| CODE | EST3060 | ||||||
| TITLE | Regional Development and the European Union Structural Funds | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | European Studies | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Aim: The objective of this course is to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of Regional Economics and Regional Policy in the European Union, particularly structural funds. The first part of the course will analyse why regional economies behave as they do in order to gain a better understanding of how regional disparities emerge and why they persist over time. The second part of the course will analyse how regional policy should be implemented: at what level and with which instruments. In the third part of the course, we will examine how Regional Policy and the structural funds are implemented within the European Union and assess the results of this policy and anticipate the future role of this policy, particularly in the context of the last enlargement. Teaching Method: The course will be based on lectures. Preparation of students prior to lectures is essential. In this regard, a list of books, which could be used as a support for students, is listed hereunder. The following course outline is a tentative programme for this course. Course Attendance: Attendance of students will be monitored and students not attending the lectures/seminars will be penalised. Course Outline 1. What are regional problems and why do they persist over time? 2. Theoretical economic models of the Regional Economy. 3. Regional Policy at National/EU level. 4. Instruments of Regional Policy. 5. EU Regional Policy. 6. Evaluation of EU Regional Policy. 7. Future of EU Regional Policy. The main topics that will be covered under each section are the following: 1. What are regional problems and why do they persist over time? - What is a region? - What are regional disparities? - How do we measure regional disparities? - Why do regional disparities persist over time? - Regional disparities in the European Union and evolution over time; - The impact of economic integration on regions. 2. Theoretical economic models of the Regional Economy - The Keynesian income-expenditure approach; - Input-Output analysis; - Neoclassical growth model; - Export demand models, agglomeration and cumulative growth processes; - Interregional trade; - Interregional migration; - Regional unemployment disparities. 3. Regional Policy at National/EU level - Justifications for a regional policy; - A regional policy at national level? - A regional policy at EU level? 4. Instruments of Regional Policy - Micro-policy instruments; - Macro-policy instruments; - Co-ordination policy options; - The role of SMEs; - The role of new technology; - The role of new industrial districts. 5. EU Regional Policy - Historical background of EC Regional Policy; - Evolution of EC/EU Regional Policy; - Current EU Regional Policy (the Structural Funds). 6. Evaluation of EU Regional Policy - The impact of EU Regional Policy on EU Regions; - The problems of EU Regional Policy; - Effects of other EU policies on Regional Policy. 7. Future of EU Regional Policy - The Impact of enlargement on regional classification; - The Impact of enlargement on regional policy; - Reform of EU Regional Policy; - The future funding of EU Regional Policy. Reading List: Suggested textbook ARMSTRONG, H., and TAYLOR, J., 2000. Regional Economics and Policy. Blackwell Publications Suggested Readings. CARLUER, F., 2007. Managing Conflict in Economic Convergence of Regions in Greater Europe. In Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development. Emerald Group Publishing Limited. CEC, Working for the regions – European Regional Policy 2007-13, Office for Official Publications of the European Communities. INFOREGIO NEWS, the monthly newsletter. INFOREGIO PANORAMA, the quarterly magazine. |
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| ADDITIONAL NOTES | Students are required to register for Level 1 units if they are in Year 1, for Level 2 units if they are in Year 2 and for Level 3 units if they are in Year 3 or 4 of their course. Students are also required to have a sound Economics background, i.e. Macro/ Micro/Trade Theory/International Economics. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Stefano Moncada |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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