CBC Conversion project

Investment project feasibility study: The border crossing sites in the Gorizia/Trieste region were becoming redundant due to Slovenia’s imminent EU accession. New uses were to be identified under a cross-border co-operation project. The RegioFuturi team of five international and local experts carried out a regional SWOT analysis (approx. 80 interviews, including training of local staff in survey techniques), a detailed sector analysis of logistics and high-tech potentials and facilitated the CBC dialogue between Slovenian and Italian actors. Land ownership issues prevented the realisation of major logistics investments (“retroporto”/value-added type for Trieste and Monfalcone harbours). However a good potential in business start-ups – including linkage to the high-tech potential emanating from Trieste University – was identified and two high-tech incubator investments were prepared. These were approved for EU CBC funding and are operating successfully. West Midlands Enterprise, Birmingham (UK)