Interreg Deutschland – Nederland

Programme Thematic Objectives

• A smarter Europe – innovative and smart economic transformation

  RSO 1.1 Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

  • Priority 1: A more innovative programme area
    The focus of the programme is on the development and strengthening of innovation capacities as a contribution to a more sustainable economic structure in the program area. This applies in particular to innovations that have both economic and social added value. This is essential to ensure the region's competitiveness and to make a lasting contribution to the prosperity of the entire EU. The focus is on promoting innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises and strengthening the digital structure. It is expected that most of the projects will be carried out in the promising sectors of the different regional innovation strategies (High Tech Systems and Materials (HTSM), Agro & Food, Energy & Climate, Health & Care).
    The programme focuses on adding value to cross-border innovation through the collaboration of SMEs with each other and with other partners on both sides of the border.

    The programme will be particularly attentive to (but not only):
    - Development of cross-border innovation projects and networks between SMEs and knowledge institutions (generic, all sectors), between SMEs themselves or between SMEs and larger companies
    - Development of cross-border innovation projects and networks between SMEs and knowledge institutions, between SMEs themselves or between SMEs and larger companies, with a focus on the low-carbon economy

  RSO 1.3 Enhancing sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and job creation in SMEs, including by productive investments

  • Priority 1: A more innovative programme area
    Small and medium-sized enterprises are fundamental to the economy of the programme area. However, the introduction of new and digital technologies always presents SMEs with new challenges. For SMEs, these developments are often associated with high investments and risks, which is why they tend to be reluctant to introduce new technologies and digitisation.
    In addition, the efficiency benefits of digital solutions are often not known, and many entrepreneurs lack the knowledge to implement digital solutions. These specific challenges for SMEs require more intensive cross-border cooperation, so that an even more effective exchange of knowledge, capacities and skills can take place. This also gives SMEs an opportunity to expand their sales market in the program area. Increased cross-border cooperation thus contributes to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of SMEs and the creation of new jobs.

    The programme will be particularly attentive to (but not only):
    - Development and implementation of innovative technologies and digitisation in the operating processes of SMEs (focus on "internal organisation")
    - Internationalisation (D-NL) of SMEs (focus on "market")
    - Development of skills for sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs

• A greener, low-carbon Europe

  RSO 2.4 Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

  • Priority 2: A greener programme area
    Climate change poses an increasing threat to the German-Dutch border region.
    Extreme weather events, for example, increase the risk of floods and droughts and lead to a decline in biodiversity in urban and rural areas. Individual state solutions are no longer sufficient. Since climate-related problems do not stop at national borders, cross-border solutions and strategies are of particular importance for the climate challenge. In the program area, adaptation to climate change must be an integral part of both political cooperation and implementation at all levels of government. With broad social participation and commitment from companies, civil society organisations and knowledge institutions. Important starting points in this context are safety, water retention, a site-specific approach and affordable solutions. These ambitious efforts are fully in line with the goals of the European Green Deal to increase Europe's climate resilience.
    The programme will be particularly attentive to (but not only):
    - Development and implementation of pilot projects and solutions in the field of adaptation to climate change
    - Development and implementation of cross-border strategies in the field of adaptation to climate change

  RSO 2.6 Circular economy

  • Priority 2: A greener programme area
    The transition to a circular economy contributes to the achievement of the environmental and climate goals of the European Green Deal. For example, reusing raw materials can reduce air, soil, and water damage. In addition, in a circular economy, the lifespan of products is extended, so that fewer new, exhaustible raw materials are required. This is not only good for the environment, but also for the economy. In the German-Dutch program area there are many new initiatives to make the change from a linear to a circular economy. If the border region wants to take the step towards a circular economy comprehensively, these innovations must be promoted on a permanent basis. Even if certain initiatives are not carried out in an expanded form, the implementation of circular projects helps to promote the circular economy, including through awareness-raising and idea generation.

