Economic Development Group

NORTH SEA COMMISSION

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP MEETING

ABERDOUR, FIFE, THURSDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2003

GUEST  SPEAKERS  

Alan Russell (Fife Council) welcomed the group and introduced the programme of speakers for the afternoon.

Ross Mackenzie (Fife Council) delivered an overview of the Fife economy - related issues and economic development strategy.  For more information visit the website www.fifedirect.org.uk

Alan Russell (Fife Council) then delivered a presentation on the background and development of the Business Gateway initiative in Scotland.  He outlined the support structure in Fife and the framework for delivery of services to businesses.  For more information visit the website www.bgateway.com

Mr Frank Gaskell, President, Euromontana project spoke about the development, aims and activities of this organisation.  Euromontana is a European association providing co-operation between mountain territories.  It represents 45 organisations of all kinds in 17 European countries.  Euromontana acts to promote the economic, social, cultural and environmental interests of mountain areas, and in this capacity advocates global and sustainable rural development.  The main message is : "Europe's mountain areas are among the last reservoirs of diversity, not only biodiversity but diversity of culture, craft and local products".  Although there is a variation in the prosperity of mountain regions, all suffer permanent disadvantages imposed by the physical impact of mountain features.  These disadvantages include fragmentation of communities, difficulties of access and communication, and adverse agricultural conditions.  These often combine with other structural problems such as depopulation and lack of access to higher education.  For more information on Euromontana visit their website www.euromontana.org

The Euromontana project has also been highly successful in influencing policy and debate in Europe.  Mr Gaskell advised the group on key factors in lobbying and influencing on an international scale.  These included:

• Identifying the right people you need to influence.
• Understanding their communication channels and timescales.
• Identifying and understanding their objectives.
• Help them achieve their objectives by offering some practical assistance - eg research, contacts.

The group had also been due to hear a presentation from Dr Ewan Chirnside, St Andrews University Research and Enterprise Services, on how the University helps potential spin-out Entrepreneurs and motivates fledgling businesses.   Unfortunately Dr Chirnside was unable to attend the meeting.  Hopefully this is a topic we can investigate in the future.  If you would like to know more about Research and Enterprise Services at St Andrews University, please visit the website www.st-andrews.ac.uk. 

NORTH  SEA  COMMISSION

Economic Development Group Meeting

Aberdour, Fife

Friday 3rd October 2003

MINUTES  AND  ACTION  POINTS

1.  Present

Cllr. Audrey Findlay (Chair)	Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland
Vivien Collie	NSC Economic Development Group Co-ordinator
Eddie Craig	Napier University, Scotland
Daniel Dobson-Mouawad	Suffolk County Council, England
Johann Gelder	Europa-Buro Wesermarsch, Germany
Tomasz Jaroszek	Noord-Holland, Netherlands
Henrik Jensen	Viborg Amt (NSC Secretariat)
Arne Monrad Johnsen	Sogn og Fjordane fylkeskommune, Norway
Thrond Kjellevold	Telemark County Council, Norway
James Knowles	Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland
Susan Matheson	Aberdeen City Council, Scotland
Jimk McLeish	Fife Council, Scotland
Helena L Nilsson	Region Västra Götaland, Sweden
Johan Pensgard	Vest-Agder County Council, Norway
Alan Russell	Fife Council
Thomas Springbrunn	Wilhelmshaven City Council, Germany
Robert Vik	Møre & Romsdal County Council, Norway

2.  Welcome
Members of the Economic Development Group were welcomed by Chair Cllr Audrey Findlay (Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland).  She thanked Fife Council for arranging the previous day's programme of speakers, and the networking Dinner.  Cllr Findlay then outlined the agenda and aims of the meeting.  Cllr Findlay also advised the Group of a decision taken by the NSC Executive Committee at their meeting in Cuxhaven, Germany on the 18th of June.  It was agreed at this meeting that the NSC Thematic Groups could be supported by a Chair and two Vice Chair posts.  The NSC Economic Development Group, therefore, wished to convey a welcome to their new additional Vice Chair Ms Rinske Kruisinga from Noord-Holland Province, Netherlands.

