ECU 173 million for industrial restructuring in Italy
The European Commission has approved Community aid of ECU 173,101,000 to support industrial restructuring in the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. The aid has been allocated within the framework of the first two Structural Funds programmes for Objective 2 (economic conversion of areas in industrial decline) regions in Italy, for the period 1997-1999. It is expected that over 1,800 jobs will be created and 12,800 maintained as a result of these measures. In Emilia-Romagna, the programme will focus on the promotion of quality in management and business development; the integration of the area of Ferrara (including grants for the creation of new businesses and actions aimed at stimulating the economy and technological development); and human resources (training and career development activities). The Structural Funds programme in Tuscany will concentrate on maintaining industrial employment in the region and encouraging the creation of jobs through innovation in the production structures and the improvement of qualifications. Greater collaboration between research institutes and industry will be promoted in order to improve the innovation process and the development of new products. Measures foreseen include the creation of a technology transfer structure and telematic services aimed at SMEs.
Paesi
Italy