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MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
I had great pleasure in launching the new European Structural Funds Operational Programmes for Scotland at events in Glasgow and Oban in October 2007. These occasions marked the beginning of the 2007-2013 programme era, during which Scotland will receive some half a billion pounds of European investment.
Structural Funds have been used in Scotland for over 25 years to help areas and communities which have faced particular economic and social challenges. In this new programme period, we will continue to use the Funds in new and innovative ways.
Over the next 7 years, there will be four distinct Programmes: two in the Highlands & Islands and two in Lowlands & Uplands Scotland. These new Scottish Programmes have been carefully developed within a framework that places a high value on meeting the demanding targets - set by the Lisbon and Gothenburg Agendas - on the promotion of jobs and growth and on environmental sustainability.
In this regard, there is a striking overlap with our own domestic policy objectives. The central objective of the Scottish Government is to increase sustainable economic growth in Scotland. We are committed to creating a vibrant economy, a healthy society and a socially and environmentally just society. The Government Economic Strategy, published in November 2007, sets out how this will be pursued and provides challenging national targets for improved economic growth. Five Strategic Priorities have been identified as critical to economic growth: investment in learning, skills and well-being; a supportive business environment; investment in infrastructure and place; effective Government; and equity, to provide opportunities and balanced growth across Scotland. We will seek to build on our strengths in order to make our society wealthier and fairer, healthier, safer and stronger, smarter and greener.
It is essential that Structural Funds are used to complement these strategies and add value to what we already do and what we plan to do in the future. Consequently, in the new programme period, there will be a strong emphasis on the importance of strategic, high impact projects aimed at boosting growth and employment. We have also introduced an element of targeting to make best use of funding resources.
Historically, the partnership principle has been fundamental to how Structural Funds have been delivered in Scotland. This positive experience, which is rightly regarded as a model across Europe, will underpin our approach in the new Programmes.
In summary, Scotland will receive significant funding in the new programme period. This will provide a wonderful opportunity to build upon the excellent work done through the many projects that have benefited from Structural Funds across the country over the years. As well as being used to directly address locally identified needs, Structural Funds will add value to Scotland's national and regional policies. I am confident that by working in partnership - the Government, the delivery bodies and all involved in project development - we can ensure that Structural Funds continue to make a major contribution to economic and social progress in Scotland.
JIM MATHER
Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism
March 2008
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