3.  Apologies
Apologies were received from

Tayo Lill Andreasen                                                  Arhus County Council, Denmark

Richard Baty                                                                    East Lothian Council, Scotland

Ulla Christensen                                                County of North Jutland, Denmark

Christel Daesler-Lohmuller   
Stadt Emden, Germany

Merete Gammelmark                                              Ringkjobing County, Denmark

Enok Hansen 
Aust-Agder County Council, Norway

Lars Hustveit
Sogn og Fjordane Council, Norway

Jesper Jensen                                                         Viborg County Council, Denmark

Rinske Kruisinga (Vice Chair)                                  Noord-Holland, Netherlands

Ingrid Martin                                                                    Europaburo Wesermarsch, Germany

Neil Prentice
Angus Council, Scotland

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

Jorg Wilke
Wirtschaftsforder Ung Wesermarsch GMB, Germany

4.  Agreement of Minutes
The Minutes from the NSC BDG meeting in Wilhelmshaven, Germany on Tuesday 17 June 2003 were agreed. 

5.  Matters arising
It was agreed that any matters would be discussed during the meeting.

6.  North Sea Commission activities
Henrik Jensen (North Sea Commission Secretariat) advised the Group that the next meeting of the NSC Executive Committee would be Bergen, Norway on the 27th and 28th of October.  There will also be a meeting of the Thematic Group Co-ordinators to agree activities for 2004.   The minutes of the last Executive Committee are available on the NSC website (www.northsea.org). 

Henrik advised the Group that much of the Interreg 3B funding has been allocated.  If a reasonable number of applications have been submitted for the most recent call, it is possible that all the money will be allocated in December.  Henrik advised the Group members that they should stay in touch with the Interreg Secretariat if they intend to submit an application for the February call.

The NSC General Assembly in 2004 will be held on the 16-18 June in Gotenburg in Sweden.  The NSC is considering changing the structure of the event to involve more political debate.  This concept will be discussed and agreed that the next NSC Executive Committee meeting in Bergen at the end of October.

The NSC has also been considering themes for the GA eg How can the NSC contribute to Regional Development?  Members of the group suggested "Creating the conditions for Economic Growth" and "Sustainability".

The group then discussed the image, activities and influence of the NSC in relation to the CPMR and the other Commissions.  The NSC is seen to be more independent and to have many years of experience in partnership working.  The NSC also has strong links with the Interreg Secretariat and is well known for its expertise in certain areas eg fishing and the environment.  

There is potential, however, for the NSC to develop its influence within the CPMR.  Cllr Findlay highlighted the fact that the next CPMR Assembly will be held in Stavanger and this should give an opportunity to give the organisation a more northern perspective. 

7.  Interreg IIIB Project on Rural Development in the North Sea Area.  
Henrik Jensen (North Sea Commission Secretariat) advised the Group that this project application has now been submitted and a decision is expected in December.

8.  The CPMR CAP Reform and Rural Development Group (Inter Commission Group) 
James Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland) gave an update on the work of the CPMR CAP Reform Group.  Aberdeenshire Council attended the most recent meeting of this group.

James advised the Group that six councils in the East of Scotland are currently working with the Scottish Executive to establish the likely impact of CAP Reform in their areas.  It is possible that this information may be made available to the NSC, and could provide input for discussion at CPMR meetings.

The Scottish Executive will also be involved in a consultation exercise this year and could, therefore, provide useful feedback for CPMR meetings. 

The group discussed the need to encourage more farm diversification and the impact that CAP Reform will also have on downstream industries.

The group agreed that this topic is of great importance to our rural areas and there is a need to show the business and economic implications of the CAP Reform.

Henrik advised the group that the CPMR will be holding a conference next year on the theme of CAP Reform.

Action:

• James Knowles to keep the group advised on the CAP Reform research being undertaken in Scotland.
• Henrik Jensen to advise the group on the CPMR conference on CAP Reform

9.  NSC Transportation and Communication Group - Ports and Shipping Partnership
The EDG Co-ordinator updated the group with some preliminary suggestions received from the Transport and Communication Group Co-ordinator on the aims of the proposed Partnership, and stages in its development. 

