Economic Development Group

REPORT TO NSC GENERAL ASSEMBLY 21 JUNE 2002

1. Introduction

The aim of this report is to summarise the work of the North Sea Commission (NSC) Business Development Group (BDG) since the last NSC General Assembly in June 2001, and to describe the Group's future priorities and projects.

2. BDG Chair, Vice-Chair and Co-ordinator

Throughout 2001-2002 Councillor Anne McGovern of Fife Council, Scotland has continued in her role as the Chair of the BDG. During 2002 the Group welcomed Mr Thore Westermoen of Vest-Agder Fylkeskommune, Norway as the new Vice- Chair. Also in 2002, Vivien Collie of Fife Council, Scotland, replaced Nick Burfield of Suffolk County Council, England as the new Group Co-ordinator.

3. BDG Meetings

The BDG has met twice since the last NSC General Assembly. The first meeting was on 16 November 2001 in Amsterdam. The second meeting was on 5 April 2002 in Leiden, the Netherlands. In addition, a number of small sub-group meetings have taken place to advance new and existing projects.

The BDG normally meets twice each year, progresses projects through sub-groups and communicates by the use of e mail.

4. BDG Meeting in Amsterdam on 16 November 2001

The BDG meeting on 16 November was held in Amsterdam. Seventeen people attended.

The Group discussed the availability of project funding and the proposed NSC Political Visioning Document.

The Group then discussed a number of different Work Packages under the heading of 'SME The North Sea - processes and progress'. This included the proposal to hold a small number of E-Business events to help overcome the isolation of SMEs and secure more academic input to business development.

In addition the Group discussed the Business Partner Network project (www.SME365.com), sharing best practice from Norwegian Business Gardens, the potential of a future Bio-technology project, and the possibility of developing a Regional Development and Project Management funding bid.

The Group also agreed to progress the idea of organising an event on the topic of Rural Development and to support a joint seminar with the NSC Culture and Tourism Group at the General Assembly in June 2002.

Nick Burfield (BDG Co-ordinator) was thanked by the members for all his work with the Group.

5. BDG Meeting in Leiden on 5 April 2002

The latest meeting of the NSC Business Development Group was held in Leiden, the Netherlands, on April 5. Among the major items of discussion were potential new projects, and the NSC General Assembly in Norwich.

Sixteen people attended the BDG meeting. These included a number of delegates from the NSC Education and Research Group. The possibility of developing joint projects involving SME365.com was explored and it was decided that members of the Business Development Group would supply information from their own areas to help progress this idea.

The subject of Rural Development (Business in Rural Communities) was addressed in a paper produced by Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland and the potential for the idea being developed into a much bigger project was highlighted. The NSC Secretariat advised that they would take the lead on this and arrange a major conference later in the year.

Other agenda items included issues concerning the recycling of composite waste, and the associated current problems arising for Norwegian boat-builders. It was agreed that the subject of commercial waste and recycling was becoming an increasing issue for companies in the North Sea area, and it may be a topic for future projects.

Discussion also took place on the need to raise the Business Development debate at a political level. The Group agreed that wider political involvement could be considered for future group conferences and seminars.

Other subjects covered during the meeting included a new E-business project, sharing information on different international approaches to the development of an "SME Virtual Centre", the possibility of a funding bid in the field of bio-technology, and the new problems being experienced by organic farmers.

BDG members will be progressing a number of these project ideas during 2002 - 2003.

6. BDG Projects

Previous activities of the Business Development Group have included the establishment of the Business Partner Network (www.sme365.com). This project, led by Telemark and Aust-Agder in Norway, has created a web-based network of businesses around the North Sea area. This 'matchmaking facility' allows businesses in partner regions to identify potential joint venture partners (eg for distribution agreements, licensing, franchising etc).

The BDG has also been involved in jointly supporting the Seminar on Cultural Assets and Business Development organised by the NSC Culture and Tourism Group to be held on 18 June at the General Assembly in Norwich, England.

7. BDG Membership

The membership of the BDG is diverse and includes a wide range of expertise. This expertise reflects the different working practices and methods in the fields of Economic Development and Business Support within the North Sea Commission area. During 2001 - 2002 the Group membership list has been updated. Information is regularly sent to approximately 37 Group members and 14 additional contacts within the NSC.

8. The Future

The next meeting of the BDG will be in North Jutland, Denmark during the Autumn (date to be agreed).

During 2002 - 2003 the Group Co-ordinator hopes to progress new projects, attract additional members and investigate the opportunities of joint working with other NSC Thematic Groups.