ACTION PLAN { {HEALTH AND SOCIAL INNOVATION / SUSTAINABLE ENERGY / EXPERIENCE ECONOMY } Action Plan

Transcription

1 ACTION PLAN { {HEALTH AND SOCIAL INNOVATION / SUSTAINABLE ENERGY / EXPERIENCE ECONOMY } Action Plan

2 Varde Billund Vejle Fredericia Fanø Esbjerg Vejen Kolding Middelfart Nordfyn Odense Kerteminde Assens Nyborg Haderslev Faaborg-Midtfyn Svendborg Tønder Aabenraa Sønderborg Ærø Langeland Page 02 / 03 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

3 THE REGION OF SOUTHERN DENMARK Geographically, the Region of Southern Denmark extends from approx. 40 km north-west of Vejle to Padborg ind the south, and from Esbjerg in the west to Nyborg in the east. FACTS ABOUT THE REGION OF SOUTHERN DENMARK Area: 12,256 km 2 Population: 1,2 million Population density: 98 residents per km 2 Citizens entitled to vote: 942,000 Annual budget: DKK 25.6 billion Largest local municipality: Odense population: 196,000 Smallest local municipality: Fanø population: 3,300

4 GROWTH IN SOUTHERN DENMARK COHERENT INPUT WITH THE EMPHASIS ON RESULTS In 2020, Southern Denmark is to be a region distinguished by strong growth powered by high productivity and employment, and by companies that act globally. That is our vision. To achieve it, we in Southern Denmark need to develop our positions of strength and areas of potential even further. This action plan for the period presents the specific initiatives we are to launch within the three business areas that constitute the focal points of the strategy: Health and social innovation, Sustainable Energy and Experience Economy. The growth initiatives focus on health and care solutions, the offshore sector and energy efficiency, as well as commercial tourism and creative professions, including design. We will use the action plan to prioritise the initiatives that will generate the greatest effect on our overriding goals. We have laid solid foundations for our growth input, with a robust framework for public-private innovation partnership, major growth initiatives in fields including automation and talent development, and business clusters with national impact potential. Over the coming period, we will continue to develop these initiatives across the border and in a broader international context. For example, we will work to attract elite international entrepreneurs and students, enter into European research and development partnerships, and brand our strengths on the international export markets. At the same time, we will maintain our effect management and ongoing evaluation, which are essential to our work to achieve our goals. We have prepared an effect model and a portfolio management system in which we closely track the projects we have launched. We then use the experience gained to ensure the greatest possible effects and the best possible results going forward. The current period also marks the start of a new EU structural funding period ( ), in which EU funds are again to contribute to creating growth and jobs at companies in Southern Denmark. At the same time, a proportion of the funding in the new period will be earmarked for education and skills development especially with regard to social inclusion measures for vulnerable groups in society. Moreover, we will be placing great emphasis on effect generation and regional specialisation. This is fully in line with the approach we apply in the Southern Denmark Growth Forum. We look forward to putting the new funding to work in Southern Denmark. The newly assembled Southern Denmark Growth Forum has a firm basis for growth, but is also facing a number of societal challenges to which we must find solutions through mutually obliging working relationships so as to ensure continued growth and development in Southern Denmark Carl Holst PrePagent of the Southern Denmark Growth Forum Page 04 / 05 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

5 CONTENTS: 06 Strategic context 07 Action Plan, The strategic framework 10 Areas of initiative 12 Tools 15 The Southern Denmark Growth Model 16 Health and care solutions 18 Energy efficiency 21 Offshore 23 Tourism 24 Creative professions, including design 26 The effect model 27 Measures for social inclusion 28 Growth in outlying areas 29 Cross-border collaboration and internationalisation 30 Special measures 31 Interdisciplinary criteria 33 Finance and applications

