ENTERPRISE SUPPORT POLICY AND TERRITORIAL COHESION: THE CZECH REPUBLIC (2007-2013)
ENTERPRISE SUPPORT POLICY AND TERRITORIAL COHESION: THE CZECH REPUBLIC (2007-2013)

Summary/Abstract: The intention of this paper is to evaluate whether the spatial distribution ofStructural Funds (SF) for enterprise support interventions follows the relevant territorialcohesion objectives specified in the strategic documents of the Czech Republic in theprogramming period 2007-2013. The evidence provided suggests mixed results. Arelatively high SF allocation to the regions, characterized by strong agglomerationeconomies and a strong entrepreneurial climate, supports the competitiveness objective,particularly for innovation-oriented interventions. Nevertheless, little support is given to theobjective of balanced development because socio-economically disadvantaged regions donot receive a higher SF allocation, in particular traditional industrial regions suffering fromindustrial decline, high unemployment and with a poor entrepreneurial climate. In thisregard, the absorption capacity concept is emphasized as being important for explainingthe spatial distribution of SF.

• Details
• Contents