The Bothnian Arc cross-border innovation policy mix
There are interesting cross-border policy experiments but there is a need for more strategic and structural policy instruments to fulfil a common vision for the area’s development. Cross-border co-operation in innovation in the Bothnian Arc evolves thanks to the promotional efforts of the Bothnian Arc Association and from a collection of EU Territorial Co-operation (Interreg A) funded projects. There are no dedicated policy instruments corresponding to the vision of the Bothnian Arc, but rather interesting experiments based on grassroots initiatives from key actors - mainly higher education institutions (HEIs) and local authorities. A main issue concerns the possibility to learn from these initiatives to drive the cross-border partnership in fruitful directions and address the barriers revealed by these projects. The key question faced today by actors of the Bothnian Arc is how to evolve from a situation of mutual exchange of information and a collection of externally funded projects towards aligned projects with joint funding from the countries and regions involved, and ultimately, the development of a joint strategy for the cross-border area.
Table 4.7. Cross-border policy instruments: Bothnian Arc
|
Instruments |
Presence in the Bothnian Arc |
|
Strategy and policy development |
|
|
Benchmarking and policy learning Analytical exercise (i.e. mapping of clusters or value chains, technology foresight exercises) Joint branding of the cross-border area |
Mayoral collaboration between Oulu and Lulea |
|
R&D support |
|
|
Joint public research programmes |
Finnish-Swedish collaboration in the wood sector High Bio project Vision System Research Platform Oil Research Prolas (laser-wielding technology) Nordic Interaction and Mobility Research Platform Mata Jamt 2 (integrated equality and diversity in the workplace) |
|
Joint research infrastructure, shared access to research facilities |
|
|
Cross-border private R&D funding programmes (generic and thematic) |
Increasing Energy Efficiency in Buildings (public-private) SensorBand in Real Life Environment (public-private) |
|
Technology transfer and innovation support |
|
|
Cross-border innovation advisory services (vouchers, intermediaries) |
Nordic Business Links |
|
Advisory to spin-off and knowledge-intensive start-ups |
Forum for the Industrial Future e-maintenance for industry and SMEs |
|
Other technology transfer centres and extension programmes |
|
|
S&T parks and innovation networks |
|
|
Cross-border science, technology parks and incubators |
|
|
Cluster or network initiatives |
Bothnian Arc Steel and Metal Industry project (research) Filmarc (film industry support; training in creative industries) |
|
Human capital investment |
|
|
Scholarships/student exchanges |
|
|
Joint university or other higher education programmes |
Nordic Mining School InnoPreneurship Other joint activities (University of Oulu and University of Lulea) |
|
Talent attraction, retention or mobility schemes and support initiatives (i.e. cross-border placement or information for cross-border commuters) |
|
|
Other |
|
Note: Some of these projects extend beyond the Bothnian Arc area into the wider European Territorial Co-operation cross-border area (Interreg IVA Nord).