In order to be more relevant to inland waterways and inland ports it was suggested that the Partnership title could be the "North Sea Ports and Water Transport Partnership".

The aims of the Partnership could include :

1.  To promote waterborne transport and water-related intermodal transport solutions, promote modal shift from road to water.

2.  To act as a permanent body/forum/network for all relevant stakeholders (e.g. ports, terminal operators, shipping lines, SSS PC's, transporters - also rail and road, goods producers/owners, interest organisations, local and regional authorities, research institutions, and universities & colleges).

3.  To exchange good practice, experience and information. 

4.  To develop new transport and business concepts, exploring the options of establishing new services.

5.  To hold periodic conferences on ports and water transport

6.  To follow up relevant projects under Interreg 2C and 3B - both with regard to the partnerships, and by contributing to the implementation of project recommendations.

7.  To co-ordinate between existing Interreg projects

8.  To develop proposals for future Interreg (or other) projects, including 3C (this would broaden the scope to all of Europe).

9.  To co-ordinate lobbying efforts towards the EU Commission and national authorities.

In order to progress the development of a Partnership it was suggested that a number of actions should be taken in order to explore interest among potential participants and to obtain feedback from them.  These activities would also result in a stronger basis from which the initiative will proceed.

Possible tasks identified in setting up the Partnership included:

1.  Informing the Short Sea Shipping Promotion Centres (SSS PC's) in the North Sea countries about the idea and asking for their opinions and suggestions.

2.  Writing to all NSC member regions and asking them to sound out the idea with their respective ports (particularly the small ones).

3.  Writing to the lead partners of former and current sea transport projects under the NS Interreg 2C and 3B-programme, and determining their interest in joining a permanent North Sea partnership which could carry forward projects and contribute to the implementation of recommendations.

4.  Exploring the possibilities of funding from the Interreg or other programmes.

5.  Talking to the Co-ordinator of the NSC Fisheries Group to examine how a shipping partnership could learn from the Fisheries partnership.

It was also suggested that a political link should be maintained, with key contact letters being signed by Thematic Group Chairs, and with the Partnership possibly being Chaired by a regional politician.

Depending on the level of support and interest received, the Partnership could also consider involvement with the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Arc - forming a natural sea based unity with the North Sea.

The Co-ordinator of the T&CG requested some feedback from members of the EDG on how to develop business interest in the Partnership.

The Group members discussed this proposal.  It was recognised that there are a number of shipping and transport projects in existence and it would be important, therefore, to establish the need for the Partnership and its agreed purpose.  

Although it was seen to be predominantly a transport project it was recognised that it is vital that a business perspective is included in the work of this Partnership.  It is also important that the NSC EDG continues to develop good links with the other Thematic Groups.

Henrik Jensen highlighted the outcome of the recent NSC T&CG meeting in Ghent where a summary of the existing Interreg projects was produced.  This information should be available on the NSC website.

The EDG members agreed that they would like to know more about the existing and proposed work of the other Thematic Groups. 

Henrik advised the Group members that all Group meeting minutes were available on the NSC website.  At the next meeting of the Executive Committee in Bergen, however, the subject of Thematic Group Action Plans will be discussed.

Action :

• EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with NSC T&CG Co-ordinator to progress this project and report back to the Group members.

10. Proposed Joint NSC ICT Project. 
It has been agreed that the NSC Economic Development Group, Education and Research Group, and Transport and Communication Group will work together to develop a joint event on the subject of Broadband and ICT in the North Sea area.

In order to progress this project a meeting was held in Scotland during August.  This involved NSC Co-ordinators and expert advisers from Napier University and Scottish Enterprise.

The group discussed current and future issues faced by businesses, local authorities and enterprise organisations wishing to successfully introduce new technology to urban and rural areas. 

It was recognised that each country in the North Sea area has different experiences in the introduction of broadband, and that many areas are now looking at new developments in the ICT sector.

