Hamburg – “Gateway to the Baltic Sea”

Inter-Sectoral and Inter-Regional Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR)

Absender

The BSR – “Top of the World”

• One of the most competitive regions globally

• Baltic regions among most productive & innovative worldwide

• Highly dynamic economic area

“Top of Europe”

Absender

Hamburg – Links to the Baltic Sea Region

• Largest Industries• Maritime and Shipbuilding• Aviation• Media and IT• Tourism

• Largest port in Germany and 2nd largest in Europe

• 10% of total trade volume

with Baltic States

• BSR 2nd most important

trading area worldwide

Absender

Hamburg – Inter-Regional Development

• Regional Challenges

• Expansion of economic, scientific, educational and cultural infrastructure...• ...to counter environmental challenges, demographic change, globalisation etc.

• How does Hamburg approach regional cooperation?

• Political Networks (BSSSC, BDF)

• Bilateral Partnerships (St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad)

• Regional Partnerships (STRING, Turku Process)

• Strategies, Programmes and Projects (EUSBSR, INTERREG etc.)

Absender

BSLN – From Project to Institution

• Transnational cooperation project aimed at sustainable labour market

• 22 partners from 9 countries• EU and non-EU partners

• From project to permanent regional cooperation• Successfully integrated into CBSS as permanent forum

Absender

Hamburg – The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region

• Hamburg actively involved in formulation of the strategy

• Goals: • Creation of a strategically unified approach• Ecologically sustainable economic growth• Security

• Hamburg coordinates PA Youth & Education• Project-lead “BSR-QUICK”

• Turku Process• New regional approach• Joint Initiative of Turku, Regional

Council of SW Finland, St.Petersburg, Hamburg

Absender

Hamburg – INTERREG IV B

• Positive Results• 24 projects from 2007 to 2013• €8.5 million in funding assistance• Exchanging ideas & developing joint solutions• Motor for innovation

• High involvement in planning for next funding period• Opportunity to affect development, overall aim and prospective projects• Involved in project coordination

Absender

Hamburg – Current Projects

• Pooling of researchers, facilitating exchanges and collaboration• Supports innovation of SMEs• Scientific analysis at some of Europe's leading research facilities

Absender

Hamburg – Current Projects

• Harmonisation of climate protection and conservation of historic buildings• Technological advances, improvements in vocational training and political effort• Hamburg working with 18 partners

Absender

Hamburg – Improved use of EU-funding

● Structural Funds (EFRE, ESF)

● EU Action Programmes (e.g. Horizon 2020)

Absender

Hamburg – Food for Thought

● Recommendations

● Participate in the programming of next EU funding period

● Look for funding opportunities beyond INTERREG

● Early preparation of projects

Absender

Thank you for your attention!