Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/219965 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2017
Series/Report no.: 
Institute of Economic Research Working Papers No. 143/2017
Publisher: 
Institute of Economic Research (IER), Toruń
Abstract: 
Poland and Spain share many common features resulting both from similarities of historical experience and also cultural, political, socio-demographic factors. Both countries have similar area, population and GDP structure. They also share historical experience related to political and economic transformation after a long period of non-democratic, centralized governments. Therefore the experience of Spanish membership in the EU is often considered as a model for Poland. The purpose of this research is to perform a comparative empirical analysis of income convergence processes in Poland and Spain on a regional level (NUTS3). We aim to verify if and how these processes are related to one another (show similar paths). Special attention is paid to the periods after accession of these countries to the EU. Convergence patterns in both countries are compared with several tools. Spatial econometric model for absolute beta convergence, sigma convergence indicators and the analysis of distribution dynamics - transition matrices. The impact on EU accession on income convergence in Spain was positive both on a national and regional level. Regional convergence processes sped-up and interregional disparities decreased. The poorest subregions had relatively high probability to increase their income and catch-up with initially more developed regions. In the first decade after accession to EU Poland has also achieved a significant improvement of income indicators on a national level. However, empirical analyses of GDP per capita distribution and its dynamics on a regional level in Poland show that the above mentioned progress does not spread out proportionally on all regions. Neither beta nor sigma convergence is observed. Instead, relatively fastest growth of initially richest regions (mostly large cities) introduces convergence of clubs leading to polarization. EU accession accelerated divergence processes in Poland.
Subjects: 
Poland vs Spain
parallel regional convergence
convergence of clubs
distribution dynamics
spatial model
JEL: 
O15
P25
R11
C21
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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