6 STRATEGIC CONTEXT The Southern Denmark Growth Forum operates on the basis of a long-term commercial strategy centred on the period An action plan for the period has been prepared for the application of the strategy. The action plan is a prioritisation tool for the Growth Forum, and it is intended to lay down the framework for the initiatives and development activities the Growth Forum wishes to cultivate, launch and put forward for co-financing within the three business areas that make up the commercial development strategy: Health and social innovation Sustainable energy Experience Economy The action plan contains a range of elements including a brief description of areas of potential, challenges and subsidiary goals, as well as specific initiatives on which the Growth Forum aims to place particular emphasis. What is the Growth Forum? The Growth Forum is a commercial-political partnership involving the business community, knowledge and education institutions, the unions and employers organisations, local authorities and the Region of Southern Denmark. The Growth Forum is the hub for the regional growth initiatives. Vejle, December 2013 The three primary tasks of the Growth Forum: to prepare a commercial development strategy and action plan to monitor regional and local growth conditions to recommend co-financing of regional business development activities Page 06 / 07 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

7 ACTION PLAN The action plan forms the basis of the work of the Growth Forum in , and for the continuing input towards achieving the strategic goals for 2020: A level of productivity that is 10 per cent above the OECD average, and An occupational frequency on a par with the OECD Top 5 The Growth Forum s strategic goals for 2020 Health and social innovation Health and care solutions Sustainable energy Energy efficiency Offshore Experience business Commercial tourism Marketing of tourism Creative professions, including design HR and education, with social inclusion as a focus area Entrepreneurship Research, innovation and new technologies including ICT and design Cluster development Outlying areas, cross-border collaboration and internationalisation Special areas of initiative

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9 THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR INPUT IN The Growth Forum wishes to continue to focus on a limited number of business areas with appreciable growth potential. The following tools are to be used to achieve the strategic goals of increased productivity and greater occupational frequency: HR and education, with particular emphasis on social inclusion Entrepreneurship Research, innovation and new technologies including ICT and design Cluster development Outlying areas, cross-border collaboration and internationalisation are all incorporated as interdisciplinary priorities within each of the business areas. The Growth Forum will take the initiative for the development of socioeconomic companies, and will work to promote social inclusion in existing companies active within the business areas. The Growth Forum can unilaterally launch special measures if a particular initiative carries appreciable commercial potential that extends beyond the Growth Forum s three business areas. These may be measures intended to address challenges within both general and specific frameworks.

10 AREAS OF INITIATIVE The Action Plan comprises the following areas of initiative: HEALTH AND SOCIAL INNOVATION: Health and care solutions SUSTAINABLE ENERGY: Energy efficiency and Offshore EXPERIENCE ECONOMY: Commercial tourism, marketing of tourism and creative professions, including design Page 10 / 11 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

11 Branches of industry that work with health and care solutions that can contribute to tackling societal challenges in the field of welfare and, at the same time, generate increased growth in private companies and boost both efficiency and quality. The field of welfare is defined in broad terms, although with the emphasis on utilising business opportunities in health and care technologies and health and care services in association with hospital construction, prevention including food and nutrition greater self-care, care services and treatment of illness. Branches of industry that work with technologies, knowledge and components that lead to intelligent and efficient utilisation of all forms of energy and within all types of business. Branches of industry that work with technologies, knowledge and components intended for use in all areas of the value chain for offshore energy production from both renewable and fossil energy sources. Branches of industry in the field of meeting tourism, including conferences, congresses, hosting, etc. International marketing of tourism through regionally backed public-private partnerships with commerce taking the lead. Branches of industry that work with foods, where experiences are incorporated with a view to boosting the value of the product. Branches of industry that use design as a method to generate more added value. Creative branches that encompass special Southern Danish strengths and potential including design.

12 TOOLS The Growth Forum makes use of the following tools as a key element of its commercial development initiative: HR and education incorporating initiatives for social inclusion supplementary training of the workforce, commercially targeted education at all levels, and the attraction and retention of skilled labour. Entrepreneurship including attracting capital, stimulating development of growth companies and promoting a culture of entrepreneurship. Research, innovation and new technologies including assuring increased use of technology, technology transfer, use of design, ICT and collaboration on research and innovation. Cluster development the development of commercial clusters as a method of ensuring growth within the respective business areas. The Growth Forum can recommend for support all projects that make use of one or more of the tools listed above. For major cluster initiatives, the Growth Forum can support long-term development processes lasting up to five years. Page 12 / 13 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

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15 THE SOUTHERN DENMARK GROWTH MODEL DEMAND RESEARCH AND EDUCATION GROWTH FINANCING SUPPLY The Southern Denmark growth model represents the foundations for realising the potential within the individual business areas. The model is an expression of a holistic commercial-political approach that makes it possible to apply input where the challenges and potential are greatest within the individual business areas. The model supports the development of framework conditions in all parts of the business areas. Supply: The Growth Forum will support the establishment of new companies, the development of growth companies, as well as more and better products and services on the market. Demand: The Growth Forum will stimulate, categorise and qualify the demand for new products and services. Financing: The Growth Forum will improve the access of the companies to venture capital and development funds. Research and education: The Growth Forum will reinforce research, education and knowledge within the business areas, and ensure that companies have access to the relevant skills.

