Implementing Regional Policy in Poland: A New Era?

Abstract

In 2010, Poland launched a new national strategy for regional development which is seen as an assertion of Poland's domestic regional development vision, informed by, but distinct from, EU cohesion policy which has dominated Polish regional policy since accession. A key question is whether a new model of policy implementation is emerging. The strategy includes a commitment to a place-based regional policy model. This implies spatially sensitive policy implementation capable of mobilising the potentials of all territories. However, the concept is vague. Moreover, in Poland this agenda is being launched in a context of entrenched territorial disparities, traditionally constrained policy implementation capacity and institutional change. What are the defining characteristics of place-based implementation systems? What are the challenges to the institutionalisation of the place-based model? Are these evident in delivery frameworks being developed in Poland?

Notes

¹ Dz.U.06. nr 227, poz. 1658, with subsequent amendments, available at: http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id = WDU20062271658, accessed 6 January 2013.

² Author's interview with senior official in Department of Regional Development, Sląskie, Marshal's Office Regional Development Unit, Katowice, 8 April 2009.

³ Author's interview with senior official, Department of Structural Policy Coordination Ministry of Regional Development, Warsaw, 8 June 2011.

⁴ Author's interview with senior official, Department of Structural Policy Coordination, Ministry of Regional Development, Warsaw, 16 June 2010.

⁵ Author's interview with senior official, Department for Coordination of Implementation of the EU Funds, Ministry of Regional Development, Warsaw, 16 June 2010.

⁶ For example, the conference ‘RDAs in the New Regional Policy Framework’ held in Krakow in June 2010.

⁷ Author's interview with senior official, Upper Silesian Regional Development Agency, Katowice, 12 October 2010.

⁸ Author's interview with senior official, Śląskie, Marshal's Office Regional Development Unit, Katowice, 5 April 2011.

⁹ Author's interview with senior official, Śląskie, Marshal's Office Regional Development Unit, Katowice, 3 March 2010.