25 – 26 January 2007
Regional policy responses to demographic challenges
EN
Regions for economic change
Conference Proceedings
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Table of contents
Introduction 3
Session 1 : Managing and benefi ting from demographic change 6 Workshop 1A Active ageing strategies : planning and adaptation of infrastructures to demographic change 6
Workshop 1B Supporting new markets : the creation of specifi c goods and services for elderly people 8
Workshop 1C Attracting and retaining people at work : adapting regional and local labour markets 10
Session 2 : Diverse territories, diverse problems? 12 Workshop 2A Developing rural and sparsely populated and ultra-peripheral areas : strategies and actions 12
Workshop 2B Urban areas and densely populated areas 14
Workshop 2C Potential of e-inclusion to strengthen territorial cohesion 16
Session 3 : Regions learning from each other 18 Workshop 3A Mobilising the full potential of people; regions, cities
and densely populated areas adapting labour markets 18
Workshop 3B Regions and partnerships working together to seize the opportunities presented by demographic challenges 20
Workshop 3C Regions working together through inter-regional co-operation 22
Annex : Sound bites 24
Cover pictures from the following projects :
• SPEAK, providing teaching aids for teachers, Feldkirch, Austria
• BIO-Trainingzentrum Gars Hotel, Gars am Kamp, Austria
• IT house in Hallabro, Sweden
• PRISMA, children speech therapist at work, Egg, Austria
• Training for young people, Cagliari, Italy ©CEC : DG REGIO / Mike St Maur Sheil
Editor : Thierry Daman, European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy.
This brochure is printed on recycled paper.
The text of this publication is not legally binding.
Contacts
European Commission, Directorate-General for Regional Policy
Unit 01 – Information and Communication
Thierry Daman
41, avenue de Tervuren, B-1040 Brussels
Fax : +32-(0)2 296 60 03
http ://ec.europa.eu/comm/dgs/regional_policy/index_en.htm
© European Communities, 2007
Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged.
3
BackgroundThis was the second conference in a series of three launching
the Commission’s “Regions for economic change” initiative.
The initiative is concerned with identifying, recognising,
disseminating, promoting and mainstreaming good practices in
EU funded regional programmes. The particular background to
this conference is that the Commission has worked in recent years
to facilitate a European-wide debate on demographic change on
the one hand and to reinforce the contribution of Cohesion policy
to achieving the growth and jobs agenda on the other. Also,
during the fi rst European Demographic Forum in November 2006
the regional dimensions of demographic change were raised.
In designing eff ective policy responses to demographic change
at local, regional or national level, the important underlying
medium and long term demographic trends must fi rst be well
understood. EU or national averages are not necessarily a solid
basis for action at these levels. The brochure produced for the
conference presents background articles and 10 practical case-
studies, presenting responses in diff erent regional policy fi elds to
some of the challenges.
The conference was structured around three workshop sessions,
with three parallel workshops per session. The nine workshops
showcased examples of good practice which had been selected
following an open call for proposals. The workshops were
organised according to policy fi elds or under Cohesion Policy
strands to better explore the experiences with the challenge of
changing population structure.
Conference programmeThe Conference was opened by Mr Dirk Ahner the newly
appointed Director General of DG Regional Policy. The keynote
address was delivered by Commissioner Danuta Hübner who
outlined the background to the conference and the importance
of the subject for regional and local authorities. She recalled
briefl y the main drivers of the demographic changes facing
Europe - the trend toward longer and healthier lives; lower
fertility; the importance of migration; and the continuing pattern
of urbanization and rural depopulation. Mrs Hübner emphasized
the regional aspects of these trends. She stressed the broad range
of policy fi elds touched by these demographic trends – public
fi nance, labour market and training, the role and integration of
migrants, and the need to innovate and raise productivity. The
Commissioner stressed her view that EU Cohesion Policy allows
regions to respond to many aspects of population change
through a mix of policies which are tailored to their specifi c needs
supported with a solid fi nancial framework.
President Michel Delebarre, Committee of the Regions, stressed
the long term nature of the challenge posed and the importance
of the role of local and regional authorities. He said that a wide
range of public policies must be adapted, preceded by a robust
diagnosis. He emphasised the need to act early and promptly in
order to avoid unnecessary tensions. He urged local and regional
authorities to start taking practical steps and promised the support
of the Committee of the Regions in the European debate.
Minister Karl-Heinze Daehre from Saxony-Anhalt presented
his Land and spoke about the daily challenge already being
faced across all policy area by some public authorities. In Saxony-
Anhalt there has been a dramatic drop in fertility rates, and net
westward migration leading to a population reduction of nearly
15% in the period 1990-2005. The projections are that the 50+ age
group will make up more than 50% of the population in 2025.
The region is actively seeking opportunities and is learning from
the experience in other regions while implementing policies to
achieve sustainable population development across many policy
fi elds. He emphasised that it was not only a question of money but
also of the quality of the policies. His authorities are exploiting the
deconstruction of vacant apartments to design more attractive
cities that meet citizens’ demands.
Regions for Economic Change
Conference ‘Regional responses to demographic challenges’
Brussels, 25-26 January 2007
Introduction
Mr G
iam
paol
o La
nzei
ri
4
In the plenary session at the end of Day 1 Eurostat announced
new regional population projections. Mr Giampaolo Lanzeiri,
Senior Statistician at Eurostat, lucidly explained the latest regional
population projections up to 2031 , covering 197 regions of
Europe. According to these projections all regions examined shall
experience an ageing of the population, whereas just over 50%
of regions could suff er population reduction, while two thirds
of regions will start a declining trend. Migration will be the main
driver of regional population growth. The projections, based on
current trends, do not take into account changes in policy that
might impact on demographic developments.
Mr Gerd Harm, member of the Committee of the Regions,
stressed that the development of the policy response at regional
level needs further attention. A growth based model predominates
in our thinking and this needs to be supplemented in the light
of the projections for shrinking regional populations. Territorial
cohesion strategies will be challenged as will our policies on the
orderly treatment and integration of migrants. He encouraged
the Commission’s initiative to facilitate opportunities for regions
to work together on these areas.
A European “An age proofi ng toolkit” was presented adapted
from the UK toolkit (presented to the Demographic Forum in
2006). This work was sponsored by the Committee of the Regions
and is to be made available in 8 languages. Mr Richard Baker
of Age Concern explained that the toolkit takes the form of an
annotated questionnaire designed to assist policymakers and
other partners in examining strategies or policy proposals. It
can assist in recognising the cross-cutting impact of ageing and
bring consistency to the response to ageing by authorities across
Europe. Ms Anne-Sophie Parent presented the position of
civil society underlining that the theme of ageing was relevant
for all. She argued for non-discrimination and a need to change
expectations and attitudes, particularly in the labour market, if the
EU is to meet its demographic challenge. She expressed the hope
that the toolkit would build a bridge between public authorities
and representative citizens’ groups.
Commissioner Vladimír Špidla, opening Day 2 of the
conference, stressed the regional variations and the important
youth migration trends. In relation to policy responses he
highlighted the possibilities under the European Social Fund
to fi nance relevant measure in reconciling work and family life,
active ageing, training and integrating migrants. He encouraged
regional initiatives and exchanges as an important contribution
to the EU response.
President Dimitris Dimitriadis of the European Economic
and Social Committee stressed the regional and local levels as
the backbone of the European Union. He discussed the role of
intra-EU and international migration and its contribution to the
challenges of sustainable development in an ageing context.
He concluded by stressing that the phenomenon of population
change was economic and social.
Mr Lambert Van Nistelroij, MEP and member of the REGI
committee, emphasised his satisfaction that demographic change
was being addressed at EU level with an emphasis on the need
for local and regional responses. He proposed that “Regions for
economic change” must also recognise the need for regions to be
“regions for all ages”.
In concluding the Conference Commissioner Hübner
reviewed the conference in the light of her initial objectives of
awareness raising, highlighting good practices and clarifying
policy approaches and the role of Cohesion Policy. She said that
the demographic challenge must be mainstreamed. She gave
various examples of how sustainable regional development must
be based on policies that take it fully into account saying “our
infrastructure policies must be adapted to the changing patterns of
demand that will result from evolving age profi les; we must help all
our citizens to equip themselves for full participation in the labour
force and for longer productive lives; we must ensure that our policies
on innovation and entrepreneurship are tailored to meet the needs of
an increasingly diverse and older population.”
