Economic Development Group

NORTH  SEA  COMMISSION

Economic Development Group Meeting
Golf Hotel, Viborg, Denmark
Thursday 22 January 2004

DRAFT  MINUTES  AND  ACTION  POINTS

Present

Name / Organisation, Country
Cllr Audrey Findlay (Chair)
Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland

Vivien Collie 
North Sea Commission

Daniel Dobson-Mouawad
Suffolk County Council, England

Tomasz Jaroszek
Noord-Holland, Netherlands    

Henrik Jensen
Viborg Amt (NSC Secretariat)

Arne Monrad Johnsen
Sogn og Fjordane Fylkekommune, Norway

Enok Hansen
Aust-Agder County Council, Norway

Jesper Jensen
Viborg County Council, Denmark

Thrond Kjellevold
BTV Co-operation, Norway

James Knowles
Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland

Drs. Rinske Kruisinga (Vice Chair)
Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Johan Pensgaard
Vest-Agder Fylkeskommune, Norway

1.  Welcome  
Members of the Economic Development Group were welcomed by Chair Cllr Audrey Findlay (Aberdeenshire Council).  She thanked Viborg County Council for arranging the previous day's programme of speakers (see summary notes attached to minutes), and the networking Dinner.  Cllr Findlay then outlined the agenda and aims of the meeting.  Cllr Findlay also introduced Vice Chair Ms Rinske Kruisinga from Noord-Holland Province, Netherlands.

2.   Apologies
Apologies were received from: 

Name / Organisation, Country
Richard Baty
East Lothian Council, Scotland

Eddie Craig
Napier University, Scotland

Christel Daesler-Lohmuller
Stadt Emden, Germany

Merete Gammelmark
Ringkjobing County, Denmark

Johann Gelder
Europaburo Wesermarsch, Germany

Lars Hustvueit
Sogn og Fjordane Council, Norway

Ingrid Martin
Europaburo Wesermarsch, Germany

Susan Matheson
Aberdeen City Council, Scotland

Helena L Nilsson
Region Vastra Gotaland, Sweden

Neil Prentice
Angus Council, Scotland

Alan Russell
Fife Council, Scotland

Thomas Springbrunn
Wilhelmshaven City Council, Germany

Robert Vik
More & Romsdal County Council, Norway

Thore Westermoen (Vice Chair)
Vest-Agder Fylkeskommune, Norway

Jorg Wilke
Wirtschaftsforder Ung Wesermarsch GMB, Germany

3.  Agreement of Minutes
The minutes from the NSC EDG meeting in Aberdour, Fife, Scotland, Friday 3 October 2003 were approved.

4.  Matters arising
Johan Pensgaard (Vest-Agder Fylkeskommune) requested an update on the future funding of the Secretariat of the NSC Economic Development Thematic Group.  James Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council) stated that there had been a good response from group members wishing to make financial contributions to the Co-ordinators post (currently 12 members offering financial support).  This money, along with the 50,000Dkr from the NSC Secretariat, will ensure that the current arrangements can continue until the NSC General Assembly in June this year.   

Henrik Jensen (NSC Secretariat) advised that this matter will be discussed at the NSC Executive Committee in March - as it may have implications for the methods of providing Co-ordinators for the other Thematic Groups and their direct relationship with NSC member councils. 

Cllr Findlay led a group discussion on alternative methods of funding and resourcing the Co-ordinators activities that would also encourage wider participation by group members.  It was agreed that Henrik would produce a paper on behalf of the group for the NSC Executive Committee meeting identifying the different options. 

Cllr Findlay highlighted the topics covered during her recent meeting with Bent Hansen (NSC President) and her wish to encourage more politicians to attend meetings of the EDG.   The group agreed that plans should be made for a political meeting that included representatives from the EDG and its two subgroups.

Action:

• Henrik Jensen to produce a draft paper on the future resourcing of the EDG Co-ordinator post.   This will be circulated to group members for comment before the NSC Executive Committee meeting on the 25-26 March.
• The NSC Chair, Co-ordinator and Secretariat to liaise on the planning of a themed EDG political meeting during 2004.

 

5.  North Sea Commission 
Henrik Jensen (North Sea Commission) gave the group an update on NSC activities, the NSC General Assembly (GA) 2004 and Interreg IIIB project funding.  

