Two Interreg IV C project finalists at EU Regio Stars Awards 2011

Two INTERREG IVC projects were selected as finalists – from 66 candidates – in two categories of the European Commission’s Regio Stars awards. While neither won the top prize, it is already recognition of the impact of cooperation projects that both projects reached the final stage.

In the category “Networking and cluster initiatives supporting regional growth and SMEs’ access to global markets”, the SEE project

Sharing Experience Europe – Policy Innovation Design was highlighted by the Regio Stars jury as being “highly innovative in proposing a topic that has almost never been examined in a policy context.” “This is an interesting policy building project in a forward-looking area – design as a source of innovation. Its broad partnership and EU endorsement gives credibility to the statement that it paves the way towards new innovation policies, suited to regions outside of the S&T hubs”, the jury stated. The winner of this category was ‘Growth in Environmental Marine Science’, Wales (UK).

A second project, FLIPPER - Flexible Transport Services & ICT platform for eco-mobility in urban and rural areas was one of three finalists in the category “INTEGRATED, CLEAN URBAN TRANSPORT PROJECTS”. The jury highlighted that “the innovative approach of this network derives from the involvement of the staff of transport companies in accelerating the transfer and implementation of good practices providing innovative solutions to real needs. The midterm results are impressive and promise a significant impact overall.” The winner of this category was ‘Innovative and sustainable mobility in Funchal, Madeira (PT)’.

Michel Lamblin, Director of the INTERREG IVC programme, congratulates the finalists on getting this far. “This is the first year that the INTERREG IVC programme has submitted projects to the Regio Stars, and to have two finalists is very encouraging”. He continues, “while it is difficult to put exchange and networking projects head to head with local implementation projects, this final shows that real benefits can be seen from the networking projects”. He encourages further applications for the 2012 edition.

Applications are open for the 2012 edition of Regio Stars in the following categories:
1. SMART GROWTH: Innovative projects or schemes supporting service innovation in its different forms.
2. SUSTAINABLE GROWTH: Investments in ecosystem services and green infrastructure leading to sustainable regional development.
3. INCLUSIVE GROWTH: Strategies, initiatives or projects addressing the challenge of demographic change and supporting active ageing1.
4. CITYSTAR CATEGORY: Integrated strategies for the development of deprived urban areas.
5. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION CATEGORY: Informing the public on the internet about projects benefiting from EU regional policy.

The Managing Authority of the Lead Partner in an INTERREG IVC project can submit an application, as can the Managing Authority of the INTERREG IVC programme.
Deadline for applications is 15 July 2012. More information available here.

source: http://i4c.eu