Objective:
The project objective was to develop guidelines in the form of a "manual" for regions or areas that wish to strengthen their competitive position - whether it is within their national boundaries or in a wider European/Global perspective.

The project started in 1997 with partners from three different regions in Europe, in Leiria, Portugal., Horsens, Denmark and Reykjanes (Suðurnes), Iceland. The partner's goal was to gather data and experience in the respective regions over the three years and - along with relevant training in the subject areas and comparison - use that information to develop some general guidelines applicable for other regions. The guidelines are therefore supposed to address general issues common to all regions, yet give leverage for individual procedure as well as recognizing situational and cultural differences.

We whish to thank the Commission, the municipalities of Reykjanes and Leiria and Horsens and respective ministries and organizations for supporting the project and the numerous social partners and individuals in the regions that have believed in it and support us through the fruitful, yet sometimes tiresome path we - the partners - had chosen.

On behalf of the project partners,

Ólafur Jón Arnbjörnsson,
Project co-ordinator