Economic Development Group

5th APRIL 2002,

Notes and action points

Present

1 Welcome
Members of the Business Development Group were welcomed by Alan Russell (Fife Council). He outlined his role at the meeting, the agenda, the aims of the meeting and introduced the Group Co-ordinator.

2 Apologies
Apologies were received from

Cllr Anne McGovern (Chair) Fife Council
Thore Westermoen (Vice Chair) Vest-Agder County Council
Matthias Huppauf-Jakober Schleswig-Holstein
Jim Knowles Aberdeenshire Council
Hanne Pedersesn County of North Jutland
Johan Pensgard Vest-Agder County Council
Neil Prentice Angus Council
Stewart Wilkie Angus Council

3 Notes and Action Points from meeting on 16 November 2001, Ibis Hotel, Amsterdam
The notes of the previous meeting were amended to

• include apologies from Johan Pensgard and Mandor Farstad.
• remove Gert Reitman's name from item 8.

4 Networking
Each member of the Group gave a short introduction on their role within their own organisation and their expectations for the Group. All members appeared to be looking for networking opportunities, an exchange of ideas and practical project opportunities to assist local businesses.

In addition to pursuing practical projects, the Group also discussed 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/seminars.

Alan Russell highlighted the recent questionnaire that had been circulated to the Group requesting additional background information on the members, their organisations and the issues faced by their local economy.

ACTION NOTE

5 Project Updates

(1) SME365.com
The Group discussed the problems previously experienced in securing additional support for the development of this project, and the recent approach received from the NSC Education and Research Group.

Representatives from the NSC Education and Research Group made short presentations on the opportunities offered by the Groups working together on this project. A paper was circulated on "North Sea Exchange Protocol" - A North Sea Mobility Development Project. This project could function through a web based platform for companies to learn about eachother, their own supply chain and their customer base by making use of the facilities offered by local schools and colleges (eg improving language skills, intercompany exchange schemes).

Ann Brown (NSC Education and Research Group Co-ordinator) stated that their Group would be meeting later this month to put together a funding bid. Their Group will take a lead on this project, but will require a representative from the Business Development Group to assist.

The Business Development Group also later agreed to assist in the development of this project on a trial basis, by providing additional information for inclusion on the website (at no charge) and promoting it to businesses as an additional practical tool for enquiries.

ACTION NOTE

(2) SME Virtual Centre

Fijbe Kruizinga, Alfa-College (member of the NSC Education and Research Group) gave a short presentation on his aim to develop a virtual centre for SMEs.

The Group identified examples of similar existing websites developed in other countries.

ACTION NOTE

(3) Regional Development and Project Management
The Group discussed the previous draft paper on this subject (Work Package 1). Henrik Jensen informed the Group that the Secretariat was currently considering the original proposal and looking for an overall theme (eg Rural Communities) to get funding towards all the Group Co-ordinators.

ACTION NOTE

(4) E-Business
Richard Baty informed the Group that since the last meeting, Napier University in Edinburgh now wishes to become involved in this project. The University is prepared to lead the project, but will require partners.

ACTION NOTE

(5) Business Gardens
The Group discussed the merits of this project and the difficulties in making it a transnational project.

ACTION NOTE

(6) Bio-Technology
Gert Reitman advised the Group of the current Norwegian interest in Marine Bio-technology. He has now rewritten the original project proposal and would like to find some partners to join More og Romsdal County Council and Wilhelmshaven City Council in taking this idea forward and making a bid for funding.

Henrik Jensen suggested this project could be considered on a bigger scale. He gave the Group advice on how to prepare a successful funding bid, including the need to study the application forms, and approaching the Secretariat at an early stage with any questions .

ACTION NOTE

(7) Seven Bridges
Gert Reitman outlined the need for easily accessible practical information for individuals or SMEs considering setting up in business in another country. The Group discussed the existing level of information available locally, and suggested that the initial stage for this project would be to establish what suitable information is already available, and what additional information is needed to help local business people.

ACTION NOTE

(8) Satellite Office Initiative
The Group discussed the paper on this subject produced by Jim Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council).

ACTION NOTE

(9) Rural Development (Business in Rural Communities)
Group discussed the paper produced by Jim Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council). Henrik Jensen outlined the potential of developing this idea into a much bigger project. Viborg County has a recently appointed Mr Friz Moensted to be responsible for the rural development programme Leader +. The potential exists to use this resource to develop a series of related projects on this subject.

ACTION NOTE

(10) Organic Farming
Ulla Christensen (County of North Jutland) presented a paper on the problems now being experienced by Organic Farmers and the need for knowledge centres in the North Sea area to investigate and exchange ideas.

ACTION NOTE

(11) Sixth Framework Programme
Ulla Christensen (County of North Jutland) advised the Group of the Sixth Framework Programme event due to be held in Denmark on the 6 - 7 November 2002. The themes of the event are Nanotechnology, Gene Research and Bio-technology. As part of the event there will be opportunities for companies looking for international partners. Ulla would like NSC Group members to attend this event.

ACTION NOTE

(12) Recycling of Composite Waste
Gert Reitman (More og Romsdal County Council) advised the Group of the current issue facing Norwegian boatbuilders regarding the recycling of composite waste. Group agreed that the issue of commercial waste and recycling was becoming an increasing issue for companies in the North Sea area.

ACTION NOTE

6 North Sea Commission Secretariat Update
Henrik Jensen distributed copies of the recently published NSC Vision Document, updated the Group on the work of the Secretariat and advised on the recent funding applications. (The next call for applications will be in September).

Henrik outlined the arrangements for the North Sea Commission 11th General Assembly on 18 - 21 June 2002 in Norfolk, England. Events of particular interest to Group members include :

• The joint seminar on "Cultural Assets and Business Development/Tourism" involving the Business Development Group and the Culture and Tourism Group on Tuesday 18 June.
• The Business Development Study Tour to Norwich Research Park on Thursday 20 June.

Henrik also advised the Group that they have secured the appointment of a Scottish student (Anne Stewart) to assist with the work of the Secretariat.

7 Other Business
Gert Reitman advised the Group that there will be an international conference in Holland this year on the theme of Small Businesses.

8 Date of next meeting
Ulla Christensen (County of North Jutland) offered to host the Autumn meeting of the Business Development Group. The date and venue will be agreed and circulated to all members.