The Territorial Development Program for the Savinja-Šalek Region from 2021 to 2027 is more than just a plan; it’s a vision for a vibrant future. This program unfolds in two key parts: the strategic and the operational.

In the strategic section, we dive deep into what makes our region unique. We analyse its potential, identifying both strengths and challenges that shape our path forward. This thorough examination allows us to set clear development goals and priorities, focusing on specific sectors where Savinja-Šalek can truly excel.

The operational part of the program brings this vision to life through exciting initiatives and projects designed to foster growth. Each project is carefully planned with timelines and budgets, ensuring we stay on track. We also establish a robust system for monitoring and evaluation, keeping everything organized and effective as we move forward.

Central to this program are five vital areas that will guide our region's transformation in the coming years. We aim to create a smarter and more sustainable community, embracing technology and innovation to enhance our quality of life. Our commitment to low-carbon initiatives reflects our dedication to greener solutions that reduce our environmental footprint. We envision a social landscape that is inclusive, ensuring that everyone has a place and a voice in our community. Sustainable development will be at the heart of our growth strategy, respecting our natural resources while fostering economic vitality. Finally, we are focused on a safe transition away from coal dependency, steering our region toward cleaner energy sources.

A significant aspect of this program is the ongoing regional restructuring process. With the adoption of the “National Strategy for Phasing Out Coal” in 2022, we are on a mission to phase out coal by 2033. This transition represents more than just a shift in energy sources; it’s about transforming our entire community into a model of sustainability and resilience.

Through the COMMIT project, we invite everyone to follow the decarbonization of the Savinja-Šalek Region, to engage with us, share their ideas, and become part of our transformative process. Together, and through COMMIT action, we can build a thriving region that stands as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and social equity for years to come.

The TJTP IJmond describes the issues of the IJmond region and the way the region aims to realise the transition towards climate neutrality. Also, it describes the goals of the JTF programme for IJmond and the types of measures the region wants to invest: for example, innovation, infrastructure and labour market projects. It is possible to adapt the plan, but only after permission of the European Commission. Within the framework of the TJTP we can adapt the focus by setting new priorities in the national JTF regulation. In the JTF programme, 40% of the budget is dedicated to labour market activities, which is quite a challenge. Therefore, in COMMIT the Municipality of Rotterdam (MA Opportunities for West) would like to focus on this priority and will be leading the skills part of COMMIT.

The ERDF Programme for Extremadura, approved in December 2022, aims to boost economic development in Extremadura through investments that create jobs and foster growth. With the support of European Regional Development Funds, this program aligns with European policies and has several key priorities.

One of the most important aspects of the programme is the green transition. Through the COMMIT project, Extremadura will focus on providing tools that facilitate energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The main goal of the project is to assist SMEs in their path to decarbonization, contributing therefore to a more sustainable Europe.

This effort connects with the first strategic objective of the regional agenda for Extremadura 2030: to create a sustainable development model that integrates the environment, economy and society. We aim to transform the region's business landscape into a greener and more circular model, with a special focus on the agricultural, agro-industrial, services, industry, and construction sectors.

The policy instrument addresses the following issues: negative demographic trends and reducing regional population differences; increasing the economic growth of the Bulgarian regions; promoting balanced territorial development through a polycentric network of cities, supported by integrated investments.
In the context of the COMMIT project, the focus will be on Specific objective 4: Opportunities provided for regions and people to deal with social, employment, economic and environmental impacts from the transition to the Union's 2030 climate target and a climate-neutral economy by 2050.
The support will be provided for:
- Productive investment in SMEs, including micro and start-ups, leading to economic diversification, modernisation, and reconstruction;
- Investment in digitisation, digital innovation, and digital connectivity.
The interventions will be done through Just Transition Fund. Economic diversification is one of the main priorities for the Stara Zagora region.

Rogaland County Council (RCC) has a clear vision for shaping the future of Rogaland’s economy. Our Business and Innovation Strategy lays out both the role we aim to have and the industrial domains where we aim to act, based on a continuously evolving approach under a smart specialisation methodology.

Several key principles underpin the strategy:

• Fostering skills: We want our education system to be a strong foundation for business. That means aligning upper secondary and vocational education with the skills companies need. By equipping students with relevant expertise, we’re preparing them to thrive in the workforce.
• Adapting and innovating: Change is essential for growth. RCC aims to play a leading role in helping actors across the county embrace new ways of working. From addressing climate change to tackling resource shortages, we’ll support the green transition. All funding decisions will reflect this commitment to innovation and sustainability.
• Collaborating for success: RCC will foster partnerships between municipalities, businesses, and academia. By enhancing cooperation and aligning strategic projects and activities, we can help to foster innovation and leverage individual organisations’ approaches to economic development. Supporting industrial clusters to thrive is a key part of this effort.

Based on Rogaland’s unique strengths, we’ve identified three key business sectors as our focus areas:

• Energy and Maritime: With our rich history in energy and maritime industries, we’re at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions. This includes offshore wind, hydrogen, and advanced maritime technologies.
• Food: Rogaland is a leader in agriculture and seafood. We’re focused on improving food production, processing, and sustainability practices to meet global demand.
• Tourism: Rogaland offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences - from stunning fjords and mountains to cultural landmarks. By enhancing our tourism industry, we’re boosting the local economy and attracting visitors from around the world.

RCC provides funding for projects that align with our principles and leverage the region’s strengths. RCC’s innovation funding therefore targets collaboration between industrial, public and academic actors. The County oversees and implements several funding programmes connected to the aims of the strategy. This includes the Sustainable Transition in Rogaland (Bærekraftig Omstilling i Rogaland) instrument, as well as the Regional Economic Development fund (Regionalt næringsfond) and the regional implementation of national funds, such as FORREGION. Projects which draw on combinations of our key principles, whilst involving multiple industrial domains are given the highest prioritisation during the evaluation and selection process.

The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) is a strategic framework that  gives municipalities the opportunity to tackle climate challenges. It focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 while also strengthening energy resilience. The framework consists of an integrated approach that comprises:

• Baseline emission inventory: evaluation of the current levels of energy consumption and emissions highlighting the main causes. Inventory also involves identifying target sectors to focus intervention, which include transport, agriculture and building.
• Risk and vulnerability assessment: localisation and evaluation of potential climate-related risks with the main goal of developing guidance for adaption strategies. 
• Action plan development: design of targeted measures for both mitigation and adaptation, tailored to local contexts.

The covenant of Mayors also compliments SECAP by providing resources and support to municipalities, together committed to designing sustainable energy and climate action plans.

Business Strategy for the Municipality of Aalborg (Aalborg Kommune Erhvervsstrategi)

Aalborg Municipality Business Strategy (DK) is a continuous policy with revisions every four years. It focuses specifically on businesses in the green transition, as well as the connection between the availability of the right skills and the development of the municipality. In seven objectives, the policy outlines how Aalborg Municipality creates development opportunities for businesses through local, regional, national, and international partnerships.

COMMIT will focus on the objective of Business development and Growth, which aims to decarbonise and create sustainable development and green economic growth in both new and existing companies in Aalborg Municipality.

Through the actions below, Aalborg Municipality wants to strengthen the collaboration between the municipality’s businesses and research institutions in order to create more competitive companies through innovation and the latest research, contribute to the green transition, and create jobs and economic growth.

• Focused efforts to enhance growth and competitiveness in SMEs through circular economy, digitalization, and internationalization;
• Promote collaboration between startups, established companies, and educational institutions to develop and scale innovative solutions;
• Guidance on circular business models and opportunities.