16 HEALTH AND CARE SOLUTIONS HEALTH AND CARE SOLUTIONS Southern Denmark has great potential in the field of health and care solutions: The demand for health and care solutions is expected to rise sharply at both national and global levels on account of the increase in numbers of elderly and chronically ill people. The demand exists in the public sector and among the citizens themselves, who are increasingly taking responsibility for their own health. Similarly, more and more emphasis is being placed on prevention of illness. In Southern Denmark, the area of health and care technologies comprises particular commercial potential in the fields of telemedicine, automation, intelligent aids and IT system development. An eco-system has already been established that involves interaction between private companies, knowledge institutions and public sector players, focusing on the opportunities that exist in the field of health and care solutions. A shared platform has been set up for innovation and commercial partnership. Southern Denmark has achieved a leading international position through focus on health and care technologies and has, for example, been singled out as a European point of reference. Challenges in : It is essential to increase the number of entrepreneurs within the business area. It is essential to reinforce the development of growth companies in the business area. It is necessary to boost the supply of products and services. The companies knowledge of and partnership with both the public sector and the private market must be expanded with a view to commercialisation. The mutual familiarity between companies and research and knowledge institutions and the working relationships they enjoy must be boosted with a view to commercialisation. The market s needs within the field of healthcare and in the area of social and age-care in the local authorities must be collated systematically as a basis for establishing a working relationship with the companies. It is necessary to reinforce the companies international commitment, including their export activities. It is necessary to underpin the companies strategic business development in partnerships, including those between small and large enterprises. The Growth Forum s subsidiary goals in : 5% growth in the companies turnover. 10% more growth companies. 10% more entrepreneurs. In , the Growth Forum will accord particular priority to: Helping Welfare Tech to develop into a national innovation network with international impact, and to obtain the EU Commission s gold cluster certificate. Ensuring that a KIC (Knowledge and Innovation Community) is firmly anchored in the area of health and active ageing, with a nucleus in Southern Denmark. Page 16 / 17 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

17 Continuing to develop the health and care technology eco-system as a whole, on the basis of the results from the eco-system analysis. Creating frameworks for and attracting elite international entrepreneurs in the field of health and care technology. Continuing to develop the public-private partnership with a view to boosting exports and commercialising public sector skills. In addition, the Growth Forum will take the initiative: To establish activities that support the development of an international testing ground for health and care technology in Southern Denmark, including assuring the companies access to same. To continue to develop public-private partnership and increase demand for intelligent care solutions through the Living Lab Denmark initiative, for example. To assist reorganisation of the Southern Denmark business community such that more companies become aware of and make use of health and care technology potential through strategic partnerships between large and small enterprises, and side-stepping, for example. To develop closely targeted initiatives with the potential to strengthen exports in the field of health and care technology under a formalised working relationship with, for example, Healthcare Denmark. To develop activities with the potential to improve companies options to convert public sector knowledge and skill into the development and testing of new business concepts in connection with new hospital construction. To develop activities with the potential to support the companies working relationships with Japan in the field of health and care and robot technology.

