International strategy for Region Gotland. adopted by the Regional Council on 12 September International strategy for Region Gotland 1

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1 International strategy for adopted by the Regional Council on 12 September 2011 International strategy for 1

2 International strategy for 1. Introduction 2. Choosing the right path for international collaboration 2.1 The EU s strategy for the Baltic Sea Region 2.2 Regional development programme for Gotland 2.3 Joint platform for the public sector on Gotland 3. Geographical priorities 3.1 The Baltic Sea Region 3.2 The European Union 3.3 The rest of the world 4. Priorities and goals 4.1 Prioritised collaboration 4.2 Prioritised arenas 4.3 Focus areas Objectives 5. Target areas 5.1 Target area Growth 5.2 Target area Environment and energy 5.3 Target area Culture 5.4 Target area Democracy Footnotes on page 14 s international strategy is intended to act as a tool for elected representatives and employees in the region. It will also provide support and guidelines for other players on the international stage, based inside and outside the region. On the basis of the strategy, the Regional Council will adopt annual action plans. 1. Introduction Since the adoption in 2007 of the Municipality of Gotland s inter-regional strategy, the opportunity to act internationally has changed in many ways. O n 1 January 2011, Gotland became a region in its own right A new regional development programme, Vision 2025, has been adopted T he creation of larger administrative units has improved the region s ability to act internationally T he collaboration with the EU commission on a Europe Direct office on Gotland has been concluded R egion Gotland has joined the Stockholm Region s European Association, and, through this, gained access to an office in Brussels T he EU s structural fund period has reached the half-way mark, and preparations are now being made for the next period S everal institutions with international assignments have established themselves on Gotland. I n 2009, the EU adopted a strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. In parallel with these changes, the level of internationalisation has increased. A financial crisis has affected many parts of the world economy, and continuing climate change has reminded us that we do not live in isolation from the rest of the world. The purpose of the strategy adopted for s international activities is to give us a tool with which to tackle this new and changing situation. During the evaluation of the 2007 strategy, various focus groups in the region, as well as the international regional network1, were invited to express their views and ideas with respect to future strategy. Other players, including institutions active in the international field but based on Gotland and in other municipalities/regions, were also asked to express their views. During this process, some recurring or particularly emphasised points were noted. Greater focus on collaboration between the business and public sectors, as well as clear links to Vision 2025, were clearly recurring themes. A short and clear strategy was recommended. Traditional twin-town arrangements between towns in different countries should increasingly be replaced by concrete collaboration projects. International strategy for 3

3 The general objectives of the programme are: 3.1 The Baltic Sea Region 4 The Regional Council has adopted the following key points for the new international strategy: embedding, both inside and outside the organisation focus, both geographically and with respect to the choice of partners long-term sustainability, with continuous follow-up of work carried out and dissemination of knowledge throughout the organisation skills development within the organisation, primarily with respect to the EU collaboration outside Europe where doing so can be regarded as generating particular benefits for the region or its members. 2. Choosing the right path for international collaboration In a world of many opportunities, it is necessary to choose a path to ensure optimum utilisation of available resources and focus on achieving set goals. has chosen to base its strategy primarily on the following documents. 2.1 The EU s strategy for the Baltic Sea Region The strategy, which was adopted by the European council in autumn 2009, is based on four challenges: an environmentally sustainable region a growth region an accessible and attractive region a safe and secure region The action plan drawn up on the basis of the strategy contains around 80 measures in 15 prioritised areas. The strategy talks about multi-level governance with respect to coordinated jurisdiction between the EU, Member States, regional and local authorities for the purpose of implementing the EU s policy. 2 No Swedish region has stronger reasons to involve itself in Baltic issues than Gotland. 2.2 Regional development programme for Gotland The Vision 2025 regional development programme adopted by the Municipal Council in 2008 is a general programme for Gotland which forms the basis for other plans and programmes relating to the development of the region. The vision can be summed up as: Gotland is the Baltic Sea Region s most creative and magical place characterised by nearness, sustainable development and a zest for life. At least 65,000 people to live on Gotland Prosperity among Gotland residents to be among the highest in Sweden Gotland to be a natural meeting place in the Baltic Sea Region Gotland residents to enjoy the best health and welfare in Sweden Gotland to be a world-leading island region with respect to environmental and climate issues 2.3 Joint platform for the public sector on Gotland The County Administration, University and Regional Council have drawn up a joint platform for international collaboration involving the public sector on Gotland. 3 By adopting joint priorities and acting in unity, the combined resources of the whole region can generate a much better result. The platform lays down that public sector organisations must keep each other informed about international partnerships and significant contacts, and collaborate wherever possible and appropriate. 3. Geographical priorities Gotland s international involvement can be described as activities at three main levels or arenas: the Baltic Sea Region, the EU and the rest of the world. Background Gotland is heavily dependent on the environment, economic development, accessibility and safety of the Baltic Sea Region. Cooperation along the shores of the Baltic has a long history. Since the Municipality of Gotland was formed in 1971, this cooperation has been formalised with links to towns in Norway, Finland and Denmark. Contact was made with Estonia and Latvia even before the break-up of the Soviet Union. Collaboration The Baltic Islands Network, or B7, was set up in 1989, covering the major islands in the Baltic Sea. Over the next few years, cooperation will centre on the EU s Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (see the previous section) and the EU s regional policy (see the next section). In 1995, Gotland contributed actively to the formation of the Baltic Sea Commission 5, and acted as its secretariat in Other organisations in the Baltic Sea Region which Gotland has participated in or collaborated with include the Union of the Baltic Cities, the Hanseatic Network, Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Cooperation and the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Its geographical location means that the Baltic Sea environment is particularly significant to Gotland. Although the majority of necessary measures must be taken at a different level, local measures and working to exert influence can also be important. 4 International strategy for International strategy for 5