She emphasised that responding to the demographic challenges
ahead will require a coherent, long term eff ort involving the
commitment of a wide partnership of policy makers and those
who deliver policy on the ground. In the context of translating
IntroductionM
r Ric
hard
Bak
er
5
the general messages from this conference into practical action,
she recalled that the Commission has identifi ed the theme of
“responding to the demographic challenges” as a priority under
the future inter-regional co-operation networking programmes.
She expressed the hope that demography relevant networks
would be proposed under those programmes to be adopted in
mid-2007.
ConclusionsIn total, more than 520 representatives of national, regional
and local administrations, institutes, networks, civil society
organisations and representatives of universities attended and
expressed high levels of satisfaction with the event. The conference
raised awareness of the scope of the unprecedented demographic
changes at regional level and the importance of these changes as a
driver of socio-economic change. The diversity of regional patterns,
the subtle diff erence between regions and the cross-cutting
nature of the impact of changing population were repeatedly
emphasised as was the need for a medium and long-term strategic
response. Speakers examined the many diff erent policies touched
by demographic trends, many speakers emphasising that it was a
challenge for all groups of the population not just the aged.
The potential of European regional policy and its instruments to
enable European regions to respond to the challenges and make
the most of the opportunities presented by demographic change
was highlighted. The practitioners and experts shared their
insights and experience and emphasised the need to articulate
and develop coherent strategies that involve the relevant partners
and decision-makers in a timely way. In all policy initiatives,
including EU-funded programmes, demographic developments
need to be taken into account more fully in developing, adapting
and implementing development strategies.
Introduction
6
ACTIVE AGEING STRATEGIES : PLANNING AND ADAPTATION OF INFRASTRUCTURES TO DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE
Chair : Mr José Palma Andrés, Director, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Expert : Prof. Charlotte Höhn, Director, Federal Institute for Population Research, Germany
Speakers : Mrs Vivienne Gee, European Policy Manager, North West Development Agency, United KingdomMr Hans-Ulrich Oel, Head of Unit for Demographic Change, State Chancellery Land Brandenburg, Germany Mr Jean-Paul Boré, Vice-president of Languedoc Roussillon Region/Member of the Committee of the Regions, France
Rapporteur : Mr Diego Villalba de Miguel, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 1 Managing and benefi ting from demographic changeW
orks
hop
1A
IntroductionThis workshop focused on the role of public action in coping with
the needs and expectations of an ageing society, with particular
regard to both the planning and adaptation of infrastructures.
Demographic studies show that age profi le in the European Union
will change dramatically in the coming years, leading to a society
where elderly people will play an increasing role. Governments are
expected to foresee these changes and adapt their policies to the
new context. Public infrastructure policy should be a key fi eld.
DebateMr José Palma Andrés, Director for ‘Interventions in Austria,
Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Sweden and the
United Kingdom’ at the Directorate-General for Regional Policy,
outlined briefl y the main challenges concerning public action
as regards demographic change, and introduced the expert
and speakers. During their presentations the invited speakers
gave their views on the basic demographic analysis, the impact
on planning, the required changes in objectives and the various
priority areas of intervention.
Various speakers explained the current situation and trends in
both EU and their regions. Dr Höhn highlighted, on the one
hand, the process of ageing, which is due to both the decrease in
birth rate and life expectancy increase; and, on the other hand, the
growing part played by immigrant population. This new reality
has led regions to face problems like, for instance, high weight
of handicapped population (Languedoc-Roussillon), new spatial
distribution of population (Brandenburg), or low activity rate of
those over 50 years old (North-West of England).
This new context requires public bodies to further develop their
activities in this respect. The speakers agreed that planning
priorities and actions should be adapted in order to take account
of the new challenges, in particular by adopting a cross-cutting
and forward-looking approach. Such an approach would allow
them to better manage the adaptation of policies and equipment
to new needs and situations.
In terms of the basic objective, Ms Gee pointed out that policy
should prioritise active ageing, i.e. “enabling elderly people to play
an active role in society, while having good quality of life”. This
would mainly concern fully involving elderly people in decision-
making processes, but also adapting society’s requirements to
what this group of the population can off er.
The speakers suggested the following areas as being the best
adapted to support ageing-population-oriented public/private
action :
• Setting up infrastructures for all ages. This would primarily
concern transport (i.e. accessibility), but also infrastructures
for goods and services such as health, education, tourism,
leisure, etc. Mr Oel made a particular point on infrastructure
deconstruction processes in Brandenburg, as a means of
adapting social capital to new needs.
• Fostering employment for elderly people. It would be advisable
to develop training, homeworking, entrepreneurship actions,
as this would lead to the enhancement of employment
possibilities for senior workers.
Mrs
Viv
ienn
e G
ee a
nd M
r Jos
é Pa
lma
And
rés
7
Session 1 Managing and benefi ting from demographic change
• Putting in place robust and reliable information,
communication and data collection systems. Indeed, the
success of the new policies would depend on the policy-
makers’ capacity to fi ne-tune actions according to public
needs and demands.
• Modernising and adapting public institutions to new
challenges, including public-private partnerships, fi nancial
management, e-government, territorial and sector-based
networking, and cross-cutting initiatives.
In terms of success factors and potential diffi culties, the speakers
underlined the importance of good governance to ensure success
in these new policies. Good governance should comprise putting
demography at the core of the political priorities, as well as on
rethinking the decision-making processes themselves, in order to
adapt them to the pace of demographic change. In other words,
it would imply thinking in terms of generations instead of election
periods. On the other hand, Mr Boré emphasised that this good
governance should rely on proper respect of both equality of
rights and opportunity and the widest possible partnership and
dialogue. In terms of the challenges, the speakers sounded an alert
that the diffi culties in understanding deconstruction initiatives,
in mastering long-term planning and the reluctance to change
existing institutions, etc., could put these policies into question.
The open debate in the workshop started by focusing on
challenges in the transport sector, and then moved on a winner/
loser discussion : participants argued that whatever the public
action, there would inevitably be losers in the “restructuring”
processes. The consensus was nevertheless reached on the point
that public policies should ensure equality among benefi ciaries, as
far as the resources would allow for that (what some participants
call “the reality test”). Two good practice examples were quoted
here : Belgian inter-county buses ensuring transport from rural
areas to major shopping centres, and multi-service cards for
elderly people in Scandinavia.
The discussion then moved on to individual questions, addressing
issues such as demographic change as a chance to reduce
unemployment, the need for specifi c policies for regions with
special needs (in particular rural and mountain areas – West of
Scotland, French Massif Central), EU solidarity among regions,
contrast between depopulation of wide rural areas and increasing
concentration of population in high-priced real-estate urban areas
(80% in Languedoc-Roussillon).
Finally, two examples of public-private partnership were quoted.
In the North-West of England, diff erent stakeholders have agreed
to provide joint support in innovative areas of intervention. In the
Massif Central in France, public-private chambers of commerce
have decided to prioritise the maintenance of basic private services
in rural areas, such as butchers, fi shmongers and bakeries.
ConclusionsEU regions appear to have understood the challenges raised by
on-going demographic changes and their likely consequences
on public needs and demands. Accordingly, they have started to
adapt their strategies and have introduced new tools, in particular
in the fi elds of infrastructures and provision of public goods and
services. Nevertheless, it seems necessary to fully involve partners
of all ages and ensure equality of duties and rights in order to
rally social legitimacy to the necessary changes and avoid the
possibility of resistance or reluctance, which could weaken their
success.
Prof
. Cha
rlot
te H
öhn
8
SUPPORTING NEW MARKETS : THE CREATION OF SPECIFIC GOODS AND SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE
Chair : Mr Andrzej Jan Ryś, Director, European Commission, Health and Consumer Protection DG
Expert : Prof. Tony Warnes, Sheffi eld University, United Kingdom
Speakers : Mr Philip Plischke, Schiff GmbH, GermanyMrs Paula Poikela, Project Manager, Rovaniemi University of Applied Science, FinlandDr Magnus Lindwall, University of Halmstad, Sweden
Rapporteur : Mr Reiner Kneifel-Haverkamp, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 1 Managing and benefi ting from demographic changeW
orks
hop
1B
IntroductionHealthy ageing has to be seen as an important determinant
for economic prosperity. This workshop focused mainly on the
economic potential which comes with this issue, both in terms of
market and of regional development.
