Territorial Keys for Bringing Closer the Territorial Agenda of the EU and Europe 2020

摘要

The recent developments of the economic theory suggest that due attention to territorial context increases efficiency and improves delivery of the policies. This in turn calls for better linkages between spatial and socio-economic efforts. The paper analyses the concept of policy territorialization and proposes policy tools for that purpose. The relevant theoretical models are used, mainly evolutionary economics and new economic geography. The key outcome is a set of territorial keys supposed to enhance territorial approach in developmental policies. Also some plausible ways of making use of those keys are proposed and then tested using Polish territory as a case study. The literature provides convincing evidence that due attention to territorial context increases efficiency and improves delivery of the development policies. However, in reality, both at the EU and the national levels, the spatial and socio-economic developments rarely reinforce each other. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to discuss the possible ways of bringing closer the Territorial Agenda of the EU and Europe 2020 strategies in order to improve delivery of the Cohesion Policy and other development policies. The paper was written using the informed insider view or participation approach. The authors have for several years participated in implementation of the Cohesion Policy, in designing development policies in their countries and assisted the national governments in policy design, monitoring and evaluation. They were also involved in the preparation of the Territorial Agenda 2020 of the EU.