MEMO/08/304

Brussels, 15 May 2008

Italy - Operational Programme 2007-2013: Sardinia Regional Operational Programme

1. Operational Programme “Sardinia Regional Operational Programme” - Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

[ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ] [ Figures and graphics available in PDF and WORD PROCESSED ]

2. Overview

On 20 November 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for Sardinia in Italy for the 2007-2013 period. The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective and has a total budget of around €1.7 billion. Community funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €681 million, which represents approximately 2.4% of the total EU investments earmarked for Italy under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-2013.

3. Aim and purpose of the programme

Sardinia’s Operational Programme will address the lack of suitable infrastructure and services in terms of water, waste, health, broadband, business and tourism. The Programme is therefore geared towards enhancing business competitiveness and the region’s attractiveness by spreading innovation, promoting the potential of local identity and traditions and preserving natural resources. Climate change is also a major focus: the Programme covers only sustainable modes of transport; over 11% of the resources are to be invested in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency; and 24% of the resources support research and innovation infrastructure and services, with a special focus on increasing the percentage of private research.

4. Expected impact of investments

The Programme aims to create about 5500 new jobs, 1200 of which will be for women. Carbon emissions are expected to decrease by 26%, while small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) productivity in terms of added value is expected to grow by 9%. A further anticipated impact is an improvement in the Summary Innovation Index of the European Regional Innovation Scoreboard, rising from 0.23 (2006) to 0.43 by the end of the programming period in 2013.

5. Priorities

The Operational Programme is structured according to the following priorities:

Priority 1: Information Society [approximately 10.0% of total funding]

This priority aims to improve the quality and accessibility of Information Society services by introducing and applying information and communication technologies (ICTs). This includes interventions in support of e-government and e-citizenship services, as well as the setup of broadband in areas affected by the digital divide.

Priority 2: Inclusion, Social Services, Education and Lawfulness [approximately 9.5% of total funding]

This priority promotes services and infrastructure aimed at reducing the risk of social exclusion and improving integration and non-discrimination among the local population. It will contribute to providing services to counter school drop-outs and improve overall lawfulness and security.

Priority 3: Energy [approximately 11.0% of total funding]

The aim here is to promote sustainable development by bringing about energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources.

Priority 4: Environment, Attractiveness of Natural and Cultural Resources, Tourism [approximately 22.5% of total funding]

The strategy under this priority focuses on efficient and sustainable use of environmental resources and development of natural and cultural resources. The aims are to make the region more attractive and to support sustainable tourism.

Priority 5: Urban Development [approximately 18.0% of total funding]

This territorial priority is focused on promoting the attractiveness and competitiveness of the region by tackling internal development disparities and improving living standards and the quality of life in urban and disadvantaged areas.

Priority 6: Competitiveness [approximately 27.0% of total funding]

The global objective of this priority is to boost competitiveness by supporting research and innovation among enterprises and by promoting cooperation between universities, research centres and businesses. Some resources will also be invested in cluster and district development projects.

Priority 7: Technical Assistance [approximately 2.0% of total funding]

Technical assistance aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Programme’s implementation and to ensure that relevant information on the Programme and EU Cohesion Policy is disseminated to the general public and beneficiaries.

6. Managing Authority: Region of Sardegna

Contact details:

Graziella Pisu

Managing Authority, ERDF - Regional Operational Programme for Sardegna

Director

Assessorato della Programmazione, Bilancio, Credito e Assetto del Territorio - Centro Regionale di Programmazione

Via Mameli, 88

I - 09123 Cagliari

Italy

Telephone: +39 (0)70 606 4706

Fax: +39 (0)70 606 4683

E-mail: crp.adgporfesr@regione.sardegna.it

Website: http://www.regione.sardegna.it/

7. Title: Operational Programme “Sardinia Regional Operational Programme”

Type of intervention: Operational Programme

CCI No.: 2007IT162PO016

No. of decision: C/2007/5728

Final approval date: 20/11/2007

8. Breakdown of financing by priority (in euros)