DebateProf. Tony Warnes of Sheffi eld University set the tone by
describing the Advanced Care Technology project. This R&D and
knowledge transfer project brings together Sheffi eld University,
the clinical engineering medical physics branch of the regional
hospital, and private enterprises (including a leading manufacturer
and provider of home tele-care solutions and response-centre
systems, small software companies and home care providers) as
well as NGOs such as the British Association for Service to the
Elderly. The project is aimed at nurturing innovative networking
partnerships between enterprises and other stakeholders in order
to develop new and improved assistive and tele-care technologies
and to investigate their most eff ective applications to the care and
support of frail older people. The regional development agency
has identifi ed a “healthcare technology cluster” as a priority
investment area for the region of Yorkshire and Humber where
medical device manufacturing accounted for a 28.9% growth in
the years 1998-2004.
The short discussion focused on the underlying ethical questions
of smart life-style monitoring and reassurance techniques with
their surveillance implications and the substitution of the ‘human
touch’ by machines.
Philip Plischke of Schiff GmbH, Kiel, Germany, is responsible for a
project aiming at bringing together tourism services and geriatric
care while, at the same time, providing new jobs for both younger
and older unemployed. Developing this type of service is seen as
a main factor for the future development of a “silver economy” in
the Land of Schleswig-Holstein with its beautiful seaside locations
particularly attractive to elderly holidaymakers and relocating
residents.
With the help of several short videos, Paula Poikela from Rovaniemi
University of Applied Science in Northern Finland introduced
the participants to the secrets of ENVI, a virtual environment for
learning emergency and hospital care. Designed to overcome
the disadvantages of an area covering a large area but with few
inhabitants, this includes an interactive multimedia accident-
scene environment, a virtual ambulance and a virtual hospital. It is
planned to expand this project in a second phase over the entire
Barents Sea Region, including Sweden, Norway and Russia.
Magnus Lindwall, of Halmstad University in Sweden, in his
presentation of a societally motivated research platform stressed the
importance of long-term commitment to co-operation between
key shareholders from academia and practitioners including
politicians. On this platform, together with public stakeholders
researchers transform societal problems into research questions
and participate in their resolution. Conversely, public stakeholders
contribute to disseminating and using the research results in
practice. Similar to the new “social platforms” under the Seventh
Research Framework Programme, such platforms represent a way
forward for European societies to overcome societal challenges
by setting strategic knowledge-based research agendas and by
learning from each other and together.
Mrs
Pau
la P
oike
la
9
Session 1 Managing and benefi ting from demographic change
Conclusions The chairman, Andrzej Ryś, Director at the European
Commission’s Health and Consumer Protection DG stressed
healthy ageing as a keystone for a sustainable European society.
Within this framework, it would be essential to take forward
investment focusing on new leading markets where services
and products for elderly people occupy a major place. Therefore,
to respond to the demographic trends and ageing population,
Europe needs to take steps to help narrow the major diff erences
in health status and contribute to improving access to healthcare
within and between the Member States, e.g. by improving
healthcare facilities for elderly people. Links were identifi ed
between the workshop topic and the existing and planned
health policies on the local, regional, national and European
level. In particular, EU health policy can play an important role in
supporting active ageing through some key initiatives such as the
current proposal for a Community framework for safe high-quality
and effi cient health services. This would reinforce co-operation
between Member States and provide clarity and certainty over the
application of Community law to health services and healthcare.
An overarching health strategy, pulling together EU work on
health with a view to setting objectives for the future, would also
be adopted later this year.
With regard to the regional development and Lisbon Agenda
implications, Mr Ryś highlighted the increasingly important
market which an ageing population represents. Elderly people
have diverse and special needs with regard to products and
services. This should be an important incentive for a large range
of innovations in products and services. Enterprises (and regions)
which seize the resulting opportunities quickly will have a
competitive edge over their competitors.
Dr M
agnu
s Li
ndw
all
Mr A
ndrz
ej Ja
n R
yś
10
ATTRACTING AND RETAINING PEOPLE AT WORK : ADAPTING REGIONAL AND LOCAL LABOUR MARKETS
Chair : Mr Xavier Prats Monné, Director, European Commission, Employment, Social Aff airs and Equal Opportunities DG
Expert : Dr Elizabeth Mestheneos, 50+Hellas, Vice-President European Age-Platform, Greece
Speakers : Dr Norbert Mager, Hessian Ministry of Economics, Transport, Urban & Regional Development, GermanyMrs Patricia Dantas de Caires, Madeira Business Innovation Centre/BIC, PortugalMr Paolo Nanni, President, Provincia di Livorno Sviluppo srl, Italy
Rapporteur : Ms Barbara Piotrowska, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 1 Managing and benefi ting from demographic changeW
orks
hop
1C
IntroductionWorkshop 1C focused on various practices of attracting and
retaining people at work.
Almost 200 participants were welcomed by Mr Xavier Prats
Monné, Director responsible for Employment, Lisbon Strategy and
International Aff airs at the Directorate-General for Employment,
Social Aff airs and Equal Opportunities, who chaired the workshop.
He opened the workshop by saying that there were two important
reasons for discussing this topic : public fi nance which is not
sustainable as well as unacceptable waste of human resources in
contributing to work and society.
Debate Dr Elizabeth Mestheneos gave her presentation on the
question of achieving higher employment amongst older workers.
She began by commenting that people need to have reasons
and incentives to stay in the labour market. The 50+ group are
very diff erent and cannot be considered as one category. What is
very important is to keep a balance and capitalise on the various
experiences of older and younger people.
She suggested some actions for employers and regional policy-
makers. They need to develop regional demographic plans and
involve local politicians. They should also try to raise awareness
among employers that when hiring they should focus on skills,
and potential, and not age. The training of older workers cannot
be neglected. Investment in health promotion and disease
prevention should be considered as a company responsibility.
Smaller companies could be helped by the public sector. Flexible
working time is also a solution, which should go in parallel with tax
and social insurance incentives. Dr Mestheneos recommended the
website of European Foundation for the Improvement of Living
and Working Conditions in Dublin, which presents a database of
over 150 case study initiatives on good practices improving the
employment of older people (http ://www.eurofound.europa.eu/
areas/populationandsociety/ageingworkforce.htm).
Dr Norbert Mager presented diff erent approaches from the
State of Hessen to adapting labour and qualifi cation conditions to
demographic changes. The projects developed focus on women,
older employees and the creation of favourable conditions under
which qualifi ed people can have more children.
The Educational Institution of the Hessian Employers’ Federation
carried out a dialogue with companies in 2003-2005 in order
to inform them and develop company-related measures to
face the demographic challenges. About 10% of all companies
advised are using specially developed IT which analyses current
and future age structures of the companies. In 2006, a ten-year
campaign was launched to introduce family-oriented measures
to increase local birth rates. In the town of Frankenberg, a project
is being developed which involves improving working conditions
including childcare facilities and fl exible working hours. The rural
town of Buedingen is intending to shift jobs from the centre of
the Rhine-Main agglomeration area to its outskirts by off ering
incentives to companies to relocate. The motto of the operation
is : “Work is coming home”. Mr Mager stressed the importance of
co-operation between various partners to achieve the intended
objectives.
Dr E
lizab
eth
Mes
then
eos
11
Session 1 Managing and benefi ting from demographic change
Ms Patricia Dantas de Caires spoke about mobilising the
entrepreneurship potential of the population. She explained
that the BIC’s core business is to promote entrepreneurship and
innovation in the Madeira Archipelago.
This innovative concept of the BIC works through human
behaviour thus considerably reducing barriers between students,
citizens and the business world and triggering key skills to start
up a business venture. It provides the technical support to the
theoretical knowledge. The method of learning by doing, unique
in the Portuguese educational system, is an attractive way in
which students, teachers and school managers participate.
Everybody becomes an “entrepreneur for one day”. The biggest
challenge faced is to create a strong and participative partnership,
involve everyone and let everybody understand how the project
is supposed to work. Also, well-prepared teachers and the
involvement of a critical mass are very important. There are no
short-term results, but they will come in fi ve to ten years. The
project promoters do not want young people to start up their
businesses immediately, but to continue their education. So far,
1,600 students and 60 teachers have been involved. A similar
concept could also be used in a social perspective, for example
with less favoured people associations.
Mr Paolo Nanni spoke about Livorno as a knowledge province
for seniors at work – local strategies for active ageing based on
continuous training and lifelong learning for the over 50s. The
Province of Livorno has set up its own company : Provincia di
Livorno Sviluppo srl, in order to plan and implement actions better
at a local level. The Local Employment Action Strategy developed
is based on shared governance and involves all local players. It has
optimised access to European funding and highlighted the need
to intervene with precise actions for four target groups : the young,
women, workers with atypical contracts, and senior workers.
One of the projects developed is ‘Livorno : a knowledge province
for seniors at work’. This two-year project aims to promote a labour
market based on knowledge, fi ghting the dropping out of senior
workers from the production sector, and supporting the return of
the 50+ to work. The project has involved the private and public
sectors as well as partners from Belgium, Ireland and Denmark.