A considerable amount of work has been put into developing the content and structure of this year's NSC GA.  The theme this year is "North Sea Co-operation - a contributor to Regional Development" and the programme will be produced very soon.  This year the Thematic Group Study Tours will be followed by four Regional Development discussion groups.  The Economic Development Study Tour will be to the Chalmers Innovation Business Incubator.

Henrik then outlined the current Interreg funding allocations.  The majority of the budget has now been allocated and funding for at least two of the areas (Priority 1 and 3.2) is completely committed.  The closing date for the next call for applications is the 27th of February.  Henrik advised all group members involved in an application to make sure they had early contact with the Interreg Secretariat.

Henrik also mentioned the current Rural Development Interreg application.  This project could lead to the creation of a Rural Development Group in the future.

6.  The CPMR CAP Reform and Rural Development Group (Inter Commission Group).  
James Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council) outlined some recent research work on the likely impact of CAP Reform.  This research has been carried out by 6 councils located on the east coast of Scotland.   

The study raises a number of concerns including:

• The impact on 'downstream' farming activities (eg abattoirs).
• The inability of all farmers to diversify their businesses.
• The increasing number of farmers and their families requiring income from employment not related to the farm.
• The impact on the countryside when subsidies cease.
• The failure to attract and retain farmers to manage the local environment in the future.
  

The study has highlighted the fact that the CAP Reform will affect a wide variety of farming areas and will, therefore, make an impact on them in different ways.  It is unlikely that there will be a solution that fits everyone.

The CAP Reform will have a major impact on the agricultural economy and the local environment on the east coast of Scotland.  Many farmers in this part of Scotland don't make a profit and require subsidies to manage the local environment.  The Scottish Councils, therefore, are currently engaged in dialogue with the Scottish Executive, Scottish Enterprise and the CPMR.   

The group discussed the likely impact of CAP Reform, the effect of new EU members and the likely influence of Eastern European farming activities.  The group discussed the possibility of two types of farm operations appearing in existing member countries - one type involved in business and the other type concerned with managing the local landscape.  The group agreed that members need to consider how they can help farmers change their activities eg growing fuel crops and linking countryside and tourism benefits.

The group discussed the difficulty of achieving consensus at the CPMR meeting.  It was agreed, however, that it is important for the NSC to maintain its profile within the CPMR on this topic.

The group agreed to share information on their responses to CAP Reform.

Action:

• James Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council) and drs. Rinske Kruisinga (Vice-Chair) to exchange information on CAP Reform responses.

 

7.  NSC EDG Renewable Energy Subgroup.  
Daniel Dobson-Mouawad (Suffolk County Council) gave a short introduction on the aims and objectives of the EDG Renewable Energy Subgroup.  The last meeting of the subgroup was held in Suffolk (England) in November.  The theme for this meeting was Wind Energy.  Daniel highlighted the activities and discussions that took place.  As part of the Suffolk meeting the subgroup discussed the draft OSPAR guidelines for offshore wind energy.  They agreed to draft a position statement for the NSC to incorporate into their formal response to the Guidelines.  

The subgroup members also agreed it had been very beneficial to include business representatives in the discussions, and that they should be invited to attend future meetings of the subgroup. 

Daniel highlighted the benefits of sharing best practice and the opportunities offered by joint working.  He outlined the aims of 'POWER' (Pushing Offshore Wind Energy Regions).  This project looks at the chain of supply, and skills and resources required in this sector.  It has formed the basis of an Interreg funding application.

The next meeting of the subgroup will be in Goteburg (Sweden) on 4-5 February.  The theme for this meeting is bio-mass and bio-energy.

The following two meetings of the Renewable Energy subgroup will coincide with major international renewable energy trade events (25th May in Aberdeen, Scotland and 7th-10th October in Husum, Germany).  It is anticipated that these events will also assist in encouraging more private sector representatives to become involved with the work of the subgroup.

Johan Pensgaard (Vest-Agder Fylkeskommune) requested more information about the work of the subgroup so that this could be promoted to representatives from the business community.

Action:

• NSC EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with Daniel Dobson-Mouawad on producing promotional material on the work of the Renewable Energy subgroup. 
  

