In the preparation of the Regional Operational Programme (ROP), the Apulia Region has chosen to achieve a strong integration between the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) by defining a Multifund Programme.

The strategy of the ROP ERDF 2014-2020 of the Apulia Region aimed to ensure continuity with the actions implemented under the 2007-2013 Programme, identifying three macro-areas of intervention aligned with the objectives of Europe 2020. In addition, there are policies to strengthen administrative capacity.

• Research and innovation policies whose objective is to develop programmes and interventions in the field of industrial research and innovation, based on the paradigms of open innovation; to strengthen the regional digital system (starting from the reduction of the digital divide) and to expand the conditions for strengthening the competitiveness of the Apulian economic and entrepreneurial fabric, also with a view to internationalization. 


• Context policies (infrastructure and environment) aimed at improving conditions with regard to energy efficiency, securing the territory, protecting and enhancing cultural and environmental resources, promoting sustainable transport systems. This is also in the direction of promoting sustainable urban development, starting from the peripheral contexts that need adequate requalification interventions. 


• Labour market, social inclusion and welfare policies aimed at increasing the supply of labour through measures to encourage employment and broaden participation in the labour market. In addition, there are specific measures aimed at reducing poverty and combating social exclusion, as well as measures to improve school and training skills. 


• Policies for strengthening administrative capacity aimed at strengthening skills (responsibilities and organisational models), reducing bureaucratic burdens (simplification), increasing transparency and using shared modes of intervention. 

Two new elements introduced by Puglia in its Operational Programme are the definition of a Regional Strategy for Intelligent Specialisation (composed of two documents "SmartPuglia 2020" and "Puglia2020 Digital Agenda") and Plans for Administrative Reinforcement (PRA).