It works through personalised and fl exible vocational training
courses, establishment of a helpdesk to give career advice and
support to the over 50s, encouragement for apprenticeships, and
fi nancing for business start-ups. Particular attention is given to
gender issues and the diff erent needs of men and women.
DiscussionSeveral questions and remarks from the audience mentioned that
demographic aspects cannot be seen in isolation. An intelligent
strategy at regional level is needed, while implementation of
a strategic approach is essential. In addition, it is necessary to
ask companies about the profi les of the workers being sought.
Specifi c tools and strategy need to be developed here.
In their closing remarks the speakers mentioned several points.
Dr Mestheneos stressed the importance of attitude changing
and starting the changes from one’s own playground. Ms Dantas
de Caires said that the key to success is to involve all the actors
and explain the planned process. Mr Mager emphasised the
importance of a tailor-made approach in developing tools for cities
and companies. Paolo Nanni remarked that a strategic approach is
important, integrating various strands of policies.
Mr Xavier Prats Monné thanked the speakers for their useful
presentations. He concluded by saying that nowadays we live
much longer than in the time of Bismarck, when pensions were
invented. Since then, the world has changed and we need to
adapt, too.
Mr X
avie
r Pra
ts M
onné
Mr P
aolo
Nan
ni
12
DEVELOPING RURAL AND SPARSELY POPULATED AND ULTRAPERIPHERAL AREAS : STRATEGIES AND ACTIONS
Chair : Mr Antonis Constantinou, Director, European Commission, Agriculture and Rural Development DG
Expert : Mr Géry Coomans, Director, GeoLabour, Belgium
Speakers : Mrs Kadri Uustal, Councillor, Ministry of Finance, EstoniaMr Antonio Arrufat Gascón, Vice-president of the Provincial Government of Teruel, FEMP (Spanish Federation of Municipalities & Provinces), SpainMr Keijo Mutanen, Managing Director, Joensuu Regional Development, Finland
Rapporteur : Mr Wladyslaw Piskorz, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 2 Diverse territories, diverse problems?W
orks
hop
2A
IntroductionWorkshop 2A focused on the strategies and actions for the
development of rural and sparsely populated and ultra-peripheral
areas. Mr Antonis Constantinou set out the policy framework for
the ensuing presentations.
Europe’s rural areas are very diverse with remote, sparsely
populated areas where the rate of depopulation is high, and
areas nearer to urban centres where population growth rates
are often higher then in the cities. Rural areas are predominantly
faced with a common set of structural defi cits : income per person
employed hardly reaches 50% of that in the cities; possibilities to
become economically active are scarce, especially for women and
adolescents; the level of vocational training is low; and access to
internet and basic services is far from satisfactory.
Demography-related problems are aggravated in rural areas : older
people often make up a high proportion of the population, and
the balance between age groups is shifting faster than in other
areas; out-migration may still be very substantial and the danger
of depopulation sometimes acute.
DebateMr Géry Coomans focused on educational supply and
employment prospects. He argued that more education on a
personal level brings more fl exibility, more job security and –
thanks to higher wages – improved living conditions. On a global
scale, it means higher level of labour supply, higher productivity
growth, higher added value strategies, better state funding,
and better governance. He observed that improvement in the
educational level is partially compensating for the impact of
demographic change. The employment rates are higher for those
with higher education. Education brings more people on to the
labour market. Demand for labour concentrates mainly on the
better (tertiary) educated. The number of jobs off ered to those of
a low education standard is and will continue to decline.
Mr Coomans stated that the employment rate of women has
increased signifi cantly in the EU in recent years. The target set by
the Lisbon Strategy for 2010 (60% female employment rate) will
be achieved. Also, the old relationship between more education
and lower fertility is being progressively reversed in a majority of
Member States.
He argued that increased immigration may not be the best strategy
to compensate for shortage of labour following demographic
decline. In the EU, labour quality is no less important than quantity.
We no longer rely on a permanent infl ow of young people. With
reduced numbers of quality knowledge workers we would have to
work longer. There are many examples of successful adaptation to
demographic changes – including reinforcing vocational training
on the local level and investment in lifelong learning. Regions
would benefi t from focusing on improving the education of the
labour force.
Mrs Kadri Uustal presented the positive impact of integrated
development strategy on the prosperity of Southern Estonia.
This is a region characterised by out-migration to the capital,
a high share in the primary sector, lack of qualifi ed labour, and
fragmented regional public administration.
Mr G
éry
Coom
ans
13
Session 2 Diverse territories, diverse problems?
South Estonia was successfully utilising EU fi nancial support.
Several funding possibilities existed to address diff erent kinds of
problems faced by the region.
Mr Antonio Arrufat Gascón shared the Spanish experience of
developing and implementing strategies for developing rural
and sparsely populated and ultra-peripheral areas. He argued
that there might be several severe negative consequences of
the territorial population imbalance in Europe. It could lead to
loss in quality of life, underutilisation of existing infrastructure,
loss of natural, cultural and architectural heritage, a slowdown
in economic growth, loss in competitiveness and increase in
dependency levels.
Keijo Mutanen presented the successful transition from
depression to strong growth in the Joensuu region. This remote
region suff ered a loss of export markets following disruption of
the Soviet Union and depopulation. It was possible to reverse the
trend by focusing on long-term investments in selected business
sectors, development of education and innovation systems in
close co-operation with industry, establishment of a regional
development company and systematic networking strategy,
regional business development programme with challenging
targets, and good use of EU Structural Funds.
Participants at the workshop indicated that rural areas are particularly
aff ected by demographic change. Views were expressed that it is
necessary at the local level to adopt and implement the strategies
to slow down depopulation and population shrinkage, and to
diminish its negative impacts. The needs of remote and sparsely
populated areas have to be addressed in a more targeted way.
Mr Constantinou stressed the need to ensure that the underlying
demographic trends are factored in depth into rural development
policies in order to adapt them to respective local needs and to
exploit the opportunities that may occur.
EU funds can play an important role in providing suffi cient incentives
for the development. EU Cohesion Policy and rural development
policy are already applying an integrated approach. In the framework
of these policies, support is being provided for job creation,
development of micro-enterprises, diversifi cation of economic
activities in rural areas, development of rural tourism, capacity
building, skills acquisition, utilisation of local resources, cultivation of
rural heritage, and development of local action groups.
Conclusions On the basis of the presentations and debate, the workshop
concluded that remote rural areas face serious challenges
which need to be addressed. These include lower levels of
income, unfavourable demographic development and slower
development of the service sector.
The continued restructuring of agriculture creates additional
problems. Trade-off s and issues of coherence will arise. For
instance, under EU R&D programmes, early retirement can be
supported at a time when we are increasingly trying to extend
working age. Legitimate questions arise about whether early
retirement justifi es EU support. The main reason for this measure
is to free land in order to enable other farms to grow. To address
those problems it is necessary to bring economic life to those areas
by diversifying the economy and investing in entrepreneurship.
In rural areas we need young people (with “a spark in the eye”)
and demographic renewal. Apart from the usual approach in
this respect – i.e. reconciliation of family and work life, incentives
for bigger families, and child care facilities – rural areas must
be attractive for young people. There should be basic services
(including cultural and educational) at the very least.
Mrs
Kad
ri U
usta
l
14
URBAN AREAS AND DENSELY POPULATED AREAS
Chair : Ms Natalija Kazlauskiene, Director, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Expert : Mr Jan Maarten De Vet, ECORYS Research & Consulting, Belgium
Speakers : Mr Kevin Richardson, Senior Cooperate Policy Manager, Newcastle City Council, United KingdomDr Wolfgang Schuster, Mayor of the City of Stuttgart, Germany
Rapporteur : Mr Jonathan Denness, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 2 Diverse territories, diverse problems?W
orks
hop
2B
IntroductionThis workshop considered the very specifi c problems faced by
urban areas in a time of demographic change. In her introductory
remarks, Ms Natalija Kazlauskiene identifi ed three key challenges in
urban areas : an ageing population, signifi cant infl ows of migrants,
and the need to ensure the integration of the disadvantaged
members of society. These challenges led to problems in a number
of distinct policy areas : spatial planning, housing, development of
local and regional labour markets, social support networks and
community development.
