ALPINE SPACE PROGRAMME: Objectives and strategies

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Objectives and strategies

What are the programme objectives?

The overall objective of the Alpine Space Programme 2007-2013 is to increase competitiveness and attractiveness of the cooperation area by developing joint actions in fields where the transnational cooperation is required for sustainable solutions. Derived from this overall objective specific objectives have been defined:

to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and strengthen research and innovation capacities for SMEs;
to enhance a balanced territorial development to make the Alpine Space an attractive place to live, work and invest;
to improve the accessibility of the Alpine Space and manage the economical and environmental consequences of transport systems;
to improve accessibility to services and connectivity within the Alpine Space;
to protect, manage and enhance the natural and cultural assets for sustainable development;
to prevent and mitigate natural and technological hazards and manage their consequences, with specific regard to climate change impacts.

How to achieve the set objectives?

In 2002 the Partner States began the discussion on strategic projects for the Alpine Space. The result of the discussion on strategic projects was very useful for the definition of the programme strategies and guiding principles for the 2007-13 Programme. To tackle the most important challenges and opportunities of the area, the following strategies apply:

taking advantage and using the competences, knowledge and skills as well as cultural diversity of the area are the basis for the preparation of new projects;
relevant stakeholders in the area shall be involved in the projects;
results and experiences gained under INTERREG IIIB shall be taken into consideration in the implementation of new projects;

The Alpine Space Programme guiding principles comprise:

the innovation oriented approach: fostering innovative approaches, partnerships, methodologies, tools and use of new technologies;
the mountain oriented approach: giving special attention to needs and/or demands of mountain areas;
the integrated approach: enabling the cooperation with other programmes enhancing sustainability and equal opportunities;

All the above mentioned strategies and guiding principles shall contribute to the development of high quality projects from and beyond the Alpine Space.