Commission launches 146 pilot projects for regional and urban assistance
The European Commission has launched 146 pilot projects for innovative schemes for regional and urban development. A total of ECU 103 million will come from the Structural Funds to finance the projects, which are aimed, in particular, at developing new methods of creating jobs. The projects to be supported come under the following fields: - New sources of employment: 41 projects have been selected which will create jobs in fields such as the environment, childcare, help for the elderly and improving living conditions; - Interregional cooperation on cultural themes: A total of 32 projects, for conservation and heritage promotion, as well as job creation and exchange of best practices, will be supported; - Innovation: . Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS): These projects promote public/private sector cooperation with the aim of allowing more efficient use of a region's innovative capacity. A total of 19 projects have been selected for support; . Regional technology transfer (RTT): Support for the establishment of partnerships between regions of different countries, allowing SMEs in less-favoured regions to gain access to European networks and to opportunities for technology transfer. Seven projects, involving over 30 regions have been selected in this field; - Regional Information Society Initiatives (RISI): By establishing partnerships in regions, these projects aim to develop the use and implementation of the Information Society. A total of 21 projects will be selected under this heading; - Innovative actions for urban development: 26 projects addressing common problems such as environmental improvement, social integration, renovation of deprived areas, architectural conservation, use of information technologies, access improvements and a partnership approach to job creation.