During 2012, the ECRN collaborated closely with the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry) in the framework of a study titled “Analysis of policies in chemical regions to support the competitiveness of the chemicals industry”. The study was prepared for the European Commission by PwC and it covers 26 of the most important chemical regions in Europe – including all of the ECRN member regions.

The study provides good practice examples and thematic analysis of regional policies supporting the chemicals industry and seeks to provide information to assist public and regional authorities to design programmes and policies to support and strengthen the local chemicals industry. The policies were categorised into five thematic areas (clusters and innovation; research, development and innovation; environment and sustainability; education and skills; and logistics). Based on the analysis, the report includes theme-specific conclusions and recommendations.