Details of the new Operational Programme 2007-13  Competitiveness and Employment Programme taking palce various regions of the Unikted Kingdom. The Programmes are under the Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

South West England Competitiveness and Employment Programme

The Operational Programme will promote innovation and research and development (R&D), along with the application of knowledge to increase regional business productivity. It will contribute to reducing regional disparities by stimulating enterprise and accelerating growth in parts of the South West that currently lag behind the best performing areas. The Programme also aims to increase employment and enterprise in the region’s most disadvantaged communities.

Environmental sustainability is the programme’s key principle, and the aim is to achieve a low carbon impact. Sustainable development objectives will be integrated into all the programme’s activities via two cross-cutting themes: equality and diversity and the environment. The Operational Programme is expected to create 10 000 new jobs, of which 1500 will be in the environmental sector.

The specific priority to recieve the most funding for this programme is that of Priority 1: Innovation and Knowledge [approximately 36.1% of the total budget]. With a total of 90 meuros, 45,000,000 euros from an EU contribution and 45 000 000 eurosom National Public Contribution. Details of the coplete programme for South West England are availbe at the official website of the South West of England Regional Development Agency

West Midlands Competitiveness and Employment Programme

The purpose of the Operational Programme is to achieve an increase in the economic productivity of the West Midlands region, to reduce unemployment and inequalities and to ensure sustainable regional economic growth. The Programme will focus investment on projects which address market failure while developing ways to stimulate high-value economic growth and sustainable jobs.

The West Midlands Operational Programme will integrate two central cross-cutting themes – namely environmental sustainability and equal opportunities. It recognises that investments in human, social and environmental capital, as well as technological innovation, are the prerequisites for long-term competitiveness and economic prosperity. The environmental sustainability objectives are inspired partly by the European Council's March 2007 energy policy targets and are therefore reflected in the programme's commitment to a low carbon philosophy and practice. The programme aims to help 22 441 businesses improve their performance. It also aims to create 10 519 jobs and 2495 new businesses, while supporting efforts to reduce regional carbon emissions.

Promoting innovation and research & development [approximately 36.3% of total funding] is the priority to also receive the largest portion of the total budget for the programme with 145 meuros from a EU contribution and 145 meuros from National Public Contribution. This programme is being managed by Advantage West Midlands (AWM) – Birmingham, United Kingdom.

North East of England Regional Operational Programme

With a per capita GDP at 80% of the EU average, the North East of England is particularly challenged by the decline of traditional industries and a weak enterprise base. The low GDP and relatively low value added by the enterprise sector contrast with the near-full employment of the region. This Programme can make a difference by enhancing competitive and innovative businesses, supporting the research base and helping enterprises to exploit the scientific strength of the regional research institutions. The programme aims equally to enhance the economic performance of the weakest communities in the region. The Programme is expected to create or safeguard almost 30 000 jobs and to help create 3000 new businesses. It should generate additional GDP of £1.1 billion in the region per year.

Managing Authority: Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government based in London will recieve a total contribution of 398,240,854 meuros to go towards it's main priority, other priorities will also receive funding, for Enhancing and exploiting innovation.

Operational Programme 2007-2013: "Highlands and Islands of Scotland"

With Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita rates at 90% of the EU average, the Highlands and Islands faces a number of challenges thanks to a unique combination of geographic isolation, insularity, low population density and a widely dispersed enterprise base.

Despite the low GDP figure and the enterprise sector’s relatively low levels of value added, the region enjoys near full-employment. The programme aims to make a difference by enhancing competitive and innovative businesses. It will also offer support to the region’s research base and its higher and further education networks. In addition, work will be undertaken to promote the region’s natural and cultural heritage and address issues related to community stability. The Programme is expected to create 4 700 jobs and help to establish 150 new businesses.

118,815,828 million euros represents approximately 40.8% of total funding to go towards this programmes top priority: Enhancing business competitiveness, commercialisation and innovation. (47,526,332 euros from a EU Contribution and 71,289,496 euros from National Public Contribution). The programme's Managing Authority is Highlands and Islands Structural Funds Partnership Ltd (HIPP) based in Inverness, Scotland.