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Evaluations

The current Programme has so far undertaken a Mid-Term Evaluation (completed at the end of 2003) and two technical studies, one on ICT investment and the other on the Renewables sector. 

A pan-Scotland study was also undertaken on behalf of the Scottish Executive into the social inclusion measures used by ESF.

All the studies referred to below are available from our Downloads section.

Mid-Term Evaluation

The evaluation is a requirement by the European Commission and was undertaken by Alec Fraser Associates, the European Policy and Research Centre, University of Strathclyde and the Rural Development Company.  The evaluation mainly reviewed:

• Programme progress against the targets set out in the SPD, both financial and physical;
• The appropriateness of the original Strategy along with analysis of the current economic situation;
• Implementation Arrangements; and
• Horizontal Themes
  

ICT Action Plan

The Plan was a requirement in the Single Programming Document to analyse gaps in ICT infrastructure and make recommendations on a telecommunications strategy focusing on the most cost-effective way of enabling access to developing telecom services for users in the region. 

Renewable Energy Study

The study was commissioned to provide a framework for supporting renewable energy investments and guidelines for applicants and the Advisory Group.  It focused on potential initiatives, eligible activity and the scale of projects which the Programme could support. 

Review of Effectiveness of ESF Social Inclusion Measures

This study was commissioned by the Scottish Executive with the objective to review the effectiveness of social inclusion Measures within the Objective 3, Objective 2 West of Scotland, and Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme. The study was undertaken by Ekos Limited.

European Structural Funds Programmes must comply with certain monitoring and assessment requirements as laid down by the European Community in Articles 40 and 42 of Council Regulation No 1260/1999. This study therefore forms part of the Mid Term Evaluation Update for the European Social Fund in Scotland.