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1. INTRODUCTION
The following Operational Programme provides the framework for the spending of the European Social Fund ( ESF) for the Convergence Programme for Scotland for 2007-13. The Programme covers the Highlands & Islands area, defined as the NUTS 2 area of the same name. It will complement the European Regional Development Fund Programme under the Convergence Objective for the same area.
The ESF seeks to address social inequalities within and across regions by improving the general performance of the labour market and, in particular in relation to marginalised groups. It is intended to help regions increase their competitiveness by increasing employment rates, preventing people from dropping out of the labour market, and increasing productivity through improved skill levels.
In March 2000, the EU leaders agreed the Lisbon strategy, which committed the EU to become by 2010:
"The most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and respect for the environment."
The achievement of this goal is seen as essential if Europe is to respond to the challenges of globalisation and competition from other parts of the world. Scotland is no less ambitious in its goals aimed at ensuring that the Scottish Executive and its partners work together to make a real difference to the lives of all the people living and working here to ensure they fulfil their potential and contribute to and benefit from a high-earning, knowledge-based economy.
In working together to achieve these goals we are aware that for each person who moves into sustained employment, the effect is more widespread than just getting a job - it affects their health, their family, their friends, their neighbourhood and brings about economic benefits, with less dependency on welfare benefits and contributing to the economic growth and competitiveness of Scotland. The target is not just or even mainly about numbers - it is about improving the lives of individuals, families and communities.
The Highlands & Islands 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 contrasts with the near full employment of the region.
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. It reflects strategic national priorities and 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 earlier Structural Funds programmes to the 2007-13 Programme.
- Objectives and priorities: A detailed description of the Programme's overall vision, its 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 Regional Development 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.
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