It was agreed that it would be useful to create an event where we could :

• gather together information on the existing application of broadband in the North Sea area,
• examine successful uses of this technology in practice,
• identify issues or barriers preventing businesses from using new technology,
• predict new, emerging types of communication technology
• identify the best way of assisting in the promotion, development and successful introduction of new communications technology in the North Sea area.

The group agreed that ICT and broadband are large study topics - and that there is likely to be interest from delegates wishing to examine best practice case studies in more detail.  It was suggested, therefore, that an initial two day event could be organised, with the option of an additional series of small study tours in different member countries over the following twelve month period.

It was suggested that the two-day event will comprise :

An initial day involving a series of keynote speakers from each North Sea country who will give presentations on :

• How broadband has been applied in each country
• The partnerships used to implement broadband in local areas
• Lessons learned
• Successful case studies and best practice advice

There will also be a session on

• Beyond broadband - what technologies should we be investing in for the future?

Day Two will comprise a series of workshops on key issues such as:

• Introducing new technology in rural areas
• Measuring success
• Encouraging SMEs to use new technology
• Supplier networks and State Aid limitations
• E-government - improving communication between local authorities and the public
• Impact of ICT developments on transport and mobility in rural areas
• Use of ICT in tackling social and cultural barriers
• Using ICT to improve accessibility to knowledge and education

During Day Two, delegates will also be given an opportunity to discuss any potential Interreg funding applications they may wish to develop on this subject.

Depending on the outcome of the initial event, a series of small study tours could also be arranged for delegates wishing to examine successful ICT projects in each of the member countries.

It was suggested that the initial, international, two-day event could be held in Edinburgh (Scotland) - with potential assistance or support from Napier University and Scottish Enterprise. 

The options of holding the event in November 2003 or Spring 2004 were discussed.  If the event was held in late November 2003 this would allow the opportunity for any possible Interreg application to be identified and progressed for the February call.   Alternatively, if the event was held in Spring 2004 there would be more time for event planning.  Any projects subsequently developed, however, are unlikely to be in time to apply for Interreg funding.  Such funding for this category is likely to be spent as a result of the February call.

The EDG members agreed the concept and structure of the event.  It was agreed that the Spring date is preferable.  It was suggested that all EDG members were contacted by e mail and asked to suggest speakers, and existing projects which demonstrate best practice.

Action :

• EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with the other NSC Group Co-ordinators to progress this project and report back to all Group members on the date, venue and topics.
• EDG Co-ordinator to contact all group members for contributions and suggestions for the event.

11.  NSC Fisheries Group - Joint Conference Proposal
It is proposed that a conference on the theme of 'The Changing Role of Women in traditional fishing and farming communities in the North Sea area' is developed jointly by the NSC Fisheries Group, Education & Research Group, Culture & Tourism Group and Economic Development Group.

A funding application has been submitted to Europe for this project and we are waiting for a decision.  It is likely that this event will now take place in 2004.

The EDG Co-ordinator advised Group members that a meeting was held in August to help progress this joint conference. 

The EDG Co-ordinator has identified two key speakers in Scotland who would be able to contribute to the conference programme on the theme of 'Women into Business'.   There are also a number of other acclaimed women and enterprise projects in member countries.

The EDG Co-ordinator will update group members on the timescales, location and content of the event.  The EDG Co-ordinator will also contact group members requesting information on possible expert speakers or projects that could be highlighted at this event.

Action:

• EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with the other NSC Group Co-ordinators to progress this project and report back to all Group members.
• EDG Co-ordinator to request information and contact details for any special initiatives developed to help women start up in business or find new employment.

12.  EDG Renewable Energy Subgroup. 
Daniel Dobson-Mouawad (Suffolk County Council, England) updated the Group on the activities of this special subgroup.  He also pointed out the importance of the business perspective being included in any NSC response to EU and national policies or statements.  Henrik said that in these situations it is important that the NSC agrees its stance.  He also suggested that perhaps the subgroup could invite representatives from the other thematic groups.   

