ESIMeC is an URBACT II network of nine medium sized cities that work in partnership to develop innovative economic strategies to help these and similar cities cope better with the challenges of sustainable economic development, particularly in an economic downturn. Based on the particularities and assets of medium sized towns, the network focuses on long term solutions and place workforce development as an instrument for sustainable economic growth at the heart of its project implementation.

ESIMeC focuses on long term sustainability rather than short term solutions. This is potentially a vast subject area and in order to establish a clear focus the network concentrates upon demand led workforce development strategies as an instrument of sustainable economic recovery in medium sized cities. This is based on the premise that only by developing a highly skilled workforce can cities be in a position to attract and retain high value businesses and develop and maintain the innovative and entrepreneurial culture so pivotal to sustainable economic growth.

This in turn will help to improve the image of medium sized towns; a barrier cited by almost all towns in the ESIMeC partnership. “Workforce development” is a term used to describe activities which increase the capacity of individuals to participate in and contribute effectively to employment either through training or other forms of public assistance.

ESIMeC explores how best to identify and meet the needs of employers in this field – thereby ensuring that both the demand and supply needs of the labour market are addressed. This focus will also help with the challenge of engaging Managing Authorities as current discussions suggest that in future Structural Funds programming periods European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund initiatives more closely integrated. Partners will be encouraged to open and maintain a dialogue with both ESF and ERDF representatives. It is hoped that Managing Authorities will see benefit in discussing different approaches to workforce development and skills. ESIMeC also explores how different tools – such as partnership working and positioning – can and should be used to facilitate workforce development.

Each partner city establishes a Local Support Group which creates a Local Action Plan identifying key medium term priorities, projects and potential funding. The partners use the learning generated through transnational activities to inform their local actions. They also create a set of key principles for local leadership looking specifically at sustainable economic growth in medium sized cities – to which all cities would sign up – to ensure that findings are transferred outside the network.

The Joint Venture of HitesyBartuczHollai Euroconsulting and Grants Europe Consulting provides external support for the Municipality of Debrecen in overall management issues.