highest in the world ’
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4.2 The Five Components
The five components, which form the basis of the vision for the BMW Region are distinctive to the region for a number of important reasons:
v These components represent a consensus view of the region’s possibilities and opportunities rather than emerging as a result of a more traditional ‘top down’ policy process.
v They emphasise the economic and social opportunities for knowledge-based economies through increasing diversity and creativity but within the framework of strong and sustainable communities that value the region’s social cohesion.
v They reflect the values and aspirations held within the region alongside a shared understanding of the challenges facing the BMW Region.
Each component is detailed below and the means through which they can be achieved are outlined in the next chapter through a series of objectives and measures.
Component 1. A region where entrepreneurship, learning and knowledge are the cornerstones of prosperity
Knowledge and learning are already becoming an increasingly integral part of the BMW Region’s economy, as economic activity shifts toward knowledge and services as a result of global and national economic forces.
If the BMW Region is to absorb, exchange and use the knowledge that is available in a new knowledge-based global environment, the region must overcome its current low capacity to promote enterprise and exploit innovation and fill the gaps in the region’s “high level skills”. The role of the third level sector and its linkages with industry, therefore, become crucial in such a knowledge based economy.
Entrepreneurship, learning and knowledge must be the cornerstones of the prosperity of the BMW Region of the future.
Component 2. A region with internationally competitive businesses and a business environment conducive to investment
The BMW Region competes with other regions and countries to attract and retain the best economic assets and the brightest and most skilled people.
The BMW Region must aim to be recognised as a globally competitive location from which to do business and achieve a status as a net exporter of low weight/high value products and services to a global market place.
Building on its specialist firms, institutions and business supports, the region can create strong linkages and networks in key high value sectors, through networking at local, national and international levels. The region must also build new strengths (e.g. in ICT, life sciences and internationally traded services) and attributes that recognise and exploit global trends such as those towards health consciousness and the desire of a globally ageing population for high quality leisure.
The BMW Region needs to attract the best companies (foreign and indigenous) in the world to develop or locate there and enable the region’s businesses to use knowledge to compete on a global basis.
Component 3. A region where infrastructure networks provide access to 21st century resources
The BMW Region cannot hope to exploit the global knowledge-based economy until universal access to information sources and distribution channels is provided equitably across the population and used fully for business, public services and education and learning. Integrated infrastructures, such as Broadband Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), and an efficient transport infrastructure that allow remote access and networked connectivity to knowledge will be a key enabling factor for the region.
The BMW Region requires a telecommunications and energy infrastructure suitable for the 21st century and an integrated network of telecommunications, road, rail and air services serving the region.
Infrastructure investments already being implemented in the region need to be completed and a new strategic approach adopted across all areas and all communication media without ignoring the equally important social, educational and health infrastructure requirements of the region.
Component 4. A region where sustainable communities enjoy a high quality environment
The BMW Region has significant competitive advantages in its high quality environment and its strong urban and rural communities that must be maintained and innovative ways found to embrace major global challenges such as the changing prospects for agriculture and rural economies, waste management and long-term demographic change.
The BMW Region must grasp the opportunity to create value from its clean environment, vibrant urban and rural communities and a culturally active population and at the same time achieve economic growth without adverse social and environmental impacts.
Investment in social infrastructure (urban and rural) is required if the long-term social health of the region and its urban and rural communities is to be ensured. A high and sustainable quality of life in the BMW Region will act as a magnet for incomers or returnees, many of whom will bring with them new skills and talents leading to the formation of thriving multi-cultural communities across the region. These can invigorate the region’s workforce and provide a permanent base for success.
Component 5. A region with visionary leaders and effective regional management7
Policy makers must be attuned to recognising and addressing regional and local needs. Post-2006 close coordination with European and national policies will be even more important at the regional level and may require a greater coordination of public policy functions between different levels of government and, perhaps also, between different institutions and organisations. Regional bodies must be able to ‘proof’ the national policies according to the needs of the region, assess the potential impact of national and regional investment programmes and projects and monitor and evaluate the efficiency of public service delivery.
7 A further explanation on the delivery of more effective regional policy is contained in Annex D.
Regional policy makers need to demonstrate effective governance and leadership by conforming to high standards of public, administration and democratic accountability in the delivery of policy.
The design of spatially sensitive policy at the regional level requires policy makers to engage with stakeholders, for example, foreign owned and indigenous business, universities, third level institutes and the voluntary sector in order to identify existing policy priorities and emerging opportunities and to agree upon a shared vision. Integrating and co-ordinating approaches to policy, where regional problems and issues span more than one policy area is an added challenge and policy makers need to show an ability to respond to these challenges by delivering creative solutions adapted to the diverse needs of the people in the region.
4.3 Cross-cutting Themes
During the Foresight process, the following cross-cutting themes emerged as being central to all elements of the strategy and are thus included here as horizontal principles, to be integrated into the implementation of all measures:
(i) Sustainability;
(ii) Equality of opportunity.
4.3.1 Sustainability
The notion of sustainability8 was discussed in all of the thematic panels in its environmental, social and economic meaning. Whilst it was recognised that economic or social development should not impinge negatively on the environment, it was also emphasised that a careful balance should be struck between the generation of economic prosperity and the need for preservation.
Some of the principles that should be adhered to under the theme of sustainability include:
1. Encourage sustainable land-use strategies, renewable energy and use of public transport.
2. Promote economic and social development, which will meet the needs of current and future generations.
3. Retain existing river catchment management and water quality upgrade schemes.
4. Build on the image and promote the region as a safe, clean and green region to live, work in and visit.
5. Implement the Regional Waste Management Strategies with an emphasis on sustainable waste management programmes.
4.3.2 Equality of Opportunity
Equality of opportunity was also identified during the Foresight process as a key horizontal issue in order to ensure that everyone in the region benefits from economic and social progress. It is essential to achieving a high quality of life for the citizens of the BMW Region. Full accessibility to employment and educational opportunities as well as social, cultural and leisure amenities were prioritised.
The following principles will contribute to this horizontal objective:
1. Continue to target multi-faceted supports towards disadvantaged groups, such as travellers, lone parents, migrants, long term unemployed and those experiencing special physical or educational needs.
2. Expand support programmes for e-inclusion and general education and training opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
3. Support volunteering and training of community leaders through strengthening the activities of the voluntary sector.
4. Increase opportunities for deliberative democracy and civil engagement in local and regional development.
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