Share:


Reducing the development gaps between regions in Poland with the use of European Union funds

    Adam Czudec   Affiliation
    ; Ryszard Kata   Affiliation
    ; Małgorzata Wosiek   Affiliation

Abstract

The paper evaluates the processes of regional income convergence in Poland. This new research approach involves an attempt to assess the process of convergence from the point of view of development gaps. Six key development gaps were considered in the region of Eastern Poland, which is a singular case, significantly different from other regions. A dynamic panel data model was applied to investigate the impact of EU funds on the progress made towards closing these development gaps. Among the analysed development gaps, only the structural gap was not reduced in the period 2004–2015. Studies have also revealed the different impact of structural funds on each category of development gaps (a positive impact on reducing the regional transport accessibility gap and the investment gap, but negative – on reducing the innovation gap). Research has suggested the need for a change in the structure of using EU funds in the period 2014–2020 to favour stronger support for entrepreneurship and the creation of new jobs. Greater stimulation of the economic structure of peripheral regions has been proposed as the prerequisite for the future reduction in the discrepancies between regions and for the intensification of convergence.


First published online 2 April 2019

Keyword : development gaps, regional income convergence, Eastern Poland, EU funds, regional development, Cohesion Policy

How to Cite
Czudec, A., Kata, R., & Wosiek, M. (2019). Reducing the development gaps between regions in Poland with the use of European Union funds. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 25(3), 447-471. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2019.9483
Published in Issue
Apr 2, 2019
Abstract Views
1306
PDF Downloads
1113
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Alecke, B., Mitze, T., & Untiedt, G. (2013). Growth effects of regional policy in Germany: results from a spatially augmented multiplicative interaction model. Annals of Regional Science, 50(2), 535-554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-012-0503-7

Badinger, H., Müller, W. G., & Tondl, G. (2004). Regional convergence in the European Union, 1985–1999: a spatial dynamic panel analysis. Regional Studies, 38(3), 241-253. https://doi.org/10.1080/003434042000211105

Bal-Domańska, B. (2014). Próba identyfikacji większych skupisk regionalnych oraz ich konwergencja. Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wrocławiu, 327, 285-293.

Barro, R. J., & Sala-i-Martin, X. (1992). Convergence. Journal of Political Economy, 100(2), 223-251. https://doi.org/110.1086/261816

Barro, R. J., & Sala-i-Martin, X. (1991). Convergence across States and Regions. Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, 22(1), 107-182. https://doi.org/10.2307/2534639

Becker, S. O., Egger, P. H., & Von Ehrlich, M. (2010). Going NUTS: The effect of EU structural funds on regional performance. Journal of Public Economics, 94, 578-590. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2010.06.006

Becker, S. O., Egger, P. H., & Von Ehrlich, M. (2012). Too much of a good thing? On the growth effects of the EU’s regional policy. European Economic Review, 56(4), 648-668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2012.03.001

Becker, S. O., Egger, P. H., & Von Ehrlich, M. (2018). Effects of EU regional policy: 1989–2013. Regional Science and Urban Economics, 69, 143-152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regsciurbeco.2017.12.001

Bełz, G., Malinowski, P., & Olejczyk, Z. (2013). Centrum Nowych Technologii w strategii rozwoju przedsiębiorstw branży komunalnej. Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wrocławiu, 299, 9-23.

Boldrin, M., & Canova, F. (2001). Inequality and convergence in Europe’s regions: reconsidering European regional policies. Economic Policy, 16(32), 206-253. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0327.00074

Borowiec, J. (2015). Konwergencja regionalna w Unii Europejskiej. Prace Naukowe Uniwersytetu Ekonomicznego we Wrocławiu, 380, 15-25. https://doi.org/10.15611/pn.2015.380.01

Bouayad-Agha, S., Turpin, N., & Védrine, L. (2013). Fostering the development of European regions: A spatial dynamic panel data analysis of the impact of cohesion policy. Regional Studies, 47(9), 1573-1593. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2011.628930

Camagni, R. (1995). The concept of innovative milieu and its relevance for public policies in European lagging regions. Papers for Regional Science Association, 4, 55-67. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1435-5597.1995.tb00644.x

Cerqua, A., & Pellegrini, G. (2018). Are we spending too much to grow? The case of Structural Funds. Journal of Regional Science, 58(3), 535-563. https://doi.org/10.1111/jors.12365

Chrzanowski, M. (2015). Polityka regionalna a system finansów publicznych. Wpływ wydatków strukturalnych na tempo konwergencji polskich regionów. Warsaw: Oficyna Wydawnicza SGH.

Churski, P. (2004). Rozwój regionalny w warunkach transformacji gospodarczej i integracji europejskiej. In S. Ciok & D. Ilnicki (Ed.), Przekształcenia regionalnych struktur funkcjonalno-przestrzennych. Regionalny wymiar integracji europejskiej (t. 8/1, pp. 31-46). Wrocław: Uniwersytet Wrocławski.

