London European Regional Development Fund 2007 to 2013

 The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is used to tackle regional disparities across Europe. The ERDF supports regional development through actions such as business innovation and support and regeneration.

Working on behalf of the Mayor of London, the European Programmes Management Unit (EPMU) at the London Development Agency (LDA) is responsible for the administration of the 2007 to 2013 ERDF programme.

Round 2 ERDF 2007-2013

The second London ERDF bidding round launched on 20 October 2008 and is now open for applications to support business innovation, promoting eco-efficiency and access to new markets activity.

The closing date for applications to be submitted is 12 noon on Friday 16 January 2009. Round 2 details.

Round 1 ERDF 2007-2013

Round 1 closed in April 2008. Background and details on Round 1.

Operational Programme

In consultation with London stakeholders, the European Programme Management Unit (EPMU) drafted the London European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Operational Programme 2007 to 2013.

The Operational Programme (OP) sets out investment priorities for London ERDF 2007 to 2013 and has been adopted by the EC on 7 December 2007.

• London ERDF Operational Programme 2007 to 2013 (26 November 2007) PDF 701 Kb
• London ERDF Operational Programme 2007 to 2013 (26 November 2007) Doc 2Mb

Operational Programme vision

The vision for the London Operational programme is to promote sustainable, environmentally efficient growth in London, capitalising on London's innovation and knowledge resources. It will focus on promoting social inclusion through extending economic opportunities to communities, in areas where this is most needed.

The London programme will not work in isolation but will complement other London strategies and build on the success of the 2000 to 2006 ERDF programme within the context of the EU Lisbon agenda for jobs and growth.

The Mayor's Economic Development Strategy (EDS) has identified a number of core principles to guide investment in London which have also informed development of the OP:

• ensure that efficient use is made of limited resources
• protect and enhance the environment
• boost economic success and prosperity
• promote social inclusion for all parts of London and its people.

There are four main priorities listed, each with specific themes:

Priority 1: Business innovation and research and promoting eco-efficiency.

The objective of this priority is to improve the capacity of London's businesses, particularly its Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), to innovate through developing new products, processes and services, leading to increased growth, competitiveness and improved environmental performance.

The programme will also assist London's extensive knowledge base, so as to create new commercial opportunities and to effectively exploit new ideas. The two core themes identified under this priority are:

1. Developing a culture of, and capacity for, creating and using innovation throughout London's businesses to cerate sustainable economic growth.
2. Leveraging value form London's World class knowledge base to benefit London’s economy.

Priority 2: Access to new markets and access to finance.

The activities under this investment theme will focus on the strategic barriers to growth faced by SMEs and entrepreneurs in understanding and accessing new markets (particularly in rapidly growing emerging markets), building on London's strong global links and in raising finances and developing start ups, including environmental improvement.

The programme will also draw upon experience gained in previous projects to support projects to develop exports, sustainable procurement, and SME access to supply chains. The two core themes identified under this priority are:

1. Enabling access to appropriate investment finance to support innovation and growth.
2. Improving SME's access to new markets opportunities.

Priority 3: Sustainable places for business

The main objective of this Axis is to improve the competitiveness of economically and socially deprived areas of London and to secure their long term regeneration.

This will be achieved through supporting the development of high quality working environments and low / zero carbon employment sites and premises.

There will be a focus on encouraging clusters of businesses particularly green businesses, such as those supported under priority 1 and 2, and on demonstration projects to reduce carbon footprint of businesses. The theme of this priority is:

1. Environmental enhancement of working premises and surrounding spaces, and support for business clusters.

Priority 4: Technical assistance.

This priority covers two themes:

1. Support, development and enhancement of the management of the London Operational Programme.
2. support to strengthen the implementation of the London ERDF Operational Programme Priorities.