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

ABSTRACT

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.

Acknowledgements

The section of the paper on evolutionary resilience is the result of discussions conducted under the 7th FP Project “Arch” inspired by Prof. Simin Davoudi. The research on policy territorialization was financed by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education (project no. 114 1635 40 executed by Institute for Development). The concept of territorial keys as presented in this paper has been elaborated as a part of the research financed by the Polish Ministry of Regional Development within the framework of the Polish Presidency of the EU Council. We would like to express our gratitude to the officers from the Ministry, in particular Magdalena Zagrzejewska-Fiedorowicz and Emilia Malak-Petlicka, who supported our daily discussions and provided us with useful materials and information. We are also grateful to Wiktor Szydarowski and Chris Smith for assistance with editing and valuable comments. Finally, we express our appreciation for the participation of Philippe Doucet in the aforesaid work, who was responsible for policy conclusions and has inspired us with his courage and deep belief in the importance of the European integration.

Notes

1. This part draws on the authors’ own report prepared for the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (Böhme et al., 2011).

2. The ESPON project SIESTA has been charged with the task to propose spatial indicators for the Europe 2020 Strategy.

3. Territorial impact assessment.