8.  NSC EDG Business Centres Networking Subgroup.  
The EDG Co-ordinator gave a brief update on the work of the NSC EDG Business Centres Networking Subgroup.  Suggestions have been received from subgroup members on how to collect and maintain information on business centres around the North Sea.  The opportunity exists to make use of the NSC website and to allow business centre managers to input and maintain their information.  The format will be agreed with Alan Russell (Fife Council - Subgroup Chair) and taken forward by the EDG Co-ordinator and the NSC Secretariat.  Funding for a business centres networking event will be considered by the NSC Secretariat at a later date.

 

The EDG Co-ordinator highlighted the request from René Damkjer (Managing Director of the Agro Business Park near Viborg) for the establishment of a network of specialised agro business parks around the North Sea.  The group agreed that some research should be carried out to establish the existence of these types of operation around the North Sea area.

Action:

• The EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with Alan Russell and investigate the location of existing agro business centres within member council areas.
  

9.  Update on current Interreg projects.  
Thrond Kjellvold (BTV Co-operation) outlined their area's activities and involvement in a number of ongoing Interreg projects and applications being put forward for the February call.  He encouraged group members to check the Interreg website and to become involved with the projects.

10.  SME365.com and the Scandinavian Triangle project.  
The group were given a joint presentation by Thrond Kjellvold (BTV Co-operation) and Enok Hansen (Aust-Agder County Council) on the development of the Scandinavian Triangle project from the sme365.com initiative.  

The Scandinavian Triangle project  (Den skandinaviska triangeln) has integrated the sme365.com database into their website.  Business profiles from participating countries are entered directly online.

It was suggested that this concept could be developed, with sme365.com integrated into the NSC EDG webpage.  Business profile information (ie. business centres and businesses from participating regions) could then be entered directly online.  The profiles would then also be saved into the main sme365.com database.   

The Scandinavian Triangle website also has an event planning function which can assist in the organizing/planning of business to business events, partenariats, etc.   This is being used for a Maritime event in Grimstad (Norway) in March.  There has been a great deal of interest in this event.

It was suggested that the event planning data capture functions could be used for the Business Centres Networking Subgroup and the Renewable Energy Subgroup to obtain company information, and to help develop the Triple Helix concept (ie with Universities, businesses and the public sector working together and sharing information).

Members are encouraged to visit the website: http://www.skandinaviskatriangeln.com

The group discussed the use of databases, websites and e mails to develop the work and activities of the EDG.  Concerns were raised about marketing the website facility and the ability to keep information up to date.  

The group agreed that the EDG Co-ordinator should liaise with the NSC Secretariat to update and improve the EDG web pages and consider including links to other relevant websites from each of the member countries.

Action:

• The EDG Co-ordinator will liaise with the NSC Secretariat to update and improve the EDG web pages.
  

11.  'Broadband and Beyond' NSC Broadband and ICT Conference.  
This international event has been planned for the 3rd-5th March 2004 in Haddington (near Edinburgh, Scotland).  This is a joint event organised by the NSC EDG, Transport & Communication Group and Education & Research Group.

The EDG Co-ordinator advised the group of the progress that has been made on developing the programme for this event.  Support has been received from Scottish Enterprise and East Lothian Council.  Keynote speakers are currently being sourced.   There is some concern that the minimum number of 30 delegates required by the 5th of February (deadline for bookings) to ensure that the event will go ahead will not be achieved. 

The group requested more information on speakers and suggested that promotional information is circulated very soon to establish the level of interest.

Action:

• EDG Co-ordinator to circulate more information about the event, remind people of the deadline and encourage them to attend.
  

12.  'Old Tastes - New Ways' NSC conference on Culinary Heritage and local food products.  
This is a joint event with the EDG, the NSC Culture and Tourism Group and the Education and Research Group.  Following a number of discussions it is proposed that this event will be held on 30th April - 2nd May in Wesermarsch in Germany.  

The EDG Co-ordinator requested that group members made contact early to indicate whether or not they were likely to attend.

13.  The Scottish Food and Drink Strategy.  
James Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council) gave a presentation on the Scottish Food and Drink strategy and the work of the Grampian Food Forum.  (Copies of the presentation are available from the EDG Co-ordinator).  This was a topic of interest to a number of Group members.  