Churski, P. (2008). Structural Funds of the European Union in Poland – experience of the first period of membership. European Planning Studies, 16(4), 579-607. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654310801983506

Čihák, M., & Fonteyne, W. (2009). Five years after: European Union membership and macro-financial stability in the New Member States (IMF Working Paper No. WP/09/68). Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund.

Czudec, A. (Ed.). (2009). Czynniki kształtujące spójność ekonomiczną i społeczną regionu. In Możliwości i bariery rozwoju regionu (pp. 13-30). Rzeszów: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego.

Dańska-Borsiak, B. (2011). Dynamiczne modele panelowe w badaniach ekonomicznych. Łódź: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego.

Del Bo, Ch., Florio, M., & Manzi, G. (2010). Regional infrastructure and convergence: Growth implications in a Spatial Framework. Transition Studies Review, 17, 475-493. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11300-010-0160-4

Ederveen, S., De Groot, H. L., & Nahuis, R. (2006). Fertile soil for structural funds? A panel data analysis of the conditional effectiveness of European cohesion policy. Kyklos, 59(1), 17-42. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6435.2006.00318.x

Ekspertyzy do Strategii Rozwoju Polski Wschodniej do 2020 roku. (2007). Warsaw: Ministry of Regional Development.

European Funds Portal. (n.d.). Development of Eastern Poland. Retrieved from http://www.polskawschodnia.2007-2013.gov.pl/english/Strony/Introduction.aspx

Fagerberg, J., & Verspagen, B. (1996). Heading for divergence? Regional growth in Europe reconsidered. JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 34(3), 431-448. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5965.1996.tb00580.x

Firgo, M., & Huber, P. (2014). Convergence as a heterogeneous process: what can be learnt about convergence in EMU from regional experiences? Empirica, 41, 129-151. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10663-013-9242-y

Fischer, M. M., & LeSage, J. P. (2015). Bayesian space – time approach to identifying and interpreting regional convergence clubs in Europe. Papers in Regional Science, 94(4), 677-702. https://doi.org/10.1111/pirs.12104

Gorynia, M., Nowak, J., & Wolniak, R. (2007). Poland and Its Investment Development Path. Eastern European Economics, 45(2), 52-74. https://doi.org/10.2753/EEE0012-8775450203

Gorzelak, G. (2014). Wykorzystanie środków Unii Europejskiej dla rozwoju kraju – wstępne analizy. Studia Regionalne i Lokalne, 3(57), 5-25.

Grabicz, M. (2012). Problemy rozwoju i zacofania ekonomicznego. Warsaw: Wolters Kluwer.

Hurju, M. C. (2015). Convergence of regional development in the European Union. The USV Annals of Economic and Public Administration, 15, 71-80.

Jabłoński, Ł. (2012). Kapitał ludzki a konwergencja gospodarcza. Warsaw: Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck.

Kozak, M. W. (2014). 10 lat polityki spójności w Polsce. Studia Regionalne i Lokalne, 4(58), 25-50.

Krugman, P. (1998). Development geography economics theory. Cambridge–London: MIT Press.

Kubielas, S. (2009). Innowacje i luka technologiczna w gospodarce globalnej opartej na wiedzy: strukturalne i makroekonomiczne uwarunkowania. Warsaw: Warsaw University.

Lewandowska, A. (2016) EU Funds. The challenge for innovation and regional disparity in Poland. Barometr Regionalny. Analizy i Prognozy, 14(3), 33-40.

Lewandowska, A., Stopa, M., & Humenny, G. (2015). The European Union Structural Funds and regional development. The perspective of small and medium enterprises in Eastern Poland. European Planning Studies, 23(4), 785-797. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2014.970132

Mankiw, N. G., Romer, D., & Weil, D. N. (1992). A contribution to the empirics of economic growth. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 107(2), 407-437. https://doi.org/10.2307/2118477

Mihályi, P. (2014). Post-Socialist transition in a 25-year perspective. Acta Oeconomica, 64, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1556/AOecon.64.2014.S1.1

Mikulić, D., Lovrincević, Ż., & Galić-Nagyszombaty, A. (2013). Regional convergence in the European Union, new member states and Croatia. South East European Journal of Economics and Business, 8(1), 7-19. https://doi.org/10.2478/jeb-2013-0001

Misiąg, J., Misiąg, W., & Tomalak, M. (2013). Ocena efektywności wykorzystania pomocy finansowej Unii Europejskiej jako instrumentu polityki spójności społeczno-gospodarczej oraz poprawy warunków życia. Rzeszów: Wydawnictwo WSIiZ.

Moisescu, E. R. (2015). Regional convergence. Case of Romania. Theoretical and Applied Economics, XXII/2(603), 183-188.

