PROJECT NUMBER: 1064601

Summer School on EU Economic Integration and Regional Development

28/Jun-2/Jul/2010  •  Barcelona  •  Fee: € 1000 • Special discount available

Introduction
Project Leader
Dr Federica Santuccio
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Description and Objectives
The Summer School is designed based on the economic module of the Joint Master degree programme on European Integration and Regionalism (M.E.I.R.) which aims to equip the participants with a comprehensive understanding of the regional and economic integration process in the EU and a clear overview of the EU policy instruments in place to strengthen regional development.

The main EU economic policy issues will be introduced in the first part of the week and the concepts of regional development policies will be progressively presented. In the second part it will be illustrated how regions may steer their own economic destiny and enhance territorial cohesion by making use of the available resources and EU supportive actions. In particular, it will seize the opportunity of the EU regions and local actors to implement sustainable partnerships and strategies for regional development. The course will thus explain the principles of the complexity of the European economic integration system in an accessible way and will allow also those not familiar with the topic to enhance their know-ledge and know-how.

Target groups
The Programme is addressed to:
• public officials who work primarily in the field of EU regional integration policies in the local, regional or national administrations coming for EU27, candidate countries or potential candidates that therefore require a detailed overview of the European and regional issues;
• social scientists, economists and others professionals in the employment of non-governmental organisations or think tanks wishing to enhance their skills and to specialize in the field of European integration and regional development policies;
• officers working for regional development agencies or bodies promoting business for the SMEs (such as Chamber of commerce, regional parliaments, etc) dealing with European economics;
• graduate students wishing to acquire greater competitive personal competence beneficial for a future career in the academia or even practice-orientated professions.

Methods
A variety of training methods (i.e. lectures and presentations, workshops, case studies and interactive discussions) will take place during the summer school. Participants will have the possibility to have practical advices, to exchange experiences, to establish contacts for local and regional partnerships and strategies. Specific material on topics will be provided to each participant (seminar kit) before the start of the summer school as well as all web-links documentation. The summer school will offer the participants a unique opportunity to network with peers with the same interest and from various nationalities and give them the potential to identify new partners for future projects.