Innovative Actions

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 'Innovative Actions' for the period 2000-2006 aim to enhance innovation and research and development (R&D) activities, as well as use of new information and communication technologies, in less-favoured regions. The Innovative Actions focus on three strategic themes:

• Development of the regional economy based on knowledge and technological innovation
• E-Europe Regio: information society serving regional development
• Regional identity and sustainable development

A number of IRE regions have taken advantage of the first strand (knowledge and technological innovation) to fund the implementation of actions stemming from their Regional Innovation Strategy projects. Others have used the Innovative Actions as an opportunity to develop innovation strategies and schemes.

In addition to the regional programmes, three networks have been launched to foster co-operation between regions carrying out Innovative Actions programmes, in the fields of:

• Knowledge and technological innovation
• Information society
• Sustainable regional development
  

More information about the ERDF Innovative Actions