SPARC
Spatial Planning and Regional Competitiveness
Lead Partner: Heriot-Watt University
No of Project Partners (including Lead Partner):Six
Participating countries: United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia
ERDF allocated (EUR): 206 000.00
Project Duration: 01.01.05 - 31.12.08
Questions to be analysed by the Project
- How to develop and deliver training materials, accessible throughout the European territory, for local & regional officials with the aim to develop a common platform related to the understanding and implementation of spatial planning and regional competitiveness?
Objectives
- To develop knowledge and skills related to integrated spatial development and planning through training that is targeted at those taking part (or wanting to take part) in INTERREG programmes or transnational cooperation under the new Structural Funds after 2007. These include project promoters, programme secretariats, contact points, representatives on monitoring and steering committees, persons and institutions. Those in local and regional authorities involved in INTERREG programme development and implementation are a special target group. We aim to promote enhanced understanding of links between sectoral policies/activities at the EU, Member State and sub-regional levels and their impact in terms of spatial development, thereby contributing to the horizontal and vertical integration of policies and activities.
- To challenge traditional administrative cultures and practices. We will demonstrate that spatial planning and integrated development is a strategic and visionary activity that operates at and across European, transnational and regional scales. It is integrative. It aims for competitiveness and territorial cohesion and sustainable spatial development.
- To develop a transnational, polycentric network of institutions that can develop and deliver training in spatial development and planning through connecting experience and findings from the European Spatial Planning Observation Network (ESPON) and INTERREG to practical decision-making in different regions.
Expected outputs
- A distance learning pack in English on Spatial Planning and Regional Competitiveness. This will have eight units that cover general principles and more, plus additional units in the form of regional case studies and transnational exercises.
- Production and delivery of Spatial Planning and Regional Competitiveness by a network of universities and professional bodies across Europe. Delivery includes tuition and the offer of assessment and accreditation by partners. Tuition and assessment would be offered in the language(s) of the partner providing it, though the written materials would be in English.
- Assessment and accreditation by the partners of successful completion of the learning package means that there would be a common platform and set of benchmark standards. This will add value to the preparatory work and cooperation on spatial planning aspects for INTERREG IIIA and IIIB and IIIC applicants and the new Structural Funds after 2007.
Contact Details
SPARC website: www.sparcmodule.org
Page updated on 03.04.2006
