Regional development agencies (RDAs) are becoming local drivers of change. They bring together communities, regional authorities, businesses, universities and civil society; support economic and cultural projects; help implement development strategies; and administer infrastructure projects. UCORD has now announced a call for non-pilot RDAs, creating new opportunities for regions to engage with development of regions.

At the Bucha Forum ‘Reforms. Decentralisation. European Integration’ in the panel ‘Successful practices of international projects for sustainable development of communities and regions’, Maryna Bryl, Project Leader of the Swiss-Ukrainian ‘Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development’ (UCORD) Project, explained the role of RDAs and practical support for communities.

Regional development agencies – the heart of the Project

UCORD focuses on RDAs, which are becoming effective partners for regional authorities and contribute to:

• economic and social development of the region;
• reducing disparities between regions;
• bringing together local authorities, communities, businesses, universities and civil society.

The Project currently cooperates with six RDAs and helps them grow institutionally by providing support in strategic planning, programming and project implementation.

Strategic planning and support for communities

With the help of the RDA, the Project:

• supports the development and updating of regional development strategies (examples: Odesa and Khmelnytskyi regions);
• provides advisory support to communities in preparing local development strategies;
• introduces tools for monitoring the implementation of strategies, allowing for a rapid response to gaps in the implementation of plans.

Cluster development and economy of regions

One of the Project’s key priorities is the development of clusters. RDAs form project portfolios for priority clusters in the region and cooperate with the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance. Example: The Odesa region was the first to approve a cluster development programme involving the active participation of RDAs. This ensures coordination between businesses, communities, and authorities to effectively implement strategic projects.

Interregional and international cooperation

The Project encourages cooperation between regions, as well as international partnerships. RDAs administer cross-border projects and share best practices with other agencies, transferring knowledge and European experience.

Infrastructure and cultural initiatives

UCORD implements projects in two areas:

• Infrastructural: water supply, sewage, waste management – RDAs learn to administer such projects, building institutional capacity;
• Cultural and social: ‘Renaissance Clusters’ programme supports inter-municipal cultural projects that bring communities and businesses together and bring resources to the region.

New opportunities for regions

UCORD has announced a call for proposals for non-pilot RDAs. Winners will receive support in forming portfolios of priority projects in line with regional strategies. Winners will be selected jointly with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

 

 

‘Regional development agencies are not just a tool; they are a driver of regional development. They help communities to use their potential effectively and achieve their strategic goals,’ said Maryna Bryl.

The Bucha Forum ‘Reforms. Decentralisation. European integration’ was organised by the Committee on State Administration, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning.

The event was held with the assistance and support of the U-LEAD with Europe, the Swiss-Ukrainian ‘Decentralisation for Improved Democratic Education’ (DECIDE) Project, implemented with the support of Switzerland, the ‘E-Governance for Accountability and Participation’ (EGAP) Programme, implemented by the East Europe Foundation, the Swiss-Ukrainian ‘Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development’ (UCORD) Project, the Swedish-Ukrainian ‘Support for Multilevel Governance in Ukraine’ (Polaris) Programme, the RELEVE Project, implemented by Expertise France, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, and the DESPRO public organisation.