Arne Monrad Johnsen (Sogn og Fjordane Fylkekommune) advised that a new food forum had been established in his area.  

Action:

• Arne Monrad Johnsen and James Knowles to exchange information and report back to the next meeting of the EDG.
  

14.  NSC Transportation and Communication Group 
The EDG Co-ordinator updated the group on the proposed joint North Sea "Ports and Water Transport Partnership".  A recent paper by the Transport and Communication Co-ordinator has been circulated and a number of members have expressed an interest in the work of this partnership.

Action:

• EDG Co-ordinator to maintain contact with the NSC Transport and Communication Co-ordinator on the development of the Partnership.
  

15.  NSC Fisheries Group - Joint Conference Proposal.  
The EDG Co-ordinator advised the group that funding had now been approved for this event.  More information would be circulated once a date and venue has been agreed.

Action:

• EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with the NSC Fisheries Co-ordinator on the development of this event.
  

16.  NSC Environment Group - Sustainable Innovation Proposal.  
The EDG Co-ordinator advised the group of a recent approach from the NSC Environment Group.   The Environment Group is currently planning a conference on the theme of 'sustainable innovation' and would like to include the involvement of the EDG.  Previous joint working with this group has proved to be productive.  

Action:

• The EDG Co-ordinator will liaise with the NSC Environment Group Co-ordinator on the theme for the conference.
  

17.  Economic Development Group - future development and new projects.  
The group discussed the need for the EDG to produce an Action Plan and the aim to encourage more political involvement in the work of the group.  It was agreed that the EDG should be a group that offers networking opportunities and influences political debate. 

The group agreed that promotional material was required for the EDG.  This should identify the achievements of the group and the benefits for officials and politicians taking part in the EDG activities. 

The group agreed that, in order to progress activities, members should be encouraged to take responsibility for specific tasks (eg subgroups) and report back to the EDG.   

It was agreed that a draft Action Plan should be produced and circulated for comment.  Members should also be asked for suggestions about Action Plan topics.  The final Action Plan will be produced for approval at the next meeting of the EDG. 

Action:

Daniel Dobson-Mouawad and James Knowles to produce a draft Action Plan.  This will be circulated to group members for comment.

18.  Date and venue of next meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting of the EDG will be held in Suffolk (England) on the 15th-16th April 2004.  

The third meeting of the EDG this year will be in August or September (date to be agreed) in Sogn og Fjordane (Norway). 

 

NORTH  SEA  COMMISSION

 Economic Development Group Meeting
Agro Business Park, Denmark
Wednesday 21 January 2004

GUEST  SPEAKERS

Economic development activities in Viborg County,
by Jesper B. Jensen, Viborg County Council

Jesper gave an overview of the scale and location of Viborg County and its key industrial sectors.  Viborg County has a number of characteristics including:

• Low population density
• An uneven age distribution
• Low salaries paid in individual professions
• A low unemployment rate (but rapid increase in unemployment rates in recent years)

Jesper then gave an overview of the County's key industrial sectors and the EVA4 Business and Industry Programme.  This has 5 areas of initiatives and 10 areas of measure.  The areas of initiative are:

• Regional development and innovation
• Attractive conditions for trade and industry
• Increased employment opportunities
• Development of knowledge and skills
• Monitoring, co-ordination and service

Jesper described the various European funding programmes that apply to the area and the financing of the 5 areas of initiatives.  He then gave an overview of selected schemes offered to businesses, the providers of business services and their target groups.  Jesper then described the business start up and 'ViVa' business development programmes that operate in the County.

The presentation finished with a description of the regional development centres and the science park located in the area.  These included:

• A development centre for furniture and wood
• A shell-fish aquaculture centre
• OEM - subcontractors development centre
• IT-Center Viborg
• Agro Business Park

For more information visit www.erhverv.viborgamt.dk

 

The Start ups-programme in Viborg County,
by Erik Krarup, Managing Director, TIC Viborg County

Erik gave the group a presentation on the development of the TIC (Technology Information Centre) business start up and business development programmes that operate in Viborg.  TIC Viborg County is a member of a national network of business service centres.