    The programme will be particularly attentive to (but not only):
    - Development of cross-border innovation and demonstration projects between SMEs and knowledge institutions, between SMEs themselves or between SMEs and larger companies with a focus on circular economy.
    - Development of environmentally friendly production processes and resource efficiency in SMEs

• A more social Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

  RSO 4.1 Enhancing the effectiveness and inclusiveness of labour markets and access to quality employment through developing social infrastructure and promoting social economy

  • Priority 3: Working together on a connected border area
    The structures of the border region labour market are not yet sufficiently coherent for optimal development. A more direct, more natural cooperation between citizens, authorities, companies and knowledge institutions is necessary for the emergence of a sustainable labour market. Demographic, technological and climate-related developments pose ever greater challenges to the inter-regional labour market. The key challenge is to reduce structural skills mismatches and encourage cross-border transitions between sectors and occupations. To this end, the adaptability of citizens and organisations in the border region must be strengthened and a "skills-based" and sustainable labour market must be promoted. This also ensures permanent integration into the work process and thus contributes to more diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
    The programme will be particularly attentive to (but not only) Cross-border cooperation and networking initiatives aiming at improving access to the inter-regional labour market.

  RSO 4.2 Improving equal access education, training and lifelong

  • Priority 3: Working together on a connected border area
    A good transition between education and the labour market is essential for school leavers and companies and thus for a well-functioning economy. The strategic analysis of the German-Dutch border region shows that there are still cross-border obstacles in the field of education, such as differences in culture and language and in the recognition of degrees and qualifications. It is therefore important that the education system in the border region continues to deal with the issue of cross-border training and employment and the skills required for this. This applies to all levels of education and all forms of teaching and talent development. The improvement of cross-border educational opportunities (e.g. through the development of digital tools) thus contributes to a better matching of the competences of school leavers to the (increasing and changing) demands of employers.
    The programme will be particularly attentive (but not only) to Cross-border cooperation and networking with the aim of improving the provision of education and the cross-border exchange of information on qualifications.

  RSO 4.5 Ensuring equal access to health care and fostering resilience of health systems

  • Priority 3: Working together on a connected border area
    A border-less healthcare system offers more opportunities and security for all residents of the programme area. An integrated healthcare system with the right infrastructure will help save lives, improve quality of life and improve the comfort of those in need of care. Possibilities include cross-border treatment of patients, exchange of patient data and e-prescriptions, and cross-border collaboration between healthcare professionals. Strengthening the resilience of healthcare systems has become even more urgent in view of the corona crisis. Cross-border care initiatives can help to relieve the health care system.
    The programme will be particularly attentive (but not only) to Cross-border cooperation on accessibility, efficiency, innovative medical care, prevention and quality assurance of health systems.

• A better cooperation governance

  RSO 6.2 Enhance efficient public administration

  • Priority 4: A Europe closer to its citizens in the border area
    In the German-Dutch programme area, there are still obstacles to cross-border economic and social interaction. Examples of this are differences in laws and regulations and limited exchange of administrative information. In addition, structural administrative cooperation is still relatively limited, which means that many improvements still need to be made in terms of efficiency of public administrations, public investment and political agendas. It is therefore important to continue to strive for strong cross-border legal and administrative cooperation. This will lead to synergy and economies of scale at all levels, for citizens, civil society actors, businesses and knowledge institutions, from public authorities to citizens, from social institutions to SMEs.
    The programme will be particularly attentive (but not only) to Cross-border initiatives in the areas of law and administration, cross-border development of joint procedures and cooperation between authorities and other (social) stakeholders.

  RSO 6.3 Build up mutual trust

  • Priority 4: A Europe closer to its citizens in the border area
    The possibilities that Europe and Interreg offer with their people-to-people activities are an excellent opportunity to bring the residents of the programme area closer together and thus making Europe closer to the citizens. By supporting thousands of bottom-up initiatives, the programme reflects the great diversity of cross-border cooperation in the program area. Particular attention is paid to the energy transition and adaptation to climate change as part of the European Green Deal. If citizens are to participate in this change, it is necessary for them to feel more involved in the large-scale sustainability process.
    It is also important to gain social support for official decisions close to the citizens.
    This requires increased awareness, citizen participation and the promotion of bottom-up initiatives such as local energy communities.