« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
1. INTRODUCTION
The following Operational Programme provides the framework for the spending of the European Regional Development Fund for the Convergence Objective Programme for Scotland for 2007-13. The Programme covers the Highlands & Islands area, defined as the whole of the NUTS 2 area of the same name. It will complement the European Social Fund Programme under the Convergence Objective for the same area.
The area is particularly challenged by the unique combination of peripherality, insularity, low population density, a widely dispersed enterprise base and low GDP. Two other phenomena substantially influence the identification of priorities and allocation of resources for this programme: low GDP and relatively low value added by the enterprise sector against a background of near full employment.
The Programme takes account of the significant progress achieved in the last programming period and details the strategic framework and priorities considered most appropriate in addressing the region's continuing development needs. The Programme reflects strategic national priorities, sets Lisbon goals in context and how the partnership expects to respond to these.
The Operational Programme is divided into several sections following this Introduction:
- Socio-economic background: A summary of the key strengths, weaknesses, challenges and opportunities for the eligible area within the context of the Structural Funds contribution to achieving the Lisbon Agenda goals, setting out the main issues for the Programme to address.
- Policy background: A summary of the policy context for addressing the issues identified in the socio-economic analysis and the contribution of lessons from 2000-06 Structural Funds programmes to the 2007-13 Programme.
- Objectives and priorities: A detailed description of the Programme's Programme vision, objectives and the three priorities through which it will tackle the issues identified in the socio-economic analysis within the policy context set out above.
- Co-ordination with other funds: A description of how the European Regional Development Fund will complement other key EU funding in the region, particularly the European Social Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the European Fisheries Fund and financial instruments available through the European Investment Bank.
- Implementing provisions: A description of key aspects of managing and delivering the Programme, including the roles and responsibilities of the Managing, Paying and Audit Authorities, key intermediary bodies, the Programme Monitoring Committee and the mainstreaming of Equal Opportunities and Sustainable Development as underpinning horizontal themes throughout the Programme.
- Evaluation, monitoring and reporting: The evaluation strategy for the Programme, setting out how the Programme will be monitored and the processes for reporting and evaluation.
« Previous | Contents | Next »