Competitive Regional Economy

As the preparation of the next Karelia CBC Programme is ongoing, stakeholder event on Competitive Regional Economy was organised in April, 2021.

In the event especially the specific objectives were discussed. A list of specific objectives has been defined by the European Commission for each policy objective. During the programming process the most relevant specific objectives are identified. The objective of the event was to get feedback to the shortlisted specific objectives and to identify activities that could be implemented under each specific objectives. Not all shortlisted objectives are necessary included to the programme.

Under the priority “Competitive regional economy” three specific objectives were discussed:

  • Enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies
  • Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments
  • Enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs

All these specific objectives were considered relevant for the programme region. However, research and innovation was the most relevant for the participating organisations. It was also noted that digitalisation could be a cross-cutting theme in the programme.

When asked on the activities that could be implemented under Enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies development of online and remote tools was the most popular. Among other ideas were for example cooperation among laboratories and research institutions, developing research infrastructure, cooperation between enterprises and research organisations and feasibility projects testing the approach for innovations.

Activities suggested for Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies and governments were, for example, raising the level of digital skills of different groups, digitalization of tourism target destinations, developing digital skills of entrepreneurs and development of remote sensing technology compatible with EU and Russian standards.

Enhancing growth and competitiveness of SMEs generated ideas, for example, on a tool for finding an SME with the same area of business to cooperate with, providing evidence-based knowledge and education on micro-enterprises, joint productization of the tourism companies and development of professional education related to certain SME fields.

The interest towards the priority is high: 89% of the participants answered it is likely or highly likely their organisation will submit an application to this priority.

More feedback?

Not all the specific objectives listed here will necessary make to the programme. If you consider some of the objectives highly relevant or have an idea on an activity that could be implemented under the priority, feel free to send us an email kareliacbc[at]kareliacbc.info.

Material used in the event