Call for tenders on study of regional competitiveness
The European Commission has published a call for tenders for a study on the factors of regional competitiveness. The Commission is required to report every three years on the extent of progress towards increased cohesion between the regions of the EU. Part of the next report will be dedicated to an analysis of the factors underlying the competitiveness of regions. The analysis should cover both the regions of current Member States, and those in the candidate countries. It is envisaged that the study will be of direct use in ensuring the appropriate formulation of future cohesion policy. The Commission is seeking a consultant to carry out such a study, using a range of data sources. If lagging regions are to achieve convergence with the more advanced regions in the EU, they will need to improve their competitiveness. However, competitiveness cannot be measured on any simple scale; a broad range of factors lie behind the concept of competitiveness. Furthermore, the role that individual factors play in supporting competitiveness varies depending on the presence - or absence - of other factors. A policy dilemma arises in determining which factors should be targeted. A number of factors have been identified in past studies, and in the first two Cohesion reports, as being of importance for regional competitiveness and productivity growth. It is envisaged to group the factors into three, according to the general theme they address. Each theme will form one section of the final study. This will be complemented by a further section which brings together the overall analysis. The three themes are the following: - basic infrastructure and accessibility; - human capital; - other factors affecting company activity, including R&D (research and development), the information society, the environment and demography.For further information, please contact: European Commission Directorate-General Regional policy Attn: Bernard Lange Unit REGIO.A.1 C.S.M. 2 - 01/161 B-1049 Brussels Tel: +32 2 295 1709 Fax +32 2 299 4684 E-mail: Bernard.Lange@cec.eu.int To see the tender text, please consult the following web address: http://ted.eur-op.eu.int/udl?REQUEST=Seek-Deliver&LANGUAGE=en&DOCID=102935-2002