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Analysing the Impact of Objective 1 Funding in Europe: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Peter Gripaios
  • Paul Bishop
  • Trevor Hart

    (Department of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, England)

  • Eric McVittie

    (South West Economy Centre, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, England)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of Objective 1 funding in Europe in reducing country and regional disparities in gross value added per capita by presenting a critical review of both empirical studies and end-of-term programme reports. In practice, it is very difficult to establish impact effects because it is hard to establish the counterfactual. This difficulty arises as a consequence of different theoretical predictions as to what would happen in the absence of intervention, overlapping funding streams, and the regional impact of other policies such as European integration. There are also evaluation problems caused by data inadequacies and noise. Even so, the balance of evidence suggests that Objective 1 funding has had remarkably little demonstrable impact and there is, therefore, a strong case for reform.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Gripaios & Paul Bishop & Trevor Hart & Eric McVittie, 2008. "Analysing the Impact of Objective 1 Funding in Europe: A Review," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 26(3), pages 499-524, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:26:y:2008:i:3:p:499-524
    DOI: 10.1068/c64m
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Benito Giordano, 2017. "Exploring the role of the ERDF in regions with specific geographical features: islands, mountainous and sparsely populated areas," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 51(6), pages 869-879, June.

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