What next for EU cohesion policy? Policy and research challenges

Guderjan, Marius and Smeriglio, Alba and Tourtouri, Myrto (2015) What next for EU cohesion policy? Policy and research challenges. Regional Studies, Regional Science, 2 (1). pp. 185-188. ISSN 2168-1376 (https://doi.org/10.1080/21681376.2015.1013151)

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Abstract

In this paper we discuss EU Cohesion Policy, its development over time and prospects for future research. Since the introduction of the EU Cohesion Policy in 1988, its focus has transformed from overcoming regional disparities by developing disadvantaged regions towards economic investment. When Cohesion Policy was subordinated to the Lisbon agenda and subsequently to the Europe 2020 strategy, competitiveness, employment and growth became its primary targets. For 2014–20, a significant share of the €351.8 billion allocated to Cohesion Policy is being ring-fenced to target particular categories of investment in jobs and growth such as research and innovation, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) competitiveness, the low carbon economy and social inclusion. In the following, we outline five fields that require rethinking and further research.

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