European and Regional Policy

The key aim of European and regional policy is to create balanced, prosperous and sustainable economies by stimulating economic growth, job creation, and economic and social well-being. Adjustment to challenges such as the global economy, climate change and social equality play an increasingly important role, requiring economies to innovate, improve competitiveness and become more connected.

Our experienced, multi-disciplinary team regularly assists clients in their strategy and policy development through research and the appraisal and evaluation of programmes and initiatives at all levels – European, national, regional and local.

Our work is well regarded for producing high quality and practically oriented outputs.

Economic Strategy Development

We assist clients in the identification of policy priorities and economic development opportunities on the basis of robust data analysis and engagement with key stakeholders.

Project Development

We regularly support our clients in developing project applications to be submitted under the various European or national funding programmes. This assistance is usually delivered in close collaboration with the relevant staff – at times in the form of a ‘hand-holding’ or ‘critical friend’ approach, other times more ‘hands-on’ by actually writing the applications for the clients.

Programme and Project Appraisal

We have had a long involvement with the appraisal and quantification of Structural Funds Programmes and Community Initiatives (CI), which stretches back over 17 years. This includes the ex ante assessment of the ERDF, ESF, EAGGF and UK Fisheries Programmes as well as the appraisal of individual project applications at various stages (before and after submission); the appraisal of funding mechanisms such as Jessica; and the collaborative appraisal of transnational project submissions for programmes such as URBACT II.

Evaluation of Programmes and Projects

Our evaluations help maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of funding programmes and individual projects. This includes a wide range of initiatives from small-scale community projects to highly complex, multi-themed national and regional development programmes. We are experienced in all areas of economic and social development, urban and rural, national and transnational programmes. We use an outcome-focused approach and produce the evidence needed for our clients to learn from their experience, achieve performance targets, and support them in accessing funds for future activities.

Rural Development Research

We conduct a wide range of studies that explore new ideas and options for developing sustainable and vibrant rural communities and stronger rural economies. This includes themes such as rural transport, social enterprise and tourism development. Our studies further address social issues such as poverty, the measurement of quality of life, and rural deprivation.

Policy Integration

In light of current policy development, our work facilitates the effective integration of important policy strands such as the environment, equal opportunities, and corporate and social responsibility into economic development strategies.

Identification of Good Practice

Through our assignments we are in a good position to learn about what does and does not work. We evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches in order to improve performance, and assess against a range of criteria to identify good practice for others to learn from. We also work with clients to support the dissemination of best practice.

Examples of recent research studies

To find out more please e-mail or call 0141 353 8317