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Eastern Scotland receives Structural Fund grants because it has been designated an Objective 2 area. Under this Objective, help is available in: "Converting the regions or parts of regions including employment areas and urban communities seriously affected by industrial decline".

The Eastern Scotland Objective 2 Programme is set out in what is known as a Single Programming Document (SPD). The SPD is the guide for the type of activities which can be supported in the different priority areas within Eastern Scotland. It also sets out the types and amount of financial support available, and the structures and administrative arrangements for managing and controlling the award of Structural Funds.

Its strategic aim is:
to contribute to a reduction in economic disadvantage in the Eastern Scotland Programme Area through assistance for the creation of new and additional jobs and by assisting progress through partnership.

There are four development priorities in the Eastern Scotland SPD. They are the development of:

  • a dynamic indigenous SME base
  • tourism as a dynamic growth sector
  • locally based initiatives
  • technology and innovation


    • Technology and Innovation - Forthright Innovation, Stirling

    Priority 1: a dynamic indigenous SME base

      Business support for new and expanding small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is a major priority for Eastern Scotland. Promoting and sustaining a dynamic, indigenous SME base is a critical component in our development effort. We need to reduce over-dependence on large companies, many of which are in sectors experiencing decline. For local small businesses to grow and stay competitive, continuing investment in workforce skills is needed, while the availability of new and proven technologies can help in increasing customer bases and in exploring developing markets.

    Priority 2: tourism as a dynamic growth sector

      The tourism industry has become increasingly important in Eastern Scotland. Tourism is recognised as a major service sector employer, creating new employment opportunities for the region's economy.

      Seasonality, the quality of the tourism product, service delivery, marketing activity and the skills and qualifications of employees engaged in tourism all feature prominently in this area of priority development.

    Priority 3: locally based initiatives - ensuring equality of opportunity and access to employment and prosperity.

      In some areas, problems of deprivation are particularly severe. The worst hit communities suffer a combination of social, economic, housing and environmental problems making them areas of need, not opportunity. Within them, the economic choices open to individuals are often very limited.

      This Priority supports initiatives to generate employment opportunities and encourage economic and social regeneration within local communities, wherever possible initiated and led by local people.



    Locally based initiatives - Craigmillar Festival Society. Costruction training project

    Priority 4: technology and innovation - converting new and emerging technologies into sustainable growth

      Within Eastern Scotland, the economy is not as innovative and dynamic as it could be. If locally based companies are to compete effectively in global markets, they must become more competitive, particularly through creating new products, markets and processes.

      Eastern Scotland has a strong and growing research capability and we need to exploit this major source of competitive advantage by improving and increasing links between SMEs and research bodies throughout the area.



    EASTERN SCOTLAND OBJECTIVE 2 PROGRAMME 1997 - 1999
    Proposed Planning Schedule - Committee & Application Deadlines - 1999

    CYCLE NUMBERDESCRIPTIONDATES

    1

    		ERDF/ESF Application Deadlines2 January 1999
    Advisory Group Meetings1 March - 9 April 1999
    SPD Monitoring Committee1 February 1999
    Programme Management Committee (PMC)21 May 1999
     
    SPD Monitoring Committee7 June 1999
     

    2

    		ERDF/ESF Application Deadlines18 June 1999
    Advisory Group Meetings19 July - 27 August 1999
    SPD Monitoring Committee1 November 1999
    Programme Management Committee (PMC)15 October 1999


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