DebateIn his presentation, Jan Maarten de Vet provided some data on
the Urban Audit. The audit covers 258 cities in all 27 EU Member
States. It covers demography, social conditions, economic
aspects, education, civic involvement, environment, transport and
culture. The audit results suggest that there are some interesting
correlations between various demographic factors in cities. The
Nordic countries and cities in southern Europe show urban
growth, whilst the central and eastern European conurbations
generally show a loss of population. Western European countries
have cities which are both growing and shrinking. The faster a city
grows the less the share of population of that city is accounted
for by elderly people. Migration is particularly important for larger
cities as they attract migrants from greater distances than smaller
towns. Above all, the trend towards one-person households is
pervasive right across European cities – either for young migrant
workers or single elderly people. All of these trends present
signifi cant demographic challenges for cities and regions.
Mr Kevin Richardson explained why urban cores are necessary
for a positive approach to managed migration. He presented the
situation in the United Kingdom, where migrants from central
and eastern European countries numbered over 500,000. Most
of the migrants were young and were employed in all economic
sectors. The greatest numbers are in administration and general
business sectors. In parallel, the number of economically active
people has risen slightly but remains well below the national
average. There is growing evidence of skills shortages over a
wide range of sectors.
Mr Richardson presented a stark picture of the possible
population changes without international migration. The
population of Newcastle currently stood at around 270,000 and
without any change in the current situation it would grow to
over 280,000 by 2021. However, if international migration were to
cease, the population would fall to below 240,000, partly because
of internal migration to other parts of the UK, especially London.
Of the current migrant population, he stated that over 97% were
in employment and were well educated and motivated, although
not primarily by money. They were sought after by employers
but were often underemployed in relation to their abilities. They
tended to live in private rented accommodation in the city centre
and wanted to integrate – they did not form groups with their
compatriots.
Mr Richardson put forward the idea that as cities would depend
on migrant workers to address skills shortages and other
demographic issues, they would have to build attractive brand
names, quality and awareness. Both labour and housing market
Ms
Nat
alija
Kaz
laus
kien
e an
d M
r Kev
in R
icha
rdso
n
15
Session 2 Diverse territories, diverse problems?
issues would need to be addressed carefully, avoiding artifi cial
divisions based on administrative boundaries. Overall actions
should be integrated so that cities are attractive to migrants and
existing residents are also supported – with various measures
ranging from helping the unemployed get into the job market
through to the retention of graduates in these areas. This meant
that cities and city regions would be competing across the EU
and beyond to attract inward migrants and avoid losing their
skilled workers. He concluded by asking how Structural Funds
could be eff ectively used to address these issues.
Dr Wolfgang Schuster, Mayor of the City of Stuttgart, presented
the Stuttgart Pact of Generations. This is a response to four major
challenges : demographic change, globalisation, technological
development and a change in common shared values. The pact has
15 objectives covering policies and objectives for children, families,
the elderly and migrants who have a diff erent mother tongue.
The city authorities were doing much to achieve these objectives,
not least by decentralising the provision of services to citizens,
using the schools to promote lifelong learning rather than just
education for the young, and avoiding generational clashes for
scarce resources by seeking fair allocations of expenditure of the
city budget whilst consistently reducing debts.
Other actors were also integrated to help implement the pact.
Businesses were encouraged to become involved, through
providing family-friendly employment practices to allow women
to combine having a family with a career. Companies were also
encouraged to avoid the premature dismissal or retirement of
older employees so that their skills and experience could be better
used for economic development.
The voluntary sector also played its part. Multi-generational
houses were created which, together with other community
organisations, were used to create a variety of “contact bourses”
where the diff erent generations could meet and promote personal
friendships.
Following the presentation, there was a debate about the merit
of encouraging women to have more children, the importance
of voluntary work and of urban-rural links when dealing with
demographic issues. It was pointed out that policies with a specifi c
demographic objective, whether through increased number
of children or migration could have long-term and sometimes
perverse eff ects, therefore they need to be treated with caution.
Voluntary work was a useful tool to address the consequences
of these demographic issues, but in general people of working
age now had less time to spare. The recently retired population
was identifi ed as a source of voluntary workers. As to urban-rural
links, it was pointed out that migration could have very negative
eff ects in rural areas, especially if one community felt swamped by
a relatively large number of migrants.
ConclusionsMs Kazlauskiene concluded the workshop by recalling the
three key challenges in her opening remarks. She pointed out
that these issues could be addressed through the new Structural
Funds framework, which provided the fl exibility to deal with those
demographic issues cutting across all aspects of the programmes.
In addition, the fi nancial engineering instrument JESSICA for
urban areas and the Regions for Economic Change exchange
of experience provided additional useful tools to put in place
measures to address demographic change.
Dr W
olfg
ang
Schu
ster
16
POTENTIAL OF EINCLUSION TO STRENGTHEN TERRITORIAL COHESION
Chair : Mr Frans de Bruïne, Director, European Commission, Information Society DG
Expert : Mr Erik Gløersen, the Nordic Centre for Spatial Development, Sweden
Speakers : Mr Charlie Wallin, Association of Local Authorities in the region of Västernorrland, SwedenMr Eric Koch, EU Industry Manager, Intel Corporation, Belgium
Rapporteur : Ms Rachel Lancry, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 2 Diverse territories, diverse problems?W
orks
hop
2C
IntroductionICT solutions such as e-government, e-business, e-learning
and e-health, can be a pivotal tool for territorial cohesion. This
workshop examined how Cohesion Policy can be used to support
the development and application of these possibilities with the
objectives of increasing accessibility to public services, to jobs and
business opportunities and improved health, thereby increasing
the number of healthy years of work.
DebateMr De Bruïne opened the workshop and set out the
Commission’s view that it is vital to maximise the potential of ICT
to help address societal challenges, including health, government,
inclusion and energy effi ciency, and to enable all actors to
contribute to the growth and jobs agenda.
E-inclusion entails using ICT to overcome factors of exclusion
and ensuring that ICT itself does not constitute a barrier to
participation. Achieving a more inclusive Information Society
may be a challenge (currently 30-50% of the population does not
actively participate in the Information Society) but its potential
benefi ts to regions cannot be underestimated : opportunities
provided by the “silver economy”, the export of EU solutions and
for keeping people socially and economically active for longer.
Mr Gløersen presented the challenges and potentials of
broadband strategies in sparse and depopulating areas. He
illustrated how the demographic situation can be viewed from
many diff erent perspectives, depending on the scale used, and
suggested that maximum commuting distance is the most
relevant scale for determining which areas are considered
‘sparsely-populated’. Policies on e-inclusion also need to take into
account that there are large divergences across Europe as regards
the digital divide.
He then gave an overview of the Nordic experience, which is
characterised by the fact that full broadband coverage is envisaged
before 2010 in Finland, Sweden and Norway, despite sparse and
wide-spread population. Lessons which can be drawn from this
experience include :
• Scope for increased private-sector involvement : the Swedish
experience was that provision of broadband was initially led
by the public sector but there was subsequently scope for
more private-sector involvement.
• Is 100% broadband coverage really necessary? What is its
purpose : primarily social inclusion or economic development?
• Long-term sustainability : once the broadband is in place
who is responsible for its running costs?
• Importance of having an overall strategy which takes into
account local/regional diversity : the most appropriate
solutions can only be found at local/regional level but too
many diff erent local solutions can lead to technical problems,
such as network overload.
Mr Wallin recounted how the roll-out of ICT to businesses and
households in Västernorrland, Sweden, has been used to help
boost regional development and address demographic challenge
in a predominantly rural region with a population of 244,000
(density of 11.2 inhabitants/km2, population in decline since the
1960s).
A total of €41m (Structural Funds, government, municipalities and
private funding) has been invested, resulting in between 71-95%
broadband coverage in municipalities. However, providing the
infrastructure is not enough : market failure to stimulate use led to
Mr E
rik
Glø
erse
n
17
Session 2 Diverse territories, diverse problems?
measures such as a scheme to increase household use whereby
employees can rent (tax-deductible) a PC for three years. The public
sector can also set a good example by off ering modern ways of
working or encouraging its suppliers to use electronic invoices.
Mr Koch described Intel’s e-inclusion initiatives. Its programme
‘Intel World Ahead’ has a stated objective of connecting 1 billion
people, through measures to enhance accessibility, connectivity,
education and content. Intel works with government programmes
to target specifi c groups, including seniors through the ‘50+
initiative’, focusing both on older workers (people who are
employable but whose potential might be underused as a result of
not having ICT skills) and the elderly/very elderly (digital inclusion
to reduce homecare costs by securing ambient assisted living).
