Introducing partners: MARIBOR DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
MRA
MARIBOR DEVELOPMENT AGENCY is a non-profit professional institution serving the Podravje (Maribor) region as a regional development agency.
Its efficient operating is powered by the network of internal and external experts for regional, sustainable, SME, tourism and human resources development, as well as business internationalisation.
Since 1993 Maribor Development Agency is acting as an organizer and co-ordinator of the regional strategy for economic development with following priority fields of activities:
1. elaborating and implementing the Regional Development Programme of Podravje region,
2. promoting a regional approach to tackling the problems of Podravje region,
3. attracting new industrial and commercial development into the region,
4. promoting sustainable, tourism and rural development,
5. co-ordinating Local Employment Pact
6. co-ordinating bilateral Slovenian – Austrian development network EU-REGIA (co-ordination office for NE Slovenia)
7. acting as a co-ordinator of territorial co-operation projects (cross-border co-operation with Austria and Croatia) as well as interregional and trans-national co-operation projects,
8. working in close co-operation with municipalities and professional bodies concerned with the future of the region.
Maribor Development Agency is acting as a member of the Enterprise Europe Network.
The network is providing assistance to companies in the fields of internationalisation, innovation, transfer of know-how and technologies, as well as co-operation in EU programmes.
Relevance of the proposed ERDF PP8 in this project (thematic competence):
Maribor Development Agency is responsible for the coordination of regional development activities in the Podravje region.
Beside the preparation of regional development plan and annual action programmes it has experience in development of regional tourism development strategies, development of tourism products and PR activities.
The agency was indirectly involved in project proposed activities while preparing the tourism development strategy and during the implementation of the action plan.
For the successful implementation of project activities regional experts and other regional institutions would be involved in the implementation of project activities.
Description of previous participation to other relevant EU funded projects:
Maribor Development Agency has designed, participated in and implemented more than 40 projects supported by the European Commission and national partners.
It has comprehensive background knowledge in respect to regional development plans, creation of regional economic information system, regional strategy of tourism development, border tourism and agriculture development, international cooperation and development of business clusters and networks.
The know-how and experience gained is exchanged through a fruitful co-operation with the Chambers of Commerce, Chamber of Crafts, University of Maribor, technology parks / centres and other economic subjects.