Case-based Impact Evaluation of the Interact Programme 2014-2020

McMaster, Irene and Wergles, Nathalie and Vironen, Heidi (2019) Case-based Impact Evaluation of the Interact Programme 2014-2020. University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

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Abstract

The Interact programme has a distinct role in reinforcing the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experience and best practice in relation to the implementation of cooperation programmes and actions. For the 2014-2020 period Interact’s overall objective is broken down into three programme-specific objectives to inprove: i) the management and control capacity of Interreg programmes; ii) Interreg capacity in capturing and communicating programme results; and iii) cooperation management capacity to implement innovative approaches.The Impact Evaluation of the Interact programme assesses the effect of Interact’s services on Interreg programmes and other relevant stakeholders, particularly macro-regional strategy actors. It aims to answer “How has Interact contributed to supporting Interreg programmes, and in the case of macro-regional strategies other relevant stakeholders, and to improving/changing practices?” The evaluation is based on case studies of five specific Interact projects. The evaluation finds sound evidence that the five Interact projects generated immediate results, in terms of changed practices in programme authorities and cultures (‘mindsets’) and improved systems and tools. Further, the case studies also demonstrate that Interact has an impact on programmes that goes beyond capacity building. There is sound evidence that the selected services have tangible effects on the efficiency and effectiveness of programme delivery, on programmes’ resilience to change, and also on the programmes’ stakeholders, in particular applicants/beneficiaries.

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