4 Financing Parts of the cooperative work around the Baltic, particularly projects, can be financed by external sources. Such co-financing should be sought where possible. The Baltic Sea Region takes top priority among the international activities in which Region Gotland is involved 3.2 The European Union Background Gotland was one of only a few sparsely populated areas where a majority of residents supported Sweden joining the EU, and extensive preparations were made for membership. Efforts to have a separate Gotland protocol included in the Swedish membership treaty were, however, unsuccessful. As demonstrated by the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, decisions made by the EU impact on around 60 percent of matters dealt with by municipalities. 6 The EU s regional policy, or cohesion policy as it is also called, is aimed at improving economic, social and geographical cohesion by reducing the differences in development between EU countries and regions and, in doing so, contributing to improved economic growth throughout the EU. In the fifth Cohesion Report 7, presented on 10 November 2010, it was stated that the policy has had the desired effect, and that all regions have benefitted. It also concluded, however, that future investment related to the cohesion policy must be linked more closely to the EU s strategic growth targets. 8 The report also suggests stricter contribution terms, as well as added incentives to ensure maximum use of funding. Collaboration Gotland had established contacts with EU-related organisations even before Sweden became a member of the EU. is a member of the stakeholder organisation, CPMR, the Conference for Peripheral Maritime Regions in Europe, and this gives it access to information and influence. is part of the Stockholm Region s European Association, which gives it access to the Association s office in Brussels. As part of the B7 9 network, Gotland takes part in annual visits to Brussels. The programme for these visits has often included meetings with EU Commissioners, Directorates General and members of the EU Parliament. Membership of networks with other Swedish municipalities and regions is also important, since it gives access to comparisons and shared knowledge. Almedalen, 6 International Visby. strategy for International strategy for 7 Financing During the programme period, Gotland is covered by the EU s regional development support, also known as the Structural Funds: For the purpose of the EU s regional development funds for Sweden, Gotland and the counties in the province of Småland form part of the Småland and islands region. The two programmes are: 1. The European regional structural programme for regional competitiveness and employment ERDF or the Regional Development Fund. The objective of the programme is to improve regional competitiveness with the aim of achieving sustainability and, through this, create more job opportunities and attract companies. The programme focuses on access (infrastructure and communication), innovation and entrepreneurship. 2. The European social fund ESF or the Social Fund is aimed at creating increased growth through a reliable supply of skills and increased labour supply. The objective is to provide increased opportunities for development and encourage adaptability, especially among those currently in employment, as well as providing new opportunities in the labour market for people with particular difficulties in finding work. The EU s regional development support also finances Interreg, a programme aimed at developing interregional cooperation with our nearest neighbours around the Baltic Sea. Gotland, along with parts of the Swedish mainland, Finland, Estonia and Latvia, is part of the Central Baltic IV programme, but can also participate in some other Interreg programmes covering larger geographical areas. Just like the Baltic Strategy, the EU s new action plan, EU 2020, will affect the architecture of the Structural Funds from 2014 onwards. For the next few years, this will be a prioritised EU issue for Gotland. The EU prioritises international activities in