18 SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ENERGY EFFICIENCY Southern Denmark has great potential in the field of energy efficiency: The region has a strong commercial cluster in the field of energy efficiency, comprising companies that work with high-end technologies and products for efficient energy utilisation with major export potential. The energy efficiency cluster generates an annual turnover of approximately DKK 24 billion, with elevated export intensity. It is estimated that energy efficiency measures through the EU s goals could create one million new jobs in the EU and save EUR 60 billion per year through reduced energy consumption. The Southern Denmark companies in the energy efficiency cluster possess significant skills in the area, and therefore have appreciable potential to attract such new jobs. It is expected that global demand for energy-efficient solutions will rise sharply towards As a result, it is anticipated that the companies in Southern Denmark will achieve rapid growth rates per cent in Power Electronics, for example. Challenges in : The energy sector is still having difficulty attracting a sufficiently qualified workforce. Maintaining a strong position on the global market requires a domestic market with high demand and access to development, testing and demonstration facilities. The global market is distinguished by tough competition, which makes it a challenge for the SMEs to establish a position on the export market. Continued growth in the sector is dependent on the region implementing frameworks to help establish or attract additional growth entrepreneurs and growth companies. The Growth Forum s subsidiary goals in : 10% increase in admissions to engineering study courses in the region. 10% increase in the export share from the SMEs. 10% more growth companies. In , the Growth Forum will accord particular priority to: Helping CLEAN (former the Lean Energy Cluster) to develop into a national innovation network with international impact, and to obtain the EU Commission s gold cluster certificate. Continuing to develop the energy efficiency eco-system as a whole, on the basis of the results from the eco-system analysis. Inviting the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education as well as universities and other relevant parties to discuss and launch specific solutions intended to attract elite students and ensure research of international calibre. Attracting qualified labour to the industry in collaboration with the work-live-stay association, whose purpose is to create improved growth conditions in Southern Denmark through closely targeted initiatives in the areas of attraction and employment. In addition, the Growth Forum will take the initiative: To identify and qualify funding opportunities in the sector, from idea to export market. To reinforce entrepreneurship and boost the attraction of international growth entrepreneurs. Page 18 / 19 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

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21 OFFSHORE Southern Denmark has great potential in the offshore field: The number of jobs in the wind turbine industry in Europe is expected to increase from 238,000 in 2010 to 520,000 in A significant proportion of this increase will stem from offshore wind energy. Up until 2013, Danish companies were involved in the establishment of around 95 per cent of all offshore wind farms worldwide. Many of the associated competencies are based in Southern Denmark particularly as regards project planning, establishment, operation, maintenance, testing and demonstration. The region is home to a strong commercial cluster in the offshore area, with appreciable export potential. It is expected that the Danish offshore wind energy sector will achieve annual growth rates in excess of 5 per cent over the coming decade. Danish oil and gas resources in the North Sea contributed a total of DKK 224 billion to the state in the period The Danish oil and gas industry maintains a high level of quality and skills, with the potential to exploit new business opportunities within the oil, gas and wind energy industries at both national and international level. Challenges in : The energy industry is still having difficulties attracting a sufficiently qualified workforce with the appropriate university and vocational college qualifications, for example. Ensuring that the Danish companies can hold their own in the face of increasing global competition in the field of offshore wind energy. Ensuring continued development of the oil and gas industry, despite dwindling fossil resources in the North Sea. For example, it is necessary to apply more efficient extraction, to cultivate new business areas and to focus on greater internationalisation of SMEs. The Growth Forum s subsidiary goals in : 10% increase in admissions onto relevant technical, university and vocational study programmes in the business area. Increase the SMEs export share by 10%. 10% more growth companies. In , the Growth Forum will accord particular priority to: Continuing to develop Offshoreenergy.dk as a national innovation network with international impact, and working to ensure that the EU Commission s gold cluster certificate is retained. Continuing to develop the offshore eco-system as a whole, on the basis of the results from the eco-system analysis. Continuing to work with Central Denmark Region and North Denmark Region on a shared wind energy programme intended to ensure coherence and development in all parts of the wind energy value chain. Helping LORC (the Lindoe Offshore Renewables Center) to achieve status as an EU-approved wind turbine testing centre. In addition, the Growth Forum will take the initiative: To attract skilled labour to the sector in collaboration with the work-live-stay organisation. To help more offshore companies in the fields of oil and gas and wind energy to raise their international skills in order to reinforce their competitiveness and exports.

