This case study explores the Interreg Alpine Space Programme (2014-20), a transnational initiative supporting social innovation and sustainable development across the Alpine region. With a focus on sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable tourism, local food production and cultural heritage, the programme promotes cross-border cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), public authorities and co-operatives. Guided by the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) and frameworks like the Alpine Convention, it addresses issues such as demographic shifts and regional inequality. Results showed strong contributions to EU2020 goals in low-carbon development, R&D and poverty reduction, with 90% of projects integrating sustainable development measures. Despite challenges such as geographical and sectoral imbalances, improved communication and policy coordination enhanced impact, fostering resilience and social innovation across the Alpine region.
Interreg Alpine Space Programme
Abstract
The Alpine region includes regions from Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. This has created opportunities for the social economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), co-operative networks, public authorities, and NGOs to work across borders. Sectors such as sustainable tourism, renewable energy, local food production, and the preservation of cultural heritage have been at the centre of many collaborations. The region uses cross-border partnerships in alignment with the principles of the social economy, mainly solidarity, inclusiveness, and sustainability. (Interreg Alpine Space, 2020[1]) to address common challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts, and economic disparities.
The Interreg Alpine Space Programme promotes social innovation among entities of the social economy within the region. This initiative aligns with the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP), which focuses on low-carbon initiatives, innovation, and improvements in governance. Frameworks like the Alpine Convention provide guidance for sustainable development. Additionally, the programme incorporates principles of sustainable development, gender equality, and non-discrimination into its projects. From 2014 to 2020, the programme supported experimental approaches to social innovation through institutions such as the EUSALP Action Groups and regional stakeholders. The initiatives, including integrated public services and circular economy practices, sought to scale solutions (Spatial Foresight, 2018[2]).
The Alpine region faces challenges including an ageing population, economic disparities, and limited access to services in remote areas. Addressing demographic shifts, such as rural depopulation and an ageing workforce, requires innovative approaches to public services and job creation. Economic disparities in the region underscore the need for inclusive growth, particularly through SME support and social entrepreneurship. Given the region’s vulnerability to climate change, initiatives to mitigate environmental risks and improve resilience are particularly relevant (Spatial Foresight, 2018[2]).
The programme drove social innovation by promoting transnational collaboration, targeted priorities, and measurable contributions. It directly supported EU2020 priorities by addressing critical areas such as climate and energy, research and development (R&D), and poverty reduction. For instance, 54.5% of funded projects contributed to the Climate and Energy goals, focusing on low-carbon initiatives and sustainable energy practices (Spatial Foresight, 2018[2]).
Horizontal principles such as sustainable development, equal opportunities, and gender equality are central to the Interreg Alpine Space Programme. About 90% of the projects integrate sustainable development measures. While 40% promote equal opportunities, such as improving accessibility for marginalised communities, 26.7% address gender equality to promote inclusiveness in decision-making and participation (Spatial Foresight, 2018[2]). By embedding these principles in projects, this initiative stands as a good example of social innovation for transnational cooperation.
The programme’s inclusiveness and effectiveness objectives were impacted by geographical, sectoral, and stakeholder imbalances. Italy had the biggest part in project participation, while Switzerland and Liechtenstein had limited involvement. Private sector participation was low outside Bavaria (Germany), particularly among SMEs. Moreover, financial execution varied significantly, with Call 1 projects achieving a 35.6% execution rate and Call 2 projects lagging behind at 11.9% (Spatial Foresight, 2018[2]).
Enhanced outreach, structured coordination, and updated communication strategies significantly improved performance. The programme used events like the Meet & Match Forum to foster network building. It promoted synergies with EU programmes such as HORIZON 2020, LIFE+, and COSME, enabling cross-sectoral collaboration. Improved communication included dynamic tools such as social media, storytelling, and videos, while targeted surveys have enhanced monitoring of horizontal principles. Coordination with EUSALP Action Groups under Priority Axis 4 also addressed governance issues and strengthened multi-level policy integration (Spatial Foresight, 2018[2]).
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) works with the ESF to promote balanced regional and social development across the EU. While the ERDF focuses on infrastructure, innovation, and regional economic growth, the ESF invests in people through education, skills training, and employment support. Together, these funds facilitate infrastructure development enabled by the ERDF is matched by the social and workforce needs addressed by the ESF (Walendowski, Roman and Otte, 2019[3]).
National co-financing from the participating countries complemented the EU contribution and enables the programme’s sustainability. The total Interreg budget for 2014-20 was EUR 12.6 billion, of which EUR 3.2 billion was allocated to environmental protection and a further EUR 2.7 billion to research and innovation (European Commission, 2025[4]). This funding supported transnational cooperation projects designed to address common regional challenges and deliver innovative and inclusive solutions across the Alpine region.
References
[4] European Commission (2025), “Cohesion Open Data Platform - Interreg”, https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/countries/TC/14-20 (accessed on 20 January 2025).
[1] Interreg Alpine Space (2020), “Making the Alps a better place”.
[2] Spatial Foresight (2018), “Evaluation of programme communication, effectiveness and stakeholder involvement of the Interreg Alpine Space 2014-2020 Programme”.
[3] Walendowski, J., L. Roman and S. Otte (2019), “Research for REGI Committee - Territorial needs and ring-fencing requirements: Experience with implementation in ERDF and ESF”, European Parliament’s Committee on REGI.
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