Client: DG Regio, European Commission
Country: European Union
Period: 2002 - 2003

Study focused on the definition and elaboration of factors influencing regional competitiveness by looking at theoretical approaches, empirical approaches and various benchmarks in the European Union. The study served as an important building block for the preparation of the Third Cohesion Report of the European Commission, due to be launched at the end of 2003. The ECORYS contribution included a rigorous literature review of current theoretical and empirical work on regional competitiveness, including the development of an own concept, the regional competitiveness ‘hat’ and a typology of regions. Secondly, the launching of 7 case studies across Europe, notably East Flanders (Belgium), Berkshire (UK), Uusimaa (Helsinki, Finland), Nyugat (Hungary), Liguria (Italy), Navarra (Spain) and Auvergne (France). The case studies have been conceptualised and conclusions for regional development strategies, clusters and an appropriate policy mix have been formulated.

Services provided:

• Benchmarking
• Policy advice
• Cluster Analysis