Marc De Buck, gedeputeerde Annie Mervillie, gemeenteraadslid

On my behalf I would like to warmly welcome you at the Provincial House of the Province of East Flanders. As member of the Provincial government of East Flanders – responsible for Economic Affairs and External Relations – it is a real pleasure to speak before you about the importance of multi-level governance for local governments. Like the governor has already mentioned in his speech, the concept of 'multi-level governance' has recently gained a lot of popularity within the political and scientific research. The lack of an overall political theory describing the complex and interdependent relations between actors situated at different levels, both form public and private sectors, made this approach really interesting.

Together with the theories of 'policy networks', the 'multi-level governance' approach makes it possible to have a clear view of the interdependent relations between public and private actors. Based on the principles of subsidiarity, partnership and expertise, differentiated policy networks can contribute to a better and more efficient information flow and high-quality decisions. This is particularly true in the field of the economic and European responsibilities of the provincial government of East Flanders.

As you may know the provincial government of East Flanders is an active player in the European cohesion policy through different European programmes and initiatives. The European cohesion policy is an interesting instrument to cope with some major challenges for the future. Not only it is perceived as an interesting instrument to contribute to Europe's ambition to become the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010, it is also seen as an important instrument to contribute to some important challenges like climate change, energy shortage, migration and aging of society. As such, the European cohesion policy is a laboratory for new examples of multi-level governance. With the INTERREG-programmes the European Commission wants to promote sustainable cross-border co-operation between the different regions in Europe. Our provincial government is a key player within the cross-border co-operation in the INTERREG Programme between Flanders and the Netherlands. Euregio Scheldemond – the alliance between the provinces of East Flanders, West Flanders and Zeeland – is also part of it. The INTERREG programme between France, Wallonia and Flanders focuses on the co-operation between industrial areas with a rich past and a particular geographical and cultural diversity. The maritime cross-border co-operation programme is no longer only along our borders, it is also possible to co-operate with a British partner. This programme does not only focus on sea- and inland ports, but also on the importance of rivers and hinterland. Within the INTERREG IVB programs different players – including municipalities and organizations – have the opportunity to work together in groups of European regions that go beyond the co-operation on the Dutch or French border. The provincial government is also participating in the INTERREG IVC programme. This programme offers regions from the 27 Member States the possibility to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences with each other. The Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective wants to develop Flanders as one of the most competitive regions in Europe in the field of knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship, economical growth.

Thanks to the expertise of the provincial government, we are in the ideal position to raise awareness between potential promoters and assist them in the elaboration and implementation of projects within the different programmes. In addition, the provincial government also provides for a maximum coordination between the various European programmes.

As I have mentioned before, the provincial government is also very active in the promotion and stimulation of the economy of East Flanders. Through the Provincial Development Agency of East Flanders, the provincial government implements its strategic socio-economical policy guidelines. This institution focuses on the development of a high level economic infrastructure and entrepreneurship encouraging measurements. This means the renewal and development of industrial parks, and taking initiatives to encourage business in the province. Public-Private Partnerships and multi-level governance are key elements in the success of the Provincial Development Agency. Through a project-based approach, the Provincial Development Agency is involved in different projects with stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The Provincial Development Agency is – for example – involved in the creation of an online and real life knowledge plaform "Gent Big in Creativity" together with the Ghent University and the City of Ghent. Gent BC wants to encourage technological entrepreneurship and innovation in the Knowledge Area of Ghent and put this area on the map in Flanders and abroad. Last week the Provincial Development Agency presented its study on the potential logistic capacities of East-Flanders. The study was the result of co-operation between some mayor key players in the field of logistics through a consortium. During this study the Provincial Development Agency was operating in name of the different parties of the consortium and acted as spokesmen regarding to the business community and local governments to involve them in the preparation and the results of the study.

Ladies and gentlemen, the mentioned examples in the field of economy and exernal relations make it clear that 'partnerships' and 'multi-level governance' are well-integrated concepts in our daily governance-structures. The reasons to do so, are well-considered. Through dialogue, partnership and shared responsibilities the province of East Flanders tries to play an intermediating role between different players and interests. As such there can be concluded that a partnership-based multi-level approach has become a dominant strategy for the province of East Flanders.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to wish you all a nice and instructive stay in East Flanders! Thank you for your attention!

Marc De Buck