1.The regional development component may support operations under the following priorities:
(a)transport infrastructure, in particular interconnection and interoperability between national networks, and between national and trans-European networks;
(b)environment measures related to waste management, water supply, urban waste water and air quality; rehabilitation of contaminated sites and land; areas related to sustainable development which present environmental benefits, namely energy efficiency and renewable energy;
(c)operations which enhance regional competitiveness and a productive environment, and encourage creation and safeguarding of sustainable employment, involving in particular:
provision of business and technology services for enterprises, particularly in the fields of management, market research and development and networking;
access and use of information and communication technologies;
promotion of technological development, research and innovation including through cooperation with tertiary education and research institutions and research and technology centres;
development of business networks and clusters;
creation and development of financing instruments which facilitate access to revolving financing through venture capital, loan and guarantee funds;
provision of local infrastructure and services which contribute to facilitate establishment, development and expansion of new and existing business;
education and training infrastructures, where necessary for regional development and in close coordination with the human resources development component.
2.Under this component, technical assistance may be granted for preliminary studies and technical support related to eligible activities, including those necessary for their implementation.
Technical assistance may also finance preparatory, management, monitoring, evaluation, information and control activities and activities to reinforce the administrative capacity for implementing the assistance under the IPA Regulation provided through this component.