The SOP - ICE Steering Committee

The Steering Committee was established by the Order of Minister of Economy and Labour, No. 36 of 8 October 2004.

The Steering Committee consists of 36 members. In accordance with the Act on the National Development Plan, article 23, item 10, the Steering Committee consists in equal parts of competent representatives of the government, representatives of self-government, and representatives of social and economic partners, i.e.:13 representatives from the government’s side, 11 representatives of self-government and 12 representatives of social partners (including 6 representatives of the Tripartite Commission for Socio-Economic Matters and 6 representatives of non-governmental organizations). The selection of social and economic organizations - from nationwide entities acting for the development of entrepreneurship and innovative activities - was carried out on the basis of the ordinance of the Minister of Economy and Labour on selection procedures of social and economic partners constituting the SOP - ICE Steering Committee 2004-2006.

The scope of social and economic partners' activities is directly related to economic activities, especially of small and medium-sized enterprises, by taking advantage of scientific research resources and the application of modern technologies.

In accordance with the Steering Committee's Regulations, in the cases of projects requiring inter-department consultations with different institutions, there is a possibility of the representatives outside the Ministry of Economy participation in the Steering Committee meetings.

The Steering Committee tasks: 

• issuing opinions and recommendations on the list of projects eligible for support within the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 
• verification of projects designated for realization within the SOP - ICE from the point of view of their compatibility with the priorities of the Programme 
• verification of projects provided for realization  within the SOP - ICE from the point of view of their compatibility with other operational programmes implementing the priorities set forth by the National Development Plan.

First meeting
The first meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 14 October 2004. During the meeting projects under the measures 1.3 Creation of favourable conditions for enterprises development and 2.2.1  Support to entrepreneurs undertaking initial investments were recommended.

The Steering Committee may appoint independent experts. The list of experts in the particular fields of the SOP - ICE, pointed out by the Steering Committee members was drawn up. The list is an open database, which enables to choose experts in a given field, depending on the Committee’s needs.

On 13 October 2004, a training course for the Steering Committee members took place. The training involved the issues concerning the SPO - ICE, the Steering Committee’s role as well as the issues concerning State Aid.

List of social and economic partners of the SOP - ICE Steering Committee
The Minister of Economy and Labour selected representatives of social and economic partners who constitute the SOP - ICE Steering Committee 2004-2006 (in accordance with the ordinance of the Minister of Economy and Labour of 17 August 2004 on selecting procedures for social and economic partners constituting the SOP - ICE Steering Committee 2004-2006).

The Managing Department for Competitiveness Programme of the Ministry of Economy and Labour carried out formal assessment  of the applications of scientific units, non-governmental organizations, trade unions and employers organizations.

In accordance with the recommendation of the Council of Public Benefit and the Tripartite Commission for Socio-Economic Matters, the Minister of Economy and Labour selected representatives of social and economic partners for the works of the SOP - ICE Steering Committee.

From the recommendation of theTripartite Commission for Socio-Economic Matters:

1. The Polish Confederation of Private Employers, 
2. The Confederation of Polish Employers,
3. The Business Centre Club – The Association of Employers,
4. The Polish Craft Association,
5. The General Federation of Trade Unions,
6. The Independent Self-governing Trade Union “Solidarity”

From the recommendation of the Public Benefit Works Council: 

1. The National Co-operative Council,
2. The Polish Federation of Engineering Associations, 
3. The Association of Polish Inventors and Innovators,
4. The Polish Chamber of Electronics and Telecommunication,
5. The Polish Chamber of Commerce,
6. The National Association of Regional Development Agencies (NARDA).