An Impact Evaluation of the Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2014-2020: Final Report

The aim of the report is to assess the contribution of the four programme priority axes of the 2014-20 Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Programme to their objectives and the contribution to implementation of the horizontal priorities. The Programme has achieved a strong start to the 2014- 20 period although it is still at an early stage for measuring impact. An assessment of mediumlonger terms impacts from the past programme period shows a positive picture of impact sustainability with improved access to services being one of the key strengths. Area experiences of project impact vary, with place-specific factors (including type of partner, partner roles and domestic frameworks) conditioning impact. Detailed case studies are used to establish, for each Specific Objective, the causal link between project results and observed development in the programme area. A range of impacts can be established including: new SME links to R&D institutes/public sector supporting economic development; new business growth opportunities; improved service provision to remote communities; changing attitudes and perceptions; future oriented strategic partnerships and transnational links; and growing local capacity to engage with macro development issues.