Northwest Competitiveness Operational Programme 2007-2013

Northwest Competitiveness Operational Programme 2007-2013 (NWOP)

In the North West, the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) is responsible for managing the current NW ERDF Programme which has been allocated €755 million (approximately £684m) from the European Commission to spend between 2007 and 2013, €307 million has been allocated to Merseyside, with €448 million allocated for the rest of the North West. Known as the North West Operational Programme (NWOP), the ERDF Programme has five priorities containing 11 Action Areas – each supported by a more detailed Investment Framework which identifies the type of activity that can be supported. The Programme is focused on supporting and enhancing the competitiveness of the region, with a secondary focus on the creation of the right conditions for growth. The Higher Education (HE) sectors' main focus in the NWOP is within Priority 1: “Stimulating Enterprise and Supporting Growth in Target Sectors & Markets” and Priority 2: “Exploiting Innovation and Knowledge”.

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The HE Sector Co-ordination Project (NWOP) (1st April 2012 – 30th Sept 2015) provides technical assistance to the HE Sector in the North. Northwest Universities European Unit (NwUEU) is responsible for the delivery of the project, continuing its successful activities undertaken in earlier programmes and building on the support provided by NWUA in previous HE sector co-ordination roles.

The aim of the HE Sector Co-ordination Project is to ensure that HE institutions continue to contribute towards the successful delivery of (NWOP) 2007-2013, supporting HE linkages and connectivity to other aspects of the Regional European Framework and aiding the co-ordination of HE activity across the Programme priorities, action areas and management committees.

Activities include:

  • Providing a strategic overview of the Programme
  • Providing briefings to members and CLG on related issues
  • Undertaking capacity building and training events for the sector
  • Providing a sectoral perspective
  • Providing advice and guidance - including acting as a point of contact for general enquiries within the sector
  • Technical support, including provision of generic guidance as to eligibility and fit with the NWOP and the Investment Frameworks. The implementation of effective management systems, where necessary aiding sector members with the preparation of claims and support in view of maintaining compliance to EC regulations
  • Publicity support
  • Sharing and disseminating good practice
  • Promoting collaboration and co-operation where appropriate

UK Govt Guidance:

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