22 EXPERIENCE ECONOMY TOURISM Southern Denmark has great potential in the field of tourism: The German market is the most important foreign market for tourism in Southern Denmark, with German visitors accounting for 23 per cent of total tourism turnover in the region in 2011, compared to 13 per cent at national level. It is expected that German tourists will travel more in the future, and spend more while doing so. Marketing targeted at German consumers can assure continued attraction and growth in the numbers of German guests. The Region of Southern Denmark is the second-largest region in Denmark for commercial tourism. Commercial tourists accounted for 33 per cent of tourism consumption in 2011, although just 7 per cent of these tourists were foreign. Daily consumption among international commercial tourists is significantly higher than that generated by holiday guests. Southern Denmark is home to a robust range of hotel, meeting and conference facilities. The number of commercial bed nights is expected to increase over the coming years. In 2011, tourism accounted for more than 10,000 full-time jobs in the tourism sector itself, including derived effects. For example, tourist consumption underpinned a total of 25,600 full-time jobs in the retail sector. Job creation is achieved within a variety of professions, in outlying areas and at all levels in the companies. The tourism industry therefore provides plenty of potential for the inclusion of people who have tenuous links to the labour market or who are faced with special challenges. Challenges in : There is a risk that Southern Denmark will not receive a sufficient share of the international growth in tourism bed nights. Attracting a larger share of the growing German market to Southern Denmark constitutes a particular challenge. Productivity has stagnated throughout the sector even in the area of commercial tourism. Low satisfaction with the price/quality ratio. Southern Denmark s strength as a holiday/commercial tourism destination is not profiled sufficiently on the international market, and must therefore be marketed more aggressively. International participants account for only 7 per cent of commercial tourists in Southern Denmark. Fully 90 per cent of all international congresses and conferences in Denmark last only 1-2 days. The skills level is low compared with that of other sectors. The Growth Forum s subsidiary goals in : 5% increase in productivity in tourism professions. 10% growth in international bed nights. 10% growth in commercial bed nights. 10% increase in employees in the tourism industry obtaining a higher education qualification (vocational courses, long, medium and short-term higher education programmes). In , the Growth Forum will accord particular priority to: International marketing of tourism through regionally backed public-private partnerships headed up by commerce. Supporting measures to attract international congresses and conferences to the region in partnership with the Inspiring Denmark organisation. Raising the skills level in the tourism industry through interregional collaboration, for example, and on the basis of experience gained from the Experience Academy. Page 22 / 23 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

23 In addition, the Growth Forum will take the initiative: To continue to support the regional Coordination Committee for Tourism, whose assignments include tracing and coordinating the development of tourism and destinations, and securing the working relationship with the state. In Southern Denmark, the development of holiday resorts, activities and experiences takes place in the region s five destinations. Over the coming three years, development of the destinations and establishment of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) will form the basis for the development of holiday tourism in Southern Denmark. The Growth Forum has supported the establishment and development of the destinations in the period It is expected that the destinations will contribute positively to the Growth Forum s subsidiary goal of increasing both productivity and the number of bed nights. In 2014 and 2015, the Growth Forum will be focusing its input on commercial tourism, marketing and skills development.

24 EXPERIENCE ECONOMY CREATIVE PROFESSIONS, INCLUDING DESIGN Southern Denmark has great potential in the field of design: Companies that use design as a method in their strategy and business development can achieve higher growth in value. Southern Denmark is home to strong knowledge institutions and companies that utilise design and can contribute to expanding the application of design in enterprises. Southern Denmark is increasingly being used as an international test area for design ideas and concepts. With continued international development and branding of its design strengths, Southern Denmark will be able to reinforce its international position. A cluster organisation Design2Innovate has been established to function as a shared platform for increased design utilisation and reinforcement of the creative professions. There are a great many small companies active in the creative professions including the design profession whose potential can be underpinned by their completing business development and growth procedures to a greater extent than at present. Challenges in : Only 30 per cent of the companies in the region currently seek skills in the field of design, and very few companies use design for the purpose of strategy and business development. Creative professions including the design industry are distinguished by a high proportion of small enterprises and owner-operated companies which may find it challenging to accommodate the rising and increasingly complex demands from companies. Southern Denmark is the region of Denmark with the secondlowest proportion of creative professions in relation to the business community as a whole. The Growth Forum s subsidiary goals in : 10% more companies to use design in business and strategy development. 10% increase in turnover within the creative professions, including design. 10% more people with a higher education qualification in the creative professions, including design. 10% increase in growth companies within the creative professions, including design. In , the Growth Forum will accord particular priority to: Helping Design2Innovate to develop into a national innovation network with international impact, and to obtain the EU Commission s gold cluster certificate. Continuing to develop the eco-system for the creative professions including design as a whole, on the basis of the results from the eco-system analysis. Continuing to develop and promote greater use of design in companies through expanding working relationships with the relevant parties. Reinforcing the development of entrepreneurs and growth companies, and boosting skills in the creative professions, including design. Branding Southern Denmark s strengths in the field of design both nationally and internationally through a working relationship with the Fund for Marketing Denmark, for example. In addition, the Growth Forum will take the initiative: To support a process intended to ensure strong profiling of the Southern Denmark design initiative in connection with Denmark s candidacy for the title of World Design Capital in To establish an international Knowledge Centre for the Utilisation of Design, and via a research-based knowledge basis, support the companies innovation and stimulate increased growth through the use of design. Page 24 / 25 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

