NSR
The North Sea Region goes from the desert islands and fjords in the far North to the densely populated cities and research centres in the heart of Europe: It covers Denmark and Norway and the coastal regions of Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and the Netherlands. The North Sea Region distinguishes itself by its economic power, good infrastructure, a highly qualified workforce and an efficient management of environmental risks. These advantages are to be strengthened under the innovation priority axis.
Finding answers to big questions
As an economic powerhouse, the North Sea Region has some of the highest levels of resource consumption and carbon emissions in the world. If you look at the statistics, the North Sea Region is a great place to live and work. Educational attainment is high, health systems are robust and society is relatively prosperous. But the region’s stability and long-term prosperity depends on finding answers to some big questions.
What can be done to stimulate sustainable, economic growth? How must society adjust to climate change, especially more frequent major flooding? And are there ways to clean up our environment and manage resources more wisely?
Economic growth and environmental benefits
The overall aim of Interreg is to support development and foster sustained economic growth across the region. It helps enterprises, institutions, public administrations, NGOs and others to pool their expertise, share their experience and cooperate to develop realistic solutions to problems shared by organisations across the region.
Interreg focuses on four themes that are most relevant and pressing across the region:
1. thinking growth
2. eco-innovation (INDU-ZERO)
3. sustainable North Sea Region
4. green transport and mobility
With stiff targets to reduce emissions, a focus on green business is a win-win strategy. By fostering innovative eco-enterprise, Interreg aims to stimulate economic growth plus environmental benefits: less pollution, lower emissions and longer-lasting resources.