Improving Structural Funds for better delivery of R&D&i policies
The IMPROVE project brings together partners from 8 regions with different background in terms of geographic area, economic development, innovation performance, more or less centralised administration system and responsibility for the management of the addressed policies, with the aim of improving the effectiveness of Structural Funds Programmes dedicated to build up R&D&I policies and support the implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies.

The policy instruments addressed by the project are mainly Structural Funds Programmes, except for 2 Municipal Development Plans, which have the common goal of enhancing a knowledge-based regional/municipal economic growth. Thus, IMPROVE will positively contribute to regional smart, sustainable and inclusive development by strengthening the effectiveness of policies/programmes to support Research, Technological Development and Innovation in the participating regions.

IMPROVE is designed to foster the exchange of practices, experiences and knowledge and increase the capacities of partners and stakeholders involved, taking into consideration their profiles and regional interests. To this end it will address common challenges with regards to: 1) framework, policy mix and instruments for the delivery of R&D&I policies and the implementation of smart specialisation strategies 2) coordination with other Funds managed at regional/national/European level 3) transnational coordination 4) governance and 5) monitoring and evaluation.

The project will improve 8 policy instruments and ensure its long-term impact involving the managing authorities in the interregional learning process, both as partners and stakeholders. The project´s main activities are: 1) analysis of the regional state of the art regarding Structural Funds management and implementation 2) exchange of experiences by means of Peer Reviews, identification of Good Practices and Interregional Thematic Workshops and 3) transfer of knowledge and experiences to the regions.