Consistent sector-based programming

By project S3Chem

Published on 19 December 2022

Germany

Sachsen-Anhalt

About this good practice

Saxony-Anhalt has developed for its ERDF programme a strategy that prioritizes specific sectors with clear regional strengths, based on so called 'Leitmärkte' (guiding sectors). The (in this case innovation and R&D oriented) ERDF funding is divided into smaller programmes. One of these programmes is dedicated to innovation projects and mainly supports SMEs. To be able to participate in a project, applicants need to demonstrate a link to one of the sectors.
The results have proven the efficacy of the strategy when assessing the contribution to the chemical sector in the programme period 2014-2020. The data show that the ‘Leitmarkt’ Chemistry and Bioeconomy generated a total EU funding volume of almost € 32 million, making it the second largest 'Leitmarkt' in the funding volume.
Considering its focus on 'Leitmärkte' and its proven track record in supporting sector-specific projects - it can be established that the programme period 2014-2020 provided a boost to the sector. It is likely that ERDF 2021-2027 will deliver similar results, as the formal 'Leitmärkte' remain intact. There is no significant change in funding volumes in 2021-2027 in comparison to the previous programme period. The OP 2021-2027 underlines the successes of the interventions of the previous programme period and it can be generally established that the programme builds upon the fundaments of the previous programme period.

Resources needed

Resources came from the regional operational programme. There are no additional resources necessary if programmed properly right from the beginning.

Evidence of success

ReactEU was utilized as a top-up to enable the continuation of the R&D project programme, as a result of which the region continued stimulating R&D and innovation in an economically difficult time.

Potential for learning or transfer

When programming the regional innovation funding environment, concentrated on your strengths. Once established structure need to be monitored well and adjusted properly. According to the principle ‘never change a winning team’ revisions and modifications should not be made as an end in themselves.