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Italy – Operational Programme 2007-13: Lombardia Regional Operational Programme

1. Operational Programme “Lombardia Regional Operational Programme” – Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
[ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ] [ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ]
2. Overview
On 1 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region of Lombardia in Italy for the period 2007-13. The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective and has a total budget of around €532 million. Community funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €211 million, which represents approximately 0.7% of the total EU investment earmarked for Italy under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
Lombardia's Operational Programme will be an important tool in the realisation of the objectives laid down in the revised Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs, as it allocates more than 68% of its total budget to this end. The Programme will play a key role in:
Boosting competitiveness through research and innovation;
Reducing carbon emissions through the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency;
Supporting sustainable mobility;
Enhancing the attractiveness of the region with a particular focus on cities, environmental and cultural promotion.
4. The expected impact of the investments
The programme will ensure creation of about 1800 direct new jobs. With regard to energy development and usage the region, the program aims to decrease CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 50 000 ton per year by 2013.
5. Priorities
The Operational Programme is structured according to the following priorities:
Priority 1: Innovation and knowledge economy [approximately 49.4% of total funding]
The priority is centred on regional research and innovation with particular focus on promoting a favourable environment for this area as part of the so-called “Lombardy knowledge system”. It will support cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), research centres and “poles of excellence”. The intention is to work towards creating a network of existing centres as opposed to creating new ones while simultaneously strengthening regional governance and supporting private Research and Development (R&D) and ICT demand.
Priority 2: Energy [approximately 9.4% of total funding]
The priority aims both to reduce energy consumption and to increase energy production from renewable energy in an effort to significantly reduce atmospheric pollution and climate-changing emissions.
Priority 3: Sustainable mobility [approximately 26.1% of total funding]
The priority aims to increase sustainable mobility by means of modal integration (road, rail and metro) and by encouraging the widespread use of forms of transport which have a reduced environmental impact (car pooling, car sharing, road pricing, etc.)
Priority 4: Protection and enhancement of natural and cultural heritage [approximately 11.3% of total funding]
The priority aims to attract tourism and exploit the potential of those parts of Lombardy whose natural and cultural assets are not yet widely-known.
Priority 5: Technical assistance [approximately 3.8% of total funding]
There is also provision for technical assistance to implement the programme. Financial support is available for administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.
6. Managing Authority: Unità Organizzativa Competitività del Sistema delle Imprese della Direzione Generale Industria, Piccola Media Impresa e Cooperazione – Milano, Italy