Reframing approaches to the implementation of regional development programmes by the European Union

Cardiff University research into regional innovation policy has supported the implementation of a new approach to regional development in the European Union (EU).

 

Issue

Conventional regional policy has been chiefly concerned with distributing economic activity between regions. Work on regional innovation policy at Cardiff University helped to shift the focus to innovation within regions, aiming to promote indigenous development within weak regions rather than simply attracting firms from stronger regions.

 

Approach 

The research compiled case studies from over a dozen regions identifying common issues for regional innovation. Findings were used by the European Commission and regional European governments to inform regional policy thinking and guidance.

 

Impact

Cardiff research influenced the implementation of the EU’s Smart Specialisation (S3) programme, a scheme developed to support growth, especially in less developed regions, as part of the EU’s European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020.

The programme provided over 170 European regions with a framework for regional innovation that boosts growth and prosperity. The research also directly helped regions to integrate the S3 approach into their economic strategies, particularly in the Basque Country and Wales.

 

More information

• Read the full impact case study in the REF 21 database 

• A new approach to regional innovation in the Eurpoean Union - Cardiff University

Institution: Cardiff University 

Researchers: Professor Kevin Morgan, Professor Philip Cooke