Neo-endogenous development policy in theory and practice: The strategic objectives of area-based partnerships in Poland

This article presents an analysis of the influences of European Union (EU) policy and associated national programmes in shaping the objectives of territorial development strategies at sub-regional levels. Our analysis focuses on area-based cross-sectoral partnerships (Local Action Groups – LAGs) in Poland, which received EU funding from 2014-2020 for Community-Led Local Development (CLLD). A range of LAG types are included in the analysis: rural, rural-fisheries, fisheries, and urban. The specific EU policies that support the territorial types of LAG are identified. We use content analysis of the LAGs’ local development strategies (LDSs) to assess and profile the range of objectives described and pursued within them. We found that there are significant differences in the objectives represented across the LDSs, which can be explained by both the type of LAG and their alignment with different EU funding mechanisms. We examine these differences through the lens of the concept of neo-endogenous development, understood as a hybrid of endogenous and exogenous development. We conclude that the concept of neo-endogenous development is an appropriate explanatory tool in understandingthe evolution of LAGs, and we highlight appropriate policy responses are required to manage theneo-endogenous nature of how locally-led development is being charted and supported in practice.