that partnership is essential to prepare good projects. Note: performance reserve, in use under Structural Funds since 14 years already, will continue to be applicable in the programming period 2014- 2020. Name of the Training 3

4. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY EXERCISE 1 Presentation 2 was skipped for lack of time. Lecturer decided to move directly to exercise 1 on the EU new intervention logic for programming. Exercise discussed how to establish outputs and results. It was highlighted that: When a project is developed, only OUTPUTS and RESULTS that can be achieved by the end of the project are to be included in the logical framework – IMPACTS or any other effect that may take place AFTER THE END OF THE EXPENDITURE is relevant at OP level but not at project level. In order to quantify the outputs, it is necessary to estimate average costs (for example, how much does it costs to create jobs in various sectors). Estimates should be REALISTIC in order to avoid financial corrections. Name of the Training 4

5. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY EXERCISE 1 Correct definition of outputs and results is, in the opinion of the lecturer, a very hard task also for very experienced persons. Trainees suggested that the exercise should be repeated by using a real document, for example an Operation Identification Sheet. Lecturer also suggested that bibliography number 12 is a source of good examples. Name of the Training 5

6. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION 3 The concept of project MATURITY was presented and discussed. Normally PROJECT MATURITY means that a project is ready for IMPLEMENTATION – that is ALL TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE READY. The concept of PROJECT FEASIBILITY was also presented and discussed. This is a multi-dimensional concept. Name of the Training 6

7. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION 3 PROPERTY RIGHTS are an essential element of project feasibility. In most of EU Member States, if the applicant does not own the land, the project is not discussed further. ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY OF THE APPLICANT is also a key element for project feasibility. A comprehensive MARKET ANALYSIS is needed and BUSINESS PLAN should be ready before project approval (rather than after, as it happens now). Name of the Training 7

8. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION 3 Participants underlined that: Applicants are not experienced in market analysis development. Project preparation time is too long (up to 2 years). It was concluded that technical assistance facilities should also assist applicants in preparation of market analysis and business plans as part of OIS preparations. Name of the Training 8

9. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY PRESENTATION 3 Risk identification and definition of risk mitigation strategies is a problematic area. State aid should also be considered during the project preparation stage. Implementation arrangements should be clarified, so that the EU grant does not turn into illegal state aid through these arrangements. Name of the Training 9

10. This project is co-financed by the European Union and the Republic of Turkey REPUBLIC OF TURKEY MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OVERALL CONCLUSION- PROPOSAL The second training day could be organized in the form of two half-a-day workshops dedicated to: Exercise on outputs and results Elements of sectoral analysis Exercises on OIS assessment (discussion of each section including risk analysis, implementation arrangements etc.). Name of the Training 10