PA/HA Development Model

The COWI-study¹ on the EUSBSR, which took stock of the macro-regional strategy's achievement so far, inspired the EUSBSR team to create a development model of PA/HA, that consists of 3 Phases (and two transition spaces in between). The Phases are described in terms of activities of PAC/HAC needed in each phase, as well as the resulting outcomes which determine the transitions between the phases. The forthcoming M&E system should be developed with regards to these developmental stages.

The PA/HA Development Model  describes the phases of development and maturity of a Policy Area/Horizontal Action. The three phases (and two transition phases in between) are described in terms of barriers to/drivers of progress, performing capacity of its actors and actions to be taken in each of the phases. Suggestions as to areas of monitoring and reflection of the progress, are subsequently structured phase-wise and given below. The Model is primarily addressed to Policy Area Coordinators, Horizontal Action Cordinators, PA/HA Steering Committees (and alike), and flagship leaders. 

The PA/HA Development Phases outlined below are of course not absolute but should assist orientation into the scope of activities and results and effects sought. Development is not linear; as time passes and global, unforeseen challenges emerge, the MRS may need to redefine their priorities – and this is true for Policy Areas and Horizontal Actions, too.

Hence, an MRS or a PA can move from Phase 3 back to Phase 2 or even back to Phase 1 as thematic priorities, institutions and individuals change. Within the MRS and within one and the same PA, there can be little homogeneity: some thematic areas might already be in Phase 3 while others oscillate between Phase 2 and Phase 2 for a long time due to the existing barriers or lack of drivers.

For details on each Phase, please use the link boxes below.

^{1 STUDY ON MACROREGIONAL STRATEGIES AND THEIR LINKS WITH COHESION POLICY, November 2017, by COWI at al. EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL REGIONAL AND URBAN POLICY}