Daniel updated the Group on plans for the next meeting of the Renewable Energy subgroup.  This meeting will take place in Ipswich, Suffolk (England) on the 4th and 5th of November.  The meeting will include a study trip to a local Primary School built as a showcase project for sustainable building.

The meeting will include an introduction to renewable energy activities, prospects and potential in the east of England. Guest speaker will be Nick Goodall, the Chief Executive of the newly established renewable energy agency Renewables East.   He was formerly Chief Executive of the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA).

The meeting on the 5th of November will focus on wind energy. It will include a series of talks, some based on short keynote speeches from local experts. The issues to be discussed include:

• Wind and Renewable Energy Business Development and the role of “centres of excellence” for wind energy.
• Public awareness and community involvement in wind energy
• Benefits of international/national co-operation in wind energy
• News from the field of renewable energy
• Future activities of the group / biomass event

Guest keynote speakers to be invited to this meeting include:

• Louise Jordan-Hall of Waveney District Council, - an overview of the renewable energy business potential in the Lowestoft/Great Yarmouth Sub-region
• Megan Arnold of SLP Energy - information about the suggested Centre of Excellence for Offshore Wind Energy in Lowestoft
• A representative of CRed, the Carbon Reduction Project of the University of East Anglia
• Bill Richmond of Your Energy Ltd., an onshore wind farm developer.

The subgroup will also discuss a possible joint meeting/event with the NSC Environment Group on the theme of Bio mass energy and development of community heat and power projects in the North Sea area. 

Daniel also pointed out that a guideline has been put forward on Wind Energy, along with a series of related technical papers.  It is vital that the EDG gets a chance to provide a business perspective on these issues.  Henrik will keep the group informed on this matter.

Action :

• EDG Co-ordinator will circulate information about the next meeting of the Renewable Energy subgroup.
• EDG Co-ordinator will contact the NSC Environment Group Co-ordinator to discuss a joint meeting on the topic of bio mass energy and community heat and power projects.
• Henrik Jensen will keep the group informed on the Wind Energy Guidelines being produced.

13.  Business Centres Networking Group
Alan Russell (Fife Council, Scotland) updated the Group on the most recent meeting of the North Sea Business Centres Networking Group.  This meeting had been held  on the 2nd of October in Fife (A separate minute of the meeting will be made available to Group members). 

The meeting included a talk about the Rosyth Europarc Business Innovation Centre in Fife, and a site visit.  There was also a session on Risk Management and Business Centres.

The Group then discussed the draft questionnaire compiled to collect information on existing Business Centres in the North Sea area.  It is proposed that this information should be put directly into the SME365.com website.  A matrix showing the location and type of business centre could then be developed for easy reference.

The group agreed that the main aim is to provide a facility for Business Centre Managers to network within the North Sea area.  The group agreed that it would be important to identify and contact any existing national organisations or associations for Business Centre Managers.  These organisations could help establish the level of interest in learning from other areas.  This approach should also ensure that privately owned and operated business centres could be involved in the networking project.

It was agreed that an initial two day event should be developed in 2004 to give Business Centre Managers a chance to meet, study different types of management structure, and visit innovative business centre projects.  The Group agreed that this event would require some funding (to help Business Centre Managers attend an international event) and also should have political support from member councils and Ministers of Trade around the North Sea.

Future aims of the NSC EDG Business Centres Networking group may then be to provide practical support for visiting business tenants from around the North Sea area, and to help training and education for existing Business Centre Managers.

The next meeting of the Business Centres Networking Group will be in Viborg, Denmark on Wednesday 21 January 2004.

14.  Update on Interreg projects
Thrond Kjellvold, (BTV Co-operation, Norway) updated the Group on a number of the projects his organisation is involved with including :

The Telemark Cow - Farmers for Nature
Canal Links
Mobility and National Parks
Nordic Transportpolitical Network
Forum Skagerak
Suport.net
North Sea Exchange Protocol 

Thrond discussed the problems many people experience when trying to encourage more partners to participate in projects.  Many people are put off by perceived bureaucracy and language barriers.  Thrond stressed the importance of showing success with these projects, and using the benefits of this success to encourage more people to take part.  Existing projects can also allow development of strong links with other areas, and could make future partnership working much easier.