Specifi c examples were given of the implementation of the 50+
initiative in diff erent Member States. Challenges include ensuring
that the diff ering needs of seniors are taken into account,
addressing the ‘fear’ of technology and underestimation of the
benefi ts, cost barriers and varying degrees of intensity of countries’
elderly strategy.
Three main issues were raised during the subsequent discussion :
1) How best to reach and persuade potential users, with a particular
focus on senior users : there should be broad consultation with
groups representing seniors, and account should be taken of
disparities between seniors. Stereotyping, generalisations and
obliging seniors to use ICT should be avoided. There is scope
for persuading them to use ICTs through peer group pressure
and ‘senior ambassadors’ and by focusing on the benefi ts of
their use. For example, grandparents can have more regularly
communication with their grandchildren, and there would be
shorter queues for government services as more people could
access them on-line.
2) Need for consideration of costs : in particular, costs to the
environment through the increased use of power a wider
use of ICT could entail, and the costs not just of acquisition
but of ownership and continued use of ICT connection. Mr
Koch outlined Intel’s plans to improve energy effi ciency in the
new generation of products, while the Commission informed
participants that Commissioner Reding is planning to issue a
Communication on ICT and energy effi ciency in 2007.
3) Key role for employers : employers can help to keep people in
employment and therefore active for longer through various
measures – by encouraging phased retirement and revised
job descriptions. ICTs can also play a role here by enabling
teleworking both as part of a regular job or through remote
access for consultancy provision.
ConclusionsSix main conclusions were drawn from the workshop :
• It is important to determine the relevant scale for assessing
demographic challenges : for most people, this is their direct
environment, often less than 80km;
• The infrastructure is either already there or is being developed :
the main issue now is rather what use will be made of it. Care
must be taken to ensure that the focus is on enabling use of
ICT rather than obliging people to use it;
• Many successful projects are based on healthy private-public
partnerships which maximise the potential benefi ts of both
public- and private-sector contributions;
• Employers have a key role to play in encouraging workers to
keep active (and therefore healthy) for longer;
• Regions and municipalities have a key role to play in driving
these issues forward, including through judicious use of
Cohesion Policy and rural development funding;
• The workshop proceedings provide food for thought for
participants and the wider partnership. It is now up to
partners to test out these ideas on the ground.
Further information/contactsFurther information on the Commission’s work on e-inclusion/ICT
and ageing can be found at :
http ://ec.europa.eu\information_society\einclusion
Mr Werner Korte ([email protected]) issued an open
call for interest to workshop participants : this network is interested
in developing ideas within/between regions for ICT projects
related to culture and ageing and healthy ageing.
Mr C
harl
ie W
allin
18
MOBILISING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF PEOPLE; REGIONS, CITIES AND DENSELY POPULATED AREAS ADAPTING LABOUR MARKETS
Chair : Mr Ronald Hall, Director, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Expert : Dr Lucie Vidovičová, Masaryk University, Institute for Research on Social Reproduction & Integration, Czech Republic
Speakers : Mr Paweł Żuromski, President of the Board, Łódź Regional Development Agency, PolandMr Laurie South, Director, PRIME – the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise, United Kingdom
Rapporteur : Mr Lewis Dijkstra, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 3 Regions learning from each otherW
orks
hop
3A
IntroductionUnderstanding regional variations in demographic trends is a
key issue to prepare European society to face the demographic
challenge. In spite of improvements there is still room to
further improve information on demographic processes, their
employment consequences and the aspects infl uencing them.
Exploring these aspects may provide inputs for developing policy
tools bringing us closer to a situation where the socio-economic
eff ects of ageing are no longer something only to be lamented.
DebateDr Lucie Vidovičová delivered an interesting summary of the
factors infl uencing retirement preferences. She set the scene
by presenting a slightly modifi ed dependency scenario : the
“adjusted” economic dependency rate (number of employed
(15-64) compared to the number of unemployed (15-64), inactive
(15-64), children and older (65+)). This indicates that we were
already experiencing the predicted “two feeding three” scenario
(2050) in 2005. The most important element in this dependency
relation is the high rate of economically inactive people of active
age. As a consequence, there is need for more insight into the
reasons and motivations of early exit from the labour market. With
this in mind, Ms Vidovičová introduced some country variations
and factors (i.e. salary-pension diff erences, feeling of usefulness,
overall job satisfaction) eff ecting early retirement in these
countries.
A more detailed preference model followed based on a 2006
survey among those aged 55-65 in the Czech Republic. Factors
of retirement preference were investigated according to sub-
groups (work-oriented 20% – adaptive 60% – retirement-oriented
20%). These groups – distributed normally in society – showed
that retirement plans (strong predictors of actual behaviour)
are individually shaped by value-based lifestyle choices. Further
insights into the characteristics of sub-groups were given with the
“work-oriented”, such as feeling healthier, being more optimistic
and considering retirement as an unpleasant formality. Age and
sex had no infl uence and education only a minor one. Sensitivity of
the preferences was also tested according to changing conditions
(i.e. new IT requirements, children with fi nancial needs).
The good news from Ms Vidovičová`s presentation was that
retirement preferences are not primarily based on fi nancial
aspects, although the smiles from the conference attendees were
cancelled by the fi nal conclusion that the signifi cant role played
by values, life strategies and satisfaction are mainly out of the
reach of policy measures.
The second presentation demonstrated the diversity of the
workshop theme as it addressed mainly the other end of the age-
related employment spectrum : unemployment among young
people and the experience related to enterprise start-up support
in the Polish Łódź region during the 2004–06 programming period.
Having introduced his region, Mr Paweł Żuromski portrayed the
main features and fi rst results of the ongoing entrepreneurship
promotion measure of the Integrated Regional Operative
Programme co-fi nanced by the European Social Fund. In a region
with above average unemployment rate and a vulnerable sectoral
structure (traditionally high share of the textile and agriculture
sector) new businesses, increasing self-employment in non-
traditional sectors is a great achievement. More than half of the
fi nal benefi ciaries were unregistered unemployed before the
Mr R
onal
d H
all
19
Session 3 Regions learning from each other
programme, 61% of the participants started their own business
after the programme (most of whom could not start a business
independently), 27% of these in the IT sector. The interest in the
programme (especially among the young and unemployed)
exceeded the available places by almost three times. However
some shortages, especially the over-regulated, complicated
and frequently changed procedures and documents were also
emphasised.
The workshop was then confronted by the labour market ‘niche’ of
those over 50 in a passionate presentation by Mr Laurie South.
In the UK, 2.7 million people between the ages of 50 and pension
age are inactive, while business start-up support is concentrating
on the younger generations where “targets are easier to set and to
achieve”. Against this background, PRIME took up the challenge of
reaching this 50+ segment with a proactive “in the fi eld” approach.
PRIME delivers essential and targeted services, such as mentoring,
post-start-up support, personal development, exit support as well
as research into 50+ self-employment and enterprise. Of those
contacting PRIME (3000/year), 43% start a business. However,
funding is diffi cult to secure because of, among other reasons,
impatience regarding results.
Taking up the fi nal point made by Mr South on funding, Mr Hall
emphasised the Commission’s commitment to increase the role
of non-grant type repayable fi nances and to persuade Member
States to make use of JEREMIE-type solutions where fi nancial
engineering is provided through holding funds. Furthermore, he
emphasised the need to understand the diff erent institutional
frameworks in the Member States and explore ways to overcome
barriers of better microfi nance. Apart from funding, the issue of
increased and, in particular, better targeted mentoring capacity
was also addressed.
During the discussion, Dr Mestheneos of the Greek Age Platform
stressed the importance of concentrating on existing possibilities
and setting realistic aims. Along with the need for better mentoring,
she raised the issue of a common European training curriculum
in the context of the JEREMIE initiative. In his response, Mr Hall
stressed the fi nancial intermediary nature of JEREMIE, although he
acknowledged the possibility of getting more out of it as regards
mentoring. Based on his experience, Mr South praised the Belgian
start-up curriculum, but as regards general European models he
emphasised the need for contextualising.
The representative of Yorkshire Forward raised the issue of a
gender divide in entrepreneurship. Speakers in their responses
stressed their eff orts to ensure higher female participation in
programmes. Mr South, in particular, referred to a successful
special course for 50+ women organised in partnership with a
London-based university.
ConclusionsWhile a full synthesis was hard to provide after the diverse
presentations, some important lessons emerged, which were also
relevant outside urban areas :
1. Population groups with the same or similar ages may have
very diff erent, characteristic labour market attitudes with varying
possibilities to infl uence through policy. Policy responses on ageing
should therefore be targeted according to these specifi cities.
