The Contribution of North West Universities to RegionalEconomic and Social Regeneration

HE engagement in the region?s Structural Funding programmes2000 - 2006

European Structural Funding in the North West contributes to theregeneration of the region, leading to increased wealth andopportunities for businesses and residents. The European RegionalDevelopment Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) haveenabled the Higher Education sector to make a vital contribution toregional development and regeneration through knowledge exchange,helping businesses to become more innovative, developing newentrepreneurs and assisting with the creation of new enterprise.Additionally the HE sector develops and delivers high-level skillsand training relevant to the needs of individuals and businessesalike. This employer and employee demand-led activity assists withaddressing regional skills shortages, ensuring a productiveworkforce fi t to meet the needs of a growing knowledgeeconomy.