European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF)

ESIF logoIn February 2014, the GBSLEP published the European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) Strategy for 2014-2012, outlining how the resources are to be distributed. European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) | GBSLEP

This document forms part of the Strategic Economic Plan and outlines the role of European resources in meeting our strategic ambitions.

The report highlights six priorities and the actions associated with them.

PRIORITY 1: INNOVATION AND R&D – focused on the four key growth sectors of:

  • Life Sciences
  • Digital and Creative
  • Low Carbon
  • Advanced manufacturing

In addition to cross cutting approaches to drive the development of an innovation eco system and SME excellence

PRIORITY 2: STIMULATING BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE – driving a coherent research and evidence-led approach to business advice, business start-ups and business support with a focus on the 15 key sectors chosen in the Strategy for Growth

PRIORITY 3: LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES – focussing activity on driving growth in the low carbon economy, through actions on energy efficiency and its economic impact on the supply chain, sustainable transport and resource efficiency

PRIORITY 4: PROMOTING EMPLOYMENT AND MOBILITY – combined with the Youth Employment Initiative funding this has a real focus, especially in the early years of the strategy, on tackling youth unemployment.

PRIORITY 5: PROMOTING SOCIAL INCLUSION AND EMPLOYABILITY – tackling a range of deep rooted issues but with gender economic inactivity being key

PRIORITY 6: SKILLS FOR GROWTH AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP – a real focus through this and the other ESF priorities on supporting skills to match employers needs/priority sectors in the Draft SEP, the Strategy for Growth and the Skills Action Plan.

Download the ESIF Strategy document here.