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Research Project: Thematic analysis of transnational cooperation: small and medium-sized enterprises as target groups of a spatially oriented policy
Concept
Appraising the transnational dimension of the topic
"SMEs as target groups of a spatially oriented policy"
The key issue of the study was to appraise the thematic field "SMEs as target groups of a spatially oriented policy" in view of its transnational dimension (e.g. coordinating planning and investments across regions, developing joint policy instruments, exchanging experience). 2014 marked the beginning of a new cycle of European business, innovation and structural policies. This is why it was necessary to investigate the strategic orientation and the essential measures of SME-oriented policies and programmes. Moreover, including SMEs-oriented priorities and fields of action into the previous and future operational programmes of the cooperation areas with German participation were systemized. For Germany, the approaches of a medium-sized enterprise policy and the role of SMEs in spatial development policy were investigated.
Evaluating selected projects
Fifteen projects with German participation were selected for in-depth evaluation based on a list of criteria. The case studies were developed on the basis of document analyses and interviews with project stakeholders, focusing on the question how the projects contributed to major challenges in the above-mentioned political field. Several dimensions were examined:
- specific political targets (e.g. Europe 2020, European small and medium-sized enterprise policy),
- contributions to the targets of the European spatial development policy (e.g. TAEU 2020) in terms of an (interdisciplinary) integrated spatial development and strengthening territorial cohesion, and last but not least
- the particular transnational effects.
Particular attention was paid to the added value of European cooperation for the local and regional levels and the question whether transnational projects can resume local and regional approaches.