ITALY – Operational programme 2007-2013: Basilicata

MEMO/08/42

Brussels, 24 January 2008

1.Operational programme for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the "Convergence" objective in the region of Basilicata

[ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ] [ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ]

2. On 7 December 2007, the European Commission adopted the operational programme for Community assistance (2007-2013) from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as transitional support for the "Convergence" objective for the Basilicata region. The total cost of the programme is EUR 752.18 million, and it benefits from a Community contribution of EUR 300.87 million.

3. Strategic objectives and priorities of the operational programme

The industrial fabric of the region, specialised in manufacturing and agri-foods, would benefit from increased research and innovation capacity and better relations between SMEs and the banking system, in order to make it more competitive.

With this in mind, the programme aims to improve technology transfer mechanisms between the university, public research centres and enterprises so as to enable the region to better exploit its full potential.

Moreover, Basilicata is characterised by the wealth of its cultural resources and an extraordinary natural environment. Exploiting its historical heritage and natural assets, preserving the environment in the broad sense and promoting tourism-related activities will all contribute to its development.

The aim of the programme is to contribute significantly to the objectives of the Lisbon Strategy (57% of the expenditure will target these objectives), with substantial funding allocated for research, technology transfer, innovation and boosting entrepreneurship.

4. Estimate of the impact of the EU’s investment

The following objectives in particular have been laid down (initial estimates):

- creation of 8 000 jobs;

- carbon neutrality of the programme (the projects supported must not, overall, lead to additional greenhouse gas emissions);

- greater expenditure by public and private enterprises in the R&D sector (rising from 0.20% to 0.35% of the local industrial product (LIP);

- increase in the number of patents registered with the European Patent Office, from 9.3 to 38 per million inhabitants;

- increase in the number of enterprises with access to broadband, from 50 to 85;

- increase in the proportion of electricity consumption originating from renewable sources, from 15.9% to 18%.

5. The operational programme has eight priorities:

Priority 1: Accessibility

The measures planned under this priority are intended to contribute to improving the accessibility of persons and goods to transport services which respect the environment, and in particular to improve railway connections and better link up different modes of transport.

Initiatives will be implemented to connect regional and provincial routes to the Trans-European Transport Networks and to improve connections between the "Potenza-Melfi-Foggia", "Potenza-Salerno-Naples" and "Potenza-Matera-Bari" axes.

Priority 2: Knowledge society

This priority will be dedicated to boosting research, disseminating innovation, developing information and communication technologies (ITC) in the general government sector and in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro-enterprises. Particular attention will be paid to industrial research programmes, in close cooperation with SMEs, universities and research centres for the development and dissemination of technologies with a positive impact on the environment, reinforcing productive areas of regional interest, growth and employment.

Priority 3: Competitiveness of production

The aim is to make production in the region more competitive on the Italian and international markets and to promote the growth of SMEs by developing their innovative potential, especially by improving their performance in the areas of energy and the environment, in order to facilitate their access to new markets in a global economic context and to attract external investment to the region.

Priority 4: Exploitation of cultural and natural assets

With a view to environmentally friendly tourism development, the aim is to make the region more attractive by exploiting the wealth of all its cultural and natural resources and biodiversity.

Priority 5: Urban systems

This strand seeks to exploit the cities of Potenza and Matera as "drivers of regional development" by reinforcing innovative urban networks, disseminating high-quality services and improving the well-being of the local population. Two objectives have been set in this context:

Priority 6: Social inclusion

The aim is to support economic, social and territorial cohesion, whilst improving access to public and collective services, especially social services.

Priority 7: Energy and sustainable development

The programme will promote the production and use of renewable energy sources and stimulate activities to promote energy savings. It will also help to improve environmental service standards to protect the health and safety of citizens and enterprises.

Priority 8: Governance and technical assistance

The technical assistance will allow the cofunding of management, monitoring, evaluation, promotion, information and communication activities.

6. Managing authority

Cecilia Salvia

Region of Basilicata

Acting Director

"Implementation and Community programmes" at the C.I.C.O. (Comitato Interdipendente di Coordinamento Organizzativo – Interdependent Organisational Coordination Committee)

Viale della Regione Basilicata 4,

I-85100 Potenza

adg.por@regione.basilicata.it 7. Decision: title, reference, approval date Title: Commission Decision adopting the Operational programme for Community assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the "Convergence" objective in the region of Basilicata Number: CCI : 2007IT161PO012 Decision number: C(2007)6311

Approval date: 7/12/2007

8. Financial breakdown by priority