15.  Economic Development Group new projects.   
The EDG Co-ordinator advised group members of the proposal for a whole-day seminar on traditional food, to be hosted jointly by the NSC Economic Development Group and Culture and Tourism Group.

The two thematic groups plan to have a full day seminar combined with a full day study tour focusing on traditional food and how its production and utilisation can contribute to tourism-based economic growth in rural areas around the North Sea.

It is proposed that the seminar will take place in the Wesermarsch region of Lower Saxony (Germany) in late April 2004 and will be combined with normal meetings of the two groups.  For the seminar, expert speakers will be invited from around the North Sea. The study tour will focus on regional projects on traditional food in the Wesermarsch region, and how these projects have been implemented in the area.

The EDG Co-ordinator will update members on dates, and will request information from members about food initiatives in their areas.

James Knowles (Aberdeenshire Council, Scotland) suggested that business opportunities offered by waste management could be a topic for discussion at future meetings, or a theme for a possible joint meeting with representatives from the NSC Environment Group.

Daniel Dobson-Mouawad (Suffolk County Council, England) suggested that the group should consider a discussion or seminar on the business opportunities offered by the expansion of Europe.

Action :

• EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with the NSC Culture & Tourism Group Co-ordinator to develop the joint event on the theme of local food initiatives.
• EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with the NSC Environment Group Co-ordinator on the issue of Waste Management.
• EDG Co-ordinator to liaise with NSC Secretariat regarding possible speakers on the topic of European expansion.

16.  Economic Development Group - plans for the future
The Group discussed the need to identify key issues for lobbying and research, and the importance of developing a few key messages for politicians.

It was agreed that the Group should identify its priorities, deliver a small number of key projects and report back on the political issues.

Henrik Jensen advised the Group that it should consider examining the EU Enterprise Management Committee programme for 2006-2010 for issues requiring NSC input.  EDG members would also have to identify who should be influenced and how this could be achieved. 

Henrik advised that all discussion papers and position statements on political issues should be prepared by EDG members and obtain the agreement of the NSC Executive Committee. 

EDG members agreed that future meetings should, therefore, also include a session on discussing EU matters.

The Group members agreed there is a need to promote the work of the EDG.  Henrik advised that at the NSC meeting in Bergen at the end of October, Co-ordinators will be discussing the production of detailed Action Plans.  These plans will be produced with the help of Group members.  They will include details of the work of the group, objectives, targets, and bullet points showing key political messages.  

Action :

• EDG Co-ordinator to establish the requirements for an Action Plan and to request assistance and contributions from Group members.

17.   Project Funding
The Group heard presentations on two sources of funding for partnership projects in Europe.

The first presentation was given my John Grieve, Country Desk (Scotland) for the UK LEADER+ Network.  The second presentation was given by Jon Jordan, UK National Contact Point for the North Sea INTERREG IIIB Programme.  (Copies of these presentations are available from the EDG Co-ordinator).

Group members agreed that it is important for the EDG to maintain contacts with funding representatives, and to ensure maximum use is made of potential funding sources.

18.  Funding of the Secretariat of the Economic  Development Thematic Group
The EDG members were advised by Alan Russell (Fife Council) that during 2002/2003 Fife Council provided the funding to pay for an external contractor to provide the role of Co-ordinator.  Alan stated that Fife Council was now no longer in a position to fund 100% of the Co-ordinators post.

Members discussed the options available to continue providing a Co-ordinator for this Group.

It was agreed that Aberdeenshire Council would formally contact a number of local councils actively participating in the work of this group, requesting that a shared contribution is received to maintain the existing arrangements until after the NSC General Assembly in June 2004.

Action:

• James Knowles to contact Group members regarding possible contributions towards the EDG Co-ordinators post.

19.  Date and venue of next meeting
The next meeting of the NSC Economic Development Group will be held in Viborg, Denmark on 21st - 22nd January 2004.