Monfort, P., & Nicolini, R. (2000). Regional convergence and international integration. Journal of Urban Economics, 48, 286-306. https://doi.org/10.1006/juec.1999.2167

Mora, T. (2008). Factors conditioning the formation of European regional convergence clubs. Annals of Regional Science, 42, 911-927. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-007-0191-x

Mucha-Leszko, B. (2013). Możliwości zmniejszania luki rozwojowej Polski w Unii Europejskiej i wobec krajów o największym potencjale gospodarczym w perspektywie 2040 roku. Finanse, Rynki Finansowe, Ubezpieczenia, 57, 429-442.

Nazarczuk, J. M. (2013). Potencjał rozwojowy a atrakcyjność inwestycyjna województw i podregionów Polski. Olsztyn: UWM.

Neumann, U., Budde, R., & Ehlert, C. (2014). Economic growth in European city regions. A new turn peripheral regions in CEE member states after the EU enlargements of 2004–2007? Eastern European Economics, 52(1), 79-108. https://doi.org/10.2753/EEE0012-8775520104

Niebuhr, A., & Schlitte, F. (2009). EU enlargement and convergence: Does market access matter? Eastern European Economics, 47(3), 28-56. https://doi.org/10.2753/EEE0012-8775470302

Ozgen, C., Nijkamp, P., & Poot, J. (2010). The effect of migration on income growth and convergence: Meta-analytic evidence. Regional Science, 89, 537-553. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1435-5957.2010.00313.x

Pardo Garcia, I. (2005). Growth, convergence, and social cohesion in the European Union. International Advances in Economic Research, 11, 459-467. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11294-005-6613-6

Piętak, Ł. (2015). Convergence across Polish regions 2005–2011. Comparative Economic Research, 18(2), 99-118. https://doi.org/10.1515/cer-2015-0014

Podkaminer, L. (2015). Central and Eastern Europe: Trapped in integration? Acta Oeconomica, 65, 83-106. https://doi.org/10.1556/032.65.2015.S1.6

Próchniak, M. (2009). Czynniki wzrostu gospodarczego – przegląd wyników badań empirycznych. In R. Rapacki (Ed.), Wzrost gospodarczy w krajach transformacji. Konwergencja czy dywergencja? (pp. 32-73). Warsaw: PWE.

Próchniak, M., & Witkowski, B. (2013). Real β-convergence of transition countries. Eastern European Economics, 51(3), 6-26. https://doi.org/10.2753/EEE0012-8775510301

Program Polska Wschodnia 2014–2020. (2015). Warsaw: Ministry of Infrastructure and Development.

Puigcerver-Penalver, M. C. (2007). The impact of structural funds policy on European regions growth. A theoretical and empirical approach. The European Journal of Comparative Economics, 4(2), 179-208.

Ramajo, J., Marquez, M. A., Hewings, G. J., & Salinas, M. M. (2008). Spatial heterogeneity and interregional spillovers in the European Union: Do cohesion policies encourage convergence across regions? European Economic Review, 52(3), 551-567. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroecorev.2007.05.006

Recher, V., & Kurnoga, N. (2017). European integration perspectives: From cohesion to divergence? Acta Oeconomica, 67(2), 195-214. https://doi.org/10.1556/032.2017.67.2.3

Rodríguez-Pose, A., & Garcilazo, E. (2015). Quality of government and the returns of investment: Examining the impact of cohesion expenditure in European regions. Regional Studies, 49(8), 1274-1290. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2015.1007933

Roodman, D. (2009). How to do xtabond2: an introduction to difference and system GMM in Stata. Stata Journal, 9(1), 86-136. https://doi.org/10.1177/1536867X0900900106

Salvati, L. (2014). Convergence in environmental quality and land resource degradation: towards a newly emerging paradigm? Current Politics Economics of Europe, 25(3-4), 431-440.

Schadler, S., Mody, A., Abiad, A., & Leigh, D. (2006). Growth in the central and Eastern European countries of the European Union. (Occasional Paper No. 252). Washington, DC: International Monetary Fund.

Spellerberg, A., Huschka, D., & Habich, R. (2007). Quality of life in rural areas: processes of divergence and convergence. Social Indicators Research, 83, 283-307. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-006-9057-3

Szlachta, J. (2016). Polityka rozwojowa w kontekście polityki spójności – przypadek Polski w latach 2014–2020. Prace i Materiały Instytutu Rozwoju Gospodarczego SGH, 98, 131-150.

Thiessen, F., van Oort, F., Diodato, D. D., & Ruijs, A. (2013). Regional competitiveness and smart specialization in Europe. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar, Cheltenham, UK.

Tusińska, M. (2012). Rozwój społeczno-ekonomiczny krajów peryferyjnych Unii Europejskiej. Economics and Law, IX(2), 47-63. https://doi.org/10.12775/EiP.2012.016