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Cross-border
economic
development
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Territory portraits: economic development on different borders
Sectors of economic cooperation
In terms of economic cooperation, the French-Italian border is home
to many projects linked to the development of tourism, often with the
aim of promoting natural resources. Cooperation initiatives across
natural spaces (both mountainous and marine) are thus among some
of the most advanced in Europe. Low-impact tourism that respects the
environment forms part of these development projects.
As for the productive economy, projects are aimed at creating networks
among SMEs, particularly in order to encourage innovation (projects
focusing on the territory’s specialisms, such as perfumery).
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The concept of a “living laboratory” has been adopted, which
constitutes a new form of innovation: tested within the framework
of the INTERREG ALCOTRA
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programme, this method places
users at the heart of the design and decision-making process,
by testing and optimising solutions on the ground rather than in
a laboratory, hence the name. This method also allows for the
creation of a network linking all of the socio-economic players
involved in innovation, in a cross-border setting: pilot actions
have been carried out within the framework of cross-border public
procurement (Aosta Valley) and intelligent mobility (Piedmont
and Liguria).
Promotion of the timber industry has also formed part of cross-border
cooperation projects.
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As part of the “Innovation” project, which took place from 20
1
0 to 2013, financed by ALCOTRA
2007-2013.
The Mont Blanc area
© Espace Mont Blanc