2. Over-regulation and unnecessary red tape is leading to delays
in payments. National authorities should try to avoid extensive
additional rules complementing EU-level regulations.
3. The system of micro-fi nancing needs to be further developed
and the ‘one size fi ts all’ kind of thinking should be replaced in
entrepreneurship support especially as regards age groups (50+).
Age group targeting is probably one approach that may help us
to face the employment challenges of ageing.
Dr L
ucie
Vid
ovič
ová
Mr L
auri
e So
uth
20
REGIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS WORKING TOGETHER TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED BY DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES
Chair : Mr Jerome Vignon, Director, European Commission, Employment, Social Aff airs and Equal Opportunities DG
Expert : Dr Martin Ferry, European Policies Research Centre, United Kingdom
Speakers : Mr Rauli Sorvari, Programme Manager, Regional Council of Central Finland, FinlandMr Eilert Carlson, International Director, County Administrative Board of Västerbotten, SwedenMr Doede Sijtsma, Province of Gelderland, Silver Economy - SEN@ER partner region, The Netherlands
Rapporteur : Ms Lucie Zackova, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 3 Regions learning from each otherW
orks
hop
3B
IntroductionOpening the workshop, Mr Vignon referred to the overall decline in
population and ageing of the post-war baby boomers combined
with the increased fragmentation of the labour marked based on
gender, age and level of education. This challenge, and others
posed by demographic change, can only be tackled if regions
work together. The aim of this workshop was to discuss how
regions can co-operate in order to combat diffi culties associated
with the demographic challenges of today’s Europe. The
workshop combined theoretical presentation based on results of
a study related to this subject, with three practical examples from
diff erent European regions.
DebateDr Martin Ferry initially presented the results of a study that
the European Policies Research Centre carried out in six diff erent
European regions, focusing on their strategies towards population
ageing. He described fi ve types of policy intervention that are used
in diff erent combinations for designing and delivering strategies
to tackle demographic challenges : fi rst, the presence of a specifi c
institutional framework in the regions to “champion” the ageing
agenda; secondly, specifi c regional ageing strategies; third, the
mainstreaming of the response to ageing into existing strategies;
fourth, existence of regional action plans providing incentives for
regional and local actors to participate in age-related programmes
and projects; and last, awareness-raising as an important aspect
accompanying design and implementation of ageing strategies.
Mr Rauli Sorvari presented a practical example of an intra-
regional partnership using the know-how potential of the elderly
population in developing a regional innovation cluster based
around the education cluster. This example showed how existing
structures based on the three Cs (co-operation, competition and
competence) combined with human capital can be mobilised to
tackle demographic problems. The EduCluster in Central Finland
emphasises interaction between educational organisations,
between the learning and working environment, and between
the entrepreneurship potential of younger generation and the
elderly with know-how. Together they develop the “learning
region” concept based on better management of change,
knowledge sharing and support of entrepreneurship across all
levels of education and ages with the aim of creating conditions
for better economic growth and innovation.
The strategy for future development of the Barents region, a
regional transnational partnership, was presented by Mr Eilert
Carlson. Behind the overall goal to generate economic growth
and social development by a knowledge-driven and sustainable
exploitation of the region’s natural resources is the need to make
the region more attractive and to overcome depopulation of the
area. The specifi city of the Barents region is that it is the largest
region for inter-regional co-operation in Europe, where about 6
million inhabitants in four countries come together with diff erent
institutional and cultural backgrounds. Whereas to overcome the
diversity within the Barents region is a challenge, this example
shows how regional potential can be promoted through
developing long-term strategies and programmes.
The last example was that of an inter-regional partnership
presented by Mr Doede Sijtsma from the Dutch province of
Gelderland. The Silver Economy Network of European Regions –
Dr M
arti
n Fe
rry
21
Session 3 Regions learning from each other
SEN@ER – involves 15 European regions promoting demographic
change not as a threat but as an opportunity for society as a
whole. The elderly people of today expect more quality products
and better services which can benefi t the whole economy in
terms of new jobs and more growth. Mr Sijtsma presented “golden
rules” for eff ective functioning networking, highlighting the need
to link the network within the overall European context and the
necessity for suffi cient fi nancial and human resources to make the
network work.
The debate focused on two issues. First, the problem of integration
of the elderly into society, a fact we will face increasingly in the
coming years as a result of the overall increase in the elderly
population. The EduCluster case showed how successful
integration of older people can be achieved using their hidden
knowledge in developing regional competencies. Another
example, a type of cluster at micro level, was given by Mr Jerome
Vignon. He mentioned a government scheme developed in
Slovenia to tackle exclusion of the older population while, at the
same time, solving the problem of lack of suitable housing for
young families. The scheme enables elderly people who live alone
to rent part of their house to young families. The programme
promotes mutual understanding between generations and helps
the working population to successfully combine their private and
professional life.
The second issue discussed was the problem of depopulation that
many regions in Europe are witnessing today. Participants stressed
the need for strategies supported by a good educational system
that can make regions more attractive for the younger generation.
Understanding the needs of youth can help preserve their future
in their regions.
ConclusionsThis workshop provided useful tips for the design and delivery
of regional ageing strategies and gave practical examples of
networking between and within regions designed to combat
demographic challenges. Despite diff erent examples presented
in the workshop, on the one hand international networks (Barents
region, Sen@er), and on the other hand intra-regional network
(EduCluster in Central Finland), some common features can be
found across all the regions :
• Development of partnerships between regions is a
challenging task because of the diff erent institutional,
cultural and political backgrounds;
• Whereas an institutional framework at national level is
necessary, it is the willingness and drive of the local or
regional players that can make inter-regional co-operation
and partnerships work;
• There is no ‘one size fi ts all’ approach to tackle demographic
challenges;
• Existence of a regional strategy and its incorporation into
a regional action plan is the key for tackling demographic
challenges;
• Mobilisation of regional and local actors is essential for
delivery of the strategy;
• Using the potential of all population groups is crucial to
tackling demographic problems. The existence of institutional
structures enabling exploitation of entrepreneurship of the
younger population, combined with the elderly’s knowledge
and experience, optimises a region’s innovation potential
and thus increases its competitiveness in the longer term;
• In developing partnerships, a pragmatic approach is the
best way to achieve results; focus should be on what can be
achieved instead of what could be achieved.
Mr E
ilert
Car
lson
22
REGIONS WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION
Chair : Ms Elisabeth Helander, Director, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Speakers : Mrs Apolónia Rodrigues, Evora Tourism Region, PortugalMrs Marianne Pedersen, Head of Development Unit, City of Lulea, SwedenDr Stefanie Dühr, Radboud University Nijmegen, The NetherlandsMr Richard Baker, Director of Age Concern England and English Regions Network, UK
Rapporteur : Ms Fausta Corda, European Commission, Regional Policy DG
Session 3 Regions learning from each otherW
orks
hop
3C
IntroductionThe question was whether and how the regional policy
could help in resolving demographic problems through the
European Territorial Co-operation objective. It was suggested
that, in particular, inter-regional co-operation might provide an
appropriate platform to look at practical solutions for confronting
demographic challenges. The workshop aimed at presenting
good practice examples on how co-operation and networking
could be relevant tools to encompass the challenges related to
demographic change.
DebateDr Elisabeth Helander introduced the debate explaining that
the demographic issue was generally seen as a problem. However,
she emphasised that demographic challenge could also represent
an opportunity, mentioning migration as an example which is
contributing to economic growth and also helping to solve the
problem of depopulation in many areas of Europe. She indicated
that the future Interregional and URBACT programmes for the period
2007-2013 off ered new possibilities to take these issues forward. She
expected that the panel in this workshop could pave the way to
generate constructive ideas to feed into this important debate.
Ms Apolónia Rodrigues presented the ‘Genuineland’ project
which is a European Network of Village Tourism, fi nanced within
inter-regional co-operation (INTERREG IIIC). The project aimed
at promoting sustainable development by using tourism as
a catalyst for integration and sustainability. Developing the
concept of ‘village tourism’ had successfully motivated the active
participation of local actors, because it represented an important
element for local and regional dynamics. The ultimate goal was
to maintain population in rural areas, in particular the younger
generation. Therefore, the project focused on ways to create new
employment opportunities, to keep existing jobs, to improve the
quality of life, and to invite young and old people to work together
and to learn from each other. She emphasised the importance of
the substantial involvement of stakeholders at local, regional and
national level. The result was a growing interest by entrepreneurs
in investing in these regions. She concluded by underlining the
added value of the project acknowledged in the fi ve regions
involved, thanks to networking, as a future instrument for tourism
development in these regions.