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26 THE EFFECT MODEL Projects are assessed on the basis of their expected effect in relation to their cost (price) and the expected length of time before the effect is achieved (time) 5.00 Total expected effect LOW HIGH MEDIUM Time and price Page 26 / 27 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

27 MEASURES FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION In the structural funding period , 20 per cent of financing under the social fund is to be used for social inclusion, with especial emphasis on promoting employment. These measures are to focus on the Growth Forum s 2020 objective of an occupational frequency on a par with the OECD Top 5. The Growth Forum s subsidiary goals for : An occupational frequency of 79%. The Growth Forum s measures for social inclusion will be applied in two areas: Measures to establish more social-economic companies through focus on growth, initiative and entrepreneurship. Measures to encourage a greater number of existing companies to work with social inclusion. In , the Growth Forum will: Support measures within the Growth Forum s business areas that increase opportunities for citizens on the fringes of the labour market to find employment.

28 GROWTH IN OUTLYING AREAS In the structural funding period , the following areas of Southern Denmark have been identified as outlying areas: Tønder, Aabenraa, Sønderborg, Svendborg, Langeland, Ærø and the small islands of Southern Denmark. In addition, parts of some other local authorities are struggling with the same issues as those faced by the outlying areas identified. In connection with the new regional growth and development strategy, the Growth Forum is obliged (pursuant to the draft of the new Danish commercial development legislation) to describe its input for outlying areas, including, for example: Strengths and challenges in the outlying areas. Measures intended to build bridges between the outlying areas, and the Growth Forum s initiatives within prioritised regional positions of strength. Special areas of initiative, where local growth potential exists, and How local and regional resources are incorporated into the design and application of the measures. In , the Growth Forum will: Complete the strategy process described above in relation to the outlying areas. Continue its input to realise the potential of the outlying areas within the business areas by: Supporting and continuing to develop positions of strength in the outlying areas within the Growth Forum s business areas, and building bridges to operators in other parts of the region. Reinforcing growth entrepreneurship within the business areas in the outlying areas. Continuing to work with the regions of West Denmark to develop the partnership in the area of food, and investigating the potential for developing food tourism in the outlying areas. Ring-fencing funding for preliminary surveys, project development and cultivating partnerships that contribute to the development of major strategic input in the outlying areas (redefining the pool for project development in the outlying areas). Exploit the proximity of the outlying areas to Germany by identifying shared positions of strength and establishing crossborder working relationships. This initiative is to be applied in pursuance of the INTERREG 5A programme. Reinforce and formalise the working relationship in the outlying areas network, such that this network makes an active contribution to the implementation of the growth policy for the outlying areas. The outlying areas network has existed since 2009 and consists of local authorities, representatives of the Region, and commercial promotion operators, etc. Page 28 / 29 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