5 3.3 The rest of the world Background During the first decade of the 21st Century, Gotland has been involved in many municipal partnerships, and has co-operated extensively with organisations in areas such as education. In 2008, the Municipality of Gotland was involved in setting up the international centre for local democracy, ICLD, which established its operations in Visby in ICLD, which has been commissioned by Sida to promote local democracy in prioritised developing countries, has three principal tasks: to support and finance municipal partnerships, to build, maintain and develop a knowledge centre, and to be responsible for training programmes. Collaboration The networks which ICLD and SALAR 10 are members of are important to non-european collaboration. As a member of ICLD, with a seat on the Board of Directors, Gotland is specifically responsible for monitoring trends, which it does partly through participating in partnerships on its own account. Financing Municipal partnerships are financed by Sida through ICLD. Other activities should, if possible, be partly financed from external sources. For a non-european collaboration to be established, the assumption must be that it will be of particular benefit to the region or its inhabitants. Examples of such benefits include skills development, an opportunity to develop products and/or methods or to obtain further understanding of other cultures which is believed will benefit the region s public authorities, the business sector or organisations. It may also involve taking responsibility for important global issues, such as support for democracy or climate-related measures. Collaboration outside Europe is a priority in the international work carried on by, provided that such collaboration can be regarded as providing specific benefits. 4. Priorities and goals The following is a summary of the priorities and goals for Gotland s international activities. The target areas will be explained further in the next section. 4.1 Prioritised collaboration Long-term partnerships must be a priority. The following organisations and partnerships are prioritised at regional management level: Networks based in SALAR Baltic Islands Network B7 Conference for Peripheral Maritime Regions CPMR, its Baltic and Island Commissions, as well as the Swedish CPMR network Development of business sector cooperation within the Hanseatic area, primarily focusing on tourism Municipal partnerships financed by Sida through the International Centre for Local Democracy Town-twinning following from agreements on specific areas of co-operation 4.2 Prioritised arenas, see the previous section The Baltic Sea Region takes top priority in Region Gotland s international activities The EU has high priority in s international activities Collaboration outside Europe is a priority in Region Gotland s international activities, to the extent that it can be assumed to generate specific benefits 4.3 Target areas Objectives Growth objective: ecologically, socially and financiallysustainable growth and increased employment on Gotland Environmental and energy objective: improved environment, primarily in our immediate area, and a community sustainable in the long term Cultural objective: a continuing international exchange, with Gotland acting as a natural meeting place in the Baltic Democratic objective: cross-party and cross-cultural contact and understanding Vindkraften står för 20 procent av Gotlands elförsörjning. GEAB, som delvis ägs av Gotlands kommun, möjliggör 8 International strategy for distribution av vindproducerad International strategy el. Näsudden, for Havdhem. 9

6 5. Target areas 5.1 Target area Growth Vision Gotland 2025 contains several general targets clearly linked to growth: At least 65,000 permanent residents on Gotland Prosperity among Gotland residents to be among the highest in Sweden Gotland to be the natural meeting place in the Baltic Sea Region On closer examination, these general targets mean that: The business climate must be inviting and encouraging Gotland must lead the way in conceptual development, entrepreneurship and the establishment of new businesses Gotland products must be marketed and sold in different parts of the world Gotland must be an established national and international destination, all year round Gotland must be a known, recognised and appreciated partner at the centre of the Baltic Sea Region. The term sustainable means that growth must be environmentally, socially and financially sustainable. 11 Goal: Sustainable growth and increased employment on Gotland Strategies: Adopt a proactive approach to the establishment of new international traffic routes Participate in marketing Gotland as a tourist destination on selected international markets Support internationalisation of Gotland-based businesses through export support and other measures Encourage international businesses to move to Gotland Ensure that Gotland utilises external sources of finance primarily from the EU during the development phase Ensure that Gotland has the opportunity to access EU financing during the next structural funding period Target area Environment and energy A general goal for Vision Gotland 2025 is to make Gotland a world-leading island region with regard to environmental and climate issues. The aim of the Environmental Programme for Eco Municipality Gotland is to ensure that Gotland will have an ecologically-sustainable community by Under the plan, this goal will be achieved by: Reducing the distribution and use of new material taken from the Earth s crust Reducing environmentally harmful emissions from society s production operation and energy consumption Preserving nature s production capacity and safeguarding biodiversity Developing a society which uses resources efficiently Vindkraften står för 20 procent av Gotlands elförsörjning. and effectively, and which helps to meet the fundamental needs of all its people distribution av vindproducerad International strategy el. Näsudden, for Havdhem. GEAB, som delvis ägs av Gotlands kommun, möjliggör 10 International strategy for 11

