What Activities & Projects Will The ERDF Be Spent On

Each of the English regions was asked to produce and submit an agreed Operational Programme to the European Commission by 30 April 2007. The Operational Programme is based on the Regional Economic Strategy, and it explains what priorities the ERDF funds will be spent on, and indicates the types of activities that will be supported.

The Yorkshire and Humber Operational Programme outlines five priorities for funding under the 2007-2013 ERDF programme. They are:

1. Promoting Innovation and Research and Development – this priority will support projects that stimulate and facilitate innovation, increase investment in Research and Development and promote knowledge transfer in the region’s businesses.
2. Stimulating and Supporting Successful Enterprise - this priority will support projects that enable small and medium sized businesses to grow.
3. Sustainable Communities - this priority will support projects that connect disadvantaged communities to economic opportunities.
4. Economic Infrastructure for a Competitive Economy - this priority will only apply to South Yorkshire as a phasing-in region, and will support projects that build prosperous places and existing assets in South Yorkshire to enable businesses to compete more effectively.