Supporting business

Whether it’s technological innovation, access to credit and advanced services, or infrastructures; competitiveness and economic and social development lie at the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, which takes full advantage of the strength of its business networks and systems for knowledge dissemination, research, environmental sustainability and internationalisation.

Using the strategy outlined in the Lisbon agenda and with a view to forging a positive relationship between local authorities, industry and the economic fabric, the Region has developed its own tools while at the same time making the best use of the opportunities created by the European Union. For years now, the Region has implemented a Three-year Business Development Plan, which directs resources towards the requirements of companies, providing lean procedures and quick delivery times. 

Alongside the three-year plan, there is a regional programme for industrial research, innovation and technological transfer and a regional telematic plan, aimed at innovation and digitalisation - not to mention the European measures of Objective 2, which provide support for the less developed areas of the region, which are rapidly catching up with their more advanced counterparts.

The framework for the above is established in the agreement for the quality of development reached between institutions and civil society promoted by the Emilia-Romagna Region, for the purpose of defining common goals and strategies in major areas such as employment and the economy, social policy, the environment and solidarity. The goal is sustainable growth, in social and economic, as well as environmental terms, to be pursued through policies aimed at developing the quality, efficiency and identity of the area.

From 2007 to 2013 the entire region will be eligible for the European Regional Development Fund, aimed at increasing the business competitiveness with funds of around 347m euro (including national co-financing). From 2000 to 2006 European resources for regional development have been disbursed through the Objective 2 programme, which guaranteed support to the regional areas in greater need of incentives.

For policies related to education, training and work qualifications, the European Social Fund has been and continues to be a central resource for regional projects. However the primary regional measures of support for the agricultural sector are the Regional Rural Development Programme.