Erik outlined the structure, financing and activities of the organisation.  He identified the main tasks ie. information, consultancy (for small tasks), dissemination (for problem solving) and acting as a 'sparring partner' for businesses.

TIC co-operates with Viborg County on a number of projects and operates as a source of advice for new businesses in the area.

Erik described the objectives of the organisation (eg numbers of participants becoming new entrepreneurs, survival rates and numbers receiving advice).  He also outlined the contents of the start-up programme (ie advice before start-up, advice after start-up, courses for new entrepreneurs and networks).

Erik then described the purpose, content and funding associated with the 'ViVa' business development project.  This includes:

• Manager for hire
• Development Compass
• Product development

The group discussed the various reasons for new business survival rates, and levels of support required and offered in the member areas.  The group discussed the differences between self employment, lifestyle businesses and small business growth and employment creation.

For more information visit www.tic.dk/ticvi/ 

 

Agro Business Park activities 
by René Damkjer, Managing Director, Agro Business Park

 

René joined the group to discuss the development of the science park, its links with the surrounding community and its relationship with the local and regional authorities.  He described the funding sources and management structures at the Agro Business Park, the collaboration/networking with other science parks and the Park's links with the financial sector.

René then described the Agro Business Park's recent involvement in the development of three new networks:

• Regional Food Forum
• Small local breweries network
• Bio mass technology

Regional food forum
A local food network was established last year to help small companies access knowledge from the Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences (DIAS).  The overall aim of the group is to encourage improved product development.  By providing networking opportunities they hope to create an interface between the scientists and the small companies.  This will help overcome the different timescales, expectations and styles of communication associated with the two sectors.  

The network has delivered a number of successful meetings (that include a social event and practical elements).  These have enabled small companies to identify common interests, potential areas for collaboration and better links with the research centres.     

Small local breweries network
For many years the Danish brewing industry has been dominated by a small number of very large companies.  In recent years, however, there has been growing customer interest in new beer varieties.   This interest has encouraged a number of new micro breweries to become established.  These companies produce high quality products and are flexible enough to respond to local demands for new products.

A network of small breweries has been created in order to influence political decisions, help resource new research, make funding applications and develop new products.   The launch of the new Danish Microbrewers network will take place on the 3rd of February.  The Agro Business Park will act as administrators for this association.   This networking concept may then be applied to other food industry sectors (eg the dairy sector).

Bio-mass technology
René described how technology has been developed to split pig manure into a variety of different products and uses.  There are still problems, however, in establishing a use for these products.   The Agro Business Park is involved in encouraging more research, development and collaboration in this sector.  They hope to help gather information, learn from previous experiences, learn from other areas, develop a knowledge centre and encourage the development of new added value products.

For more information visit www.agropark.dk 

 

Broadband planning in Viborg County, 
by Søren Dejgaard, Centre Manager, IT-Competence Centre Viborg

Søren outlined current broadband coverage in Denmark, the location of national cable routes (along major highways) and the links with other countries.  From this distribution, Viborg County is seen to be at a disadvantage.

Søren described the establishment of the broadband initiative in Viborg, its goals, tasks and expected results.  The overall goal is long term planning for the 'Fibre to all' initiative in Viborg County.   This will result in Viborg's citizens, companies and public institutions achieving a future proof IT infrastructure.  

Broadband planning in Viborg County is seen as a public task - the private sector has for many years been allowed to dig and lay down cables various places with no overall planning or strategy.  It was proposed therefore that overall planning should be used from now on.  Both the county, and all the local municipalities, support this project.

Søren described the project schedule, the required infrastructure, the organisations involved, the tasks required, the planning phases and coming assignments.   

The group discussed the issues surrounding:

• establishing the level of business demand and use of broadband.  
• the different types of technology available (eg fibre, wireless)
• the consequences for rural areas without access to broadband.
• the benefits of broadband for public sector use (eg the health service).
• tendering requirements and procedures.
• the use of railway infrastructure as an alternative for routing cables.

Søren advised the group that broadband planners have been appointed for Viborg County.   The Norwegian group members suggested that the key to the successful introduction of broadband services is competition between the service providers.  They recommended contacting representatives in their areas for further advice.

For more information on broadband in Viborg visit www.it-viborg.dk