29 CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATION AND INTERNATIONALISATION Taking the business areas as its starting point, the Southern Denmark Growth Forum will support cross-border and international initiatives in the fields of: The commercial clusters Research and education Profiling Southern Denmark s competences Cross-border collaboration: The potential inherent in cross-border collaboration must be utilised so that it supports the commercial strengths of the Region of Southern Denmark, allowing development of the Southern Denmark clusters across the border. The relationship is founded on the Partnership Agreement and annual plans with the German State of Schleswig-Holstein. The cross-border partnership is to be expanded to encompass other North German states, including and in particular Hamburg. Within the Region of Southern Denmark s positions of strength, efforts are also to be made to enter into inter-regional projects with North German states under the auspices of the North Sea and Baltic Sea Programmes. In addition, the Region aims with support from the INTERREG 5A programme to carry out projects with particular potential to underpin the Growth Forum s business areas, including and in particular in the fields of Sustainable Energy, Health and social innovation and Experience Economy. This approach is also to bolster initiatives for promoting culture and marketing the region, and to help establish a cross-border market for education and labour. Internationalisation: The Growth Forum will work to promote internationalisation of the clusters in the business areas by: Supporting initiatives to attract both national and international funds for example, from the INTERREG programmes and from EU research programmes including Horizon Establishing a pool to support internationalisation. Supporting working relationships with selected cluster operators in other countries centred on the development of cluster tools, exchange of experience, etc. The Growth Forum will reinforce interaction with international knowledge institutions to the benefit of companies in Southern Denmark so that they have the best possible access to highlevel research and international talents. The Growth Forum will work to attract international congresses within the business areas. International initiatives are to be backed by the South Denmark European Office.

30 SPECIAL MEASURES FOR IMPROVED GROWTH The Growth Forum wishes to act from the perspective of both long and short terms. The focus on three business areas is a part of the long-term realignment process. In the short term, rapid, specific input from the Growth Forum may be necessary. The Growth Forum may therefore unilaterally launch special measures with appreciable commercial potential that extends beyond the Growth Forum s three business areas. These may be measures intended to address challenges within both general and specific frameworks. Special measures are decided by the Growth Forum, as part of the Action Plan, where appropriate. The special measures are valid for a defined period. Pool funds are to be set aside specifically for special measures. Page 30 / 31 The Southern Denmark Growth Forum

31 INTERDISCIPLINARY CRITERIA FOR THE GROWTH FORUM S INITIATIVES The Growth Forum s input is based on a range of interdisciplinary criteria which will be used as the basis for the input: Corporate commitment The Growth Forum places great emphasis on strong commitment to the initiatives from private companies. Public-private partnerships The initiatives are to generate interaction between the public and private sectors with a view to exploiting shared potential and creating solutions at a higher level. Collation and co-ordination The initiatives are to contribute to collating and co-ordinating the numerous activities in the region with a view to ensuring synergy while avoiding overlap and parallel systems. Focus The initiatives are to contribute to gathering forces together in larger initiatives that are rich in perspective, and which visibly and clearly boost the region in selected areas. Growth in outlying areas The initiatives are to benefit the entire region by focusing on building bridges to the particular strengths and potential of the outlying areas, for the good of the region as a whole. Sustainability The initiatives are to generate growth and development without jeopardising the opportunities of future generations. The concept of sustainability comprises environmental, social and financial sustainability. Co-financing There is to be broad ownership and shared prioritisation of resources for the initiatives and development activities that the Growth Forum launches. Co-financing and matching of funds will be a requirement irrespective of whether the financing involves EU funds or regional commercial development funds. Globalisation The initiatives are to feature perspectives in relation to the opportunities of globalisation, and convert them into competitive advantages. Focus is to be directed unswervingly and strategically towards international collaboration.

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33 FINANCE & APPLICATIONS The Southern Denmark Growth Forum is entitled to make applications for regional commercial development funds and EU structural funding. In addition, the Growth Forum will work to attract both national and international funds including funds from the EU s Horizon 2020 research programme and INTERREG 5A to support the development of the business areas. If you would like to apply for project subsidy, you can contact the Growth Forum secretariat for assistance. To find out more about how to apply for funds from the Growth Forum, see where you will also find application guidelines. You are also welcome to call the Growth Forum hotline on or send an to vaekstforum@rsyd.dk

34 HOTLINE The Southern Denmark Growth Forum Hotline is open to potential applicants from through on weekdays. Call the number to talk to a member of staff who can provide assistance either by answering any questions you may have directly, or by referring you to the appropriate person. Contact the hotline on: The Southern Denmark Growth Forum Damhaven 12 vaekstforum@rsyd.dk DK-7100 Vejle DEN EUROPÆISKE UNION Den Europæiske Socialfond DEN EUROPÆISKE UNION Den Europæiske Fond for Regionaludvikling Vi investerer i din fremtid 4622 Mediegruppen