7 Four focus areas have been identified for the period: 1. Knowledge and education 2. Energy 3. Water 4. Living environment The environment does not recognise administrative borders. Achieving the goals adopted requires co-operation outside both the region and Sweden. Gotland has a long history of environmental projects, which have also generated and continue to generate visits to and meetings on the island. The environment of the Baltic Sea is a priority. Activities may take the form of the collection and dissemination of information, participation in cross-border projects, comments on proposals circulated for consideration and other positional statements. Where possible, partial external financing of concrete activities should be applied for. Goal: An improved environment, particularly in our immediate area, and a community with long-term sustainability on Gotland by 2025 Strategies: Monitoring the area around us, and gathering knowledge Seeking out and actively participating in international partnership projects Actively lobbying appropriate decision-makers 5.3 Target area Culture Under the cultural policy programme for Gotland, adopted in 2009, as well as the regional cultural plan, a major objective is to promote greater awareness of Gotland culture, both at a national and international level. Gotland must monitor and support improvements in the cultural area, locally, nationally and internationally, and promote Gotland as a natural meeting place in the Baltic Sea Region by supporting and developing international contacts in the cultural field. In a declaration of intent submitted to the Swedish Arts Council, an ambition to provide a safe haven for persecuted and/or threatened authors has been added to the plan. Young people must be a prioritised group in cultural activities. In the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth s 12 definition, Gotland s main industry, tourism and visitor-related business, is included in the concept of cultural and creative industries. See also Target area Growth above. Three dedicated international centres of culture are currently based on Gotland: the Baltic Art Center, the Visby International Centre for Composers and the Baltic Centre for Authors and Translators. Many recurring and occasional cultural activities on Gotland are aimed at a partly international target group. Goal: a continuing international cultural exchange, with Gotland as the natural hub in the Baltic Strategies: Participate in international networks and exchange programmes, focusing mainly on young people Support residential activities Participate in international partnership projects Active marketing of Gotland as a meeting place 5.4 Target area Democracy The international work carried out on Gotland must contribute to peaceful and stable development, particularly in the Baltic Sea Region. Several bodies involved in international assignments are based on Gotland. In our globalised world, there is great value in establishing contacts and learning from the experiences of other countries, not least for young people. In the future, to a far greater extent than previous generations, our young people will be expected to participate in an international labour market with great cross-border mobility, and they need to be equipped for this. Municipal partnerships focusing on specific tasks generate added value for all parties involved. 12 International strategy for Region Kongresshallen Gotland Wisby Strand, Visby. International strategy for 13

8 , Goal: contacts and understanding across political and cultural frontiers Strategies: L ong-term international contacts, partnerships and exchanges involving young people M embership of the International Centre for Local Democracy, ICLD M unicipal partnerships in countries on the Sida programme H osting, with the emphasis on long-term exchanges and educational activities Executive office S Visby Phone: Homepage: Footnotes The Region, County Administration, Gotland University and representatives from the business sector 1) Reg skr. 2009/10:159 page ) 3) Graphic design: Photo: Print: Paper: In this context, this refers to the Baltic, the Skagerrak and the Kattegat and their catchment areas 4) Part of the Conference for Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) 5) EU i lokalpolitiken [The EU in local politics] SKL 2010 ISBN: ) See pdf/5cr_en.pdf 7) Europa 2020, COM/2010/2020 final 8) Baltic Islands Network, network covering the seven major islands in the Baltic 9) Infoteamet, Service Department Malin Ericsson, Patrik Widegren David Skoog, Infoteamet SF Elanders Sverige AB 170g Galerie art silk 115g Galerie art silk, 2011 All rights reserved. It is not allowed to use texts or photos without written permission from. Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions 10) Explained in greater detail on page 9 of Vision Gotland ) kulturellaochkreativanaringar bcb412700b68b html 12) Almedalen, Visby. 14 International strategy for (växel) Väg i dimma, Romakloster.

9 Gotland in the Baltic Sea Region, Europe and the world No other Swedish region has stronger reasons to involve itself in Baltic issues than Gotland. The EU s strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is therefore an important document with its four challenges: An environmentally sustainable region A growth region An accessible and attractive region A safe and secure region Regions are important actors in the EU. Gotland is the only island region in Sweden. Cooperation and networking with other European coastal and island regions give access to comparisons and shared knowledge. Gotland is also affected by several global issues. Collaboration outside Europe is a priority in the international work carried on by, on condition that such collaboration can be regarded as providing specific benefits. It may also involve taking responsibility for important global issues, such as support for democracy or climate-related measures. In this publication you can find the International Strategy for and its four target areas and objectives: Growth objective: ecologically, socially and financiallysustainable growth and increased employment on Gotland Environmental and energy objective: improved environment, primarily in our immediate area, and a community sustainable in the long term Cultural objective: a continuing international exchange, with Gotland acting as a natural meeting place in the Baltic Democratic objective: cross-party and cross-cultural contact and understanding s international strategy was adopted by the Regional Council on 12 September On the basis of the strategy, the Regional Council will adopt annual action plans. For further information about the international strategy Executive office S Visby ,