The second case, presented by Ms Marianne Pedersen, was
‘Our life as elderly’ undertaken within the ‘Northern Periphery’
transnational programme. It aimed at developing elderly care
for the future, based on citizens’ needs, demands and wishes.
Six partners from fi ve diff erent countries took part in the project.
Europe has reached the position where people stay healthier
and live longer. A major concern, in spite of positive progress, is
the economic responsibility for the well-being of the increasing
number of elderly. This is a common challenge for EU countries.
Ms
Apo
lóni
a Ro
drig
ues
23
Session 3 Regions learning from each other
The objective of the project was to develop new and more
eff ective ideas and working models for service, recruiting of staff ,
housing, and quality of care, as well as wider societal interaction and
cross-generation involvement that will meet future requirements.
The methods used to check the needs were based on interviews
among the population, on dialogue and on questionnaires.
Ms Pedersen stressed that the added value of the project was
illustrated by the important involvement of citizens, signifi cant
media attention, the numerous exchanges of best practice, and
the continual visits by partners to all participating countries.
Dr Stefanie Dühr presented the territorial implications of
demographic change in the North Sea Region. She raised the
question on how spatial planning/territorial co-operation at
transnational level could help the response to challenges arising
from the changing demographic context. The demographic
pattern in the North Sea Region is diverse and complex. She
underlined the shared problems of the area : the polarisation
tendencies and depopulation of rural areas, the falling and
ageing population, in particular the fall in the working-age
population leading to rising dependency ratios, the challenge
facing the regions over economic competitiveness, and the rising
international immigration. She concluded by insisting that the
multidisciplinary nature of the demographic issue was a crucial
component for housing, transport, tourism, and that it is an
important aspect in new transnational territorial co-operation
programmes. In particular, she felt that there is a need for better
cross-sectoral coordination, for more and coordinated analysis
into the spatial development eff ects from demographic change,
and that emphasis should be put on anticipating the eff ects.
Mr Richard Baker presented the last case study in this workshop :
‘Regions for all ages’. He highlighted the importance of ageing to
regional policy, understanding the impact of demographic ageing
and the necessity to develop a strategic response. In his analysis, he
initially took into consideration the general trends which enhance
longevity and lower fertility; secondly, the regionally specifi c
issues highlighted by relative prosperity and poverty, general
migration and internal population movements, demography of
minorities, sub-regional eff ects; thirdly, the regional demographies
that are diff erent and divergent; and fi nally the regions that
require detailed assessment and response. He proposed putting
a strong emphasis on this issue at regional level, mainstreaming
ageing issues into regional strategies (economic, social, spatial),
and mainstreaming the regional dimension into national policies
and structures (government, NGO), insisting on functioning
coordination structures (between regions within regions),
developing research products and tool kits, and taking advantage
of European activities. He concluded that possible future actions
could include supporting eff ective coordination at regional level,
facilitating information exchange, and co-operating at national
and European levels, analysing development, information and
practice, focusing on specifi c themes (economic, health, equality),
and also continuing to develop projects.
ConclusionsOn the basis of the presentations made and following the
subsequent debate, it was stressed that within the framework of
the Cohesion Policy, territorial co-operation, in particular inter-
regional co-operation and networking, could make an important
contribution towards solving demographic issues. The workshop
concluded that inter-regional co-operation can indeed help
European regions to develop or improve their policies and strategies
in many related sectors. This European instrument could support
appropriate economic development, social regeneration, regional
governance, housing and infrastructure, health care and other
services, urban policies and also an exchange of experience about
how to implement successful concrete projects in those areas.
Ms
Faus
ta C
orda
24
Annex Sound bites
25
Annex Sound bites
Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy“Addressing the demographic challenge should not be seen
as a separate priority dealt with only in specifi c parts of our
programmes. We must factor the demographic element more
deeply into our strategic planning in general :
“The consequence of the regional variations in population change
... is that uniform policy responses are impossible. To be eff ective,
our policies must be based on an understanding of the diff ering
challenges. Regional and local authorities, who play an essential
role in implementing policies and in providing services, must be
involved from the outset in policy formulation.
“The Union’s Cohesion Policy ... ensures that all relevant partners
are involved in a partnership to design and implement policies,
through medium-term strategic plans within a stable fi nancial
framework.”
Michel Delebarre, President of the Committee of the Regions“A new mindset will be required on the concept of territorial cohesion,
to take account of the changing demographic profi le of Europe’s
regions and cities. While some would succeed in attracting younger
workers, others would be a magnet for the retired. Some areas are
likely to suff er signifi cant depopulation and the EU would have to
respond to these new realities and respect diversity.”
Dr Karl-Heinze Dähre, Länder Minister for Regional Development and Transport, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany“Demographic change is already a daily challenge in Saxony Anhalt.”
“The Union’s Cohesion Policy is an important bridge between the
general strategy debate at EU level and concrete implementation at
local and regional level.”
Dan
uta
Hüb
ner
Mic
hel D
eleb
arre
Dr K
arl-H
einz
e D
ähre
26
Annex Sound bites
Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Aff airs and Equal Opportunities“The impact of ageing is very important as regards the functioning
of our regional economies and labour markets and as regards
local governance. The European Union must lend its support
to all the players ... particularly at the regional and local levels.
Enhancing the adaptability of workers and companies is the fi rst
priority under the new rules of the Social Fund, which specifi cally
mentions the need to invest more in strategies to achieve better
access to training, particularly for older workers.”
“I remain convinced that demographic change off ers each and
every European the chance to be a driving force in the process
of change rather than passively endure it, through action taken as
close as possible to their daily lives by regional and local leaders,
and through the networks of exchanges that the latter create in
order to move forward in this area.”
Dimitris Dimitriadis, President of the European Economic and Social Committee“In all cases, whether we want it or not, the implementation
of national policies is made at a regional and local level, which
sometimes is greatly diversifi ed from one country to another.
Consequently, the demographic challenge of ageing, and
moreover its solution, must be diversifi ed too ... the challenge of
demographic ageing must absolutely be seen through a regional
scope.”
Gerd Harms, State secretary of the Länd of Brandenburg and Member of the Committee of the Regions“The Committee of the Regions notes that the general
demographic trends at European level display highly diff erentiated
regional eff ects ... Our analysis of these far reaching processes is
well advanced. However, we are still only taking baby steps in
terms of the initiating the appropriate political reactions on all
levels.
“Current development concepts are based on growing societies.
In the light of demographic change it is necessary to supplement
the growth paradigm with a paradigm of acceptable shrinking.
For this we need diff erentiated instruments, which need to be
further developed in the framework of European networks. The
regions expect the ongoing support of the Commission during
this process.”
Dim
itri
s D
imit
riad
is
Vla
dim
ír Š
pidl
aG
erd
Har
ms
27
Annex Sound bites
Anne-Sophie Parent, Director of AGE-European Older People’s Platform“If the EU is to meet its demographic challenge, it needs to get the
support of everyone, both young and old. It needs to ensure equal
opportunities for all, young and old. Reforms are needed, regional
and local authorities have to review their policies constantly to
ensure that they continue to meet the needs of their population.”
“We hope that the [Age proofi ng] toolkit will help build the bridge
between public authorities and representative citizens’ groups, so
that the demographic future of Europe is not only discussed in
Brussels once in a while in big conferences..., but that it becomes
a shared goal for everyone in the EU.”
Lambert van Nistelrooij, MEP, Member of the REGI Committee, European Parliament“The added value of the European Union is in the combination of
RTD, innovation and the Lisbon Agenda of social, economic and
environmental aspects.”
“I am glad that demographic change is now in the core of regions
for economic change. (...) The level of the regions is the level to
integrate policy responses.”
Dirk Ahner, Director-General, DG Regional Policy“Following the agreement in 2006 on the legislative package
for Cohesion Policy in the period 2007-2013, the Commission
continues to promote ways of improving the quality and relevance
of actions under this policy.”
“I am impressed with the number and variety of partners that
we have gathered here from nearly 30 countries. Your presence
encourages us in the work of spreading good practice.”
Ann
e-So
phie
Par
ent
Lam
bert
van
Nis
telr
ooij
Dir
k A
hner
28
European Commission
Regions for economic change – Conference Proceedings – Regional policy responses to demographic challenges
Luxembourg : Offi ce for Offi cial Publications of the European Communities
2006 – 28 pp. – 21.0 x 29.7 cm
ISBN 92-79-03746-3
Annex Sound bites
InforegioConsult the Inforegio website for an overview of EU Regional Policy :
http ://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/[email protected]
KN-X
1-06-224-EN-N