ABSTRACT

This paper evaluates to what extent the implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) has changed the allocation of Structural Funds of Italian regions in the programming period 2014–20. Given the novelties introduced by this policy, we expect an increase in the sectoral and technological concentration of funds, a higher share assigned to research and technological development, and a stronger involvement of universities and research centres in the projects funded by regional authorities. In the empirical analysis, we exploit OpenCoesione, an original database that tracks all the projects funded with European Union Cohesion Funds in Italy. We compare the characteristics of the projects managed by regional authorities in two consecutive programming periods, namely, the one following and the one preceding S3 policy and implementation. The results show that changes between the two programming periods are modest and heterogeneous between regions. Overall, there is no strong evidence of any substantial change in how regions have allocated Structural Funds.

摘要

本文评估了智能专业化战略 (S3) 的实施在多大程度上改变了 2014-20 规划期间意大利地区结构基金的分配。鉴于该政策带来的新变化，我们预计资金的部门和技术集中度将提高，分配给研究和技术开发的份额将增加，大学和研究中心更多地参与由地区当局资助的项目。在实证分析中，我们利用 OpenCoesione，这是一个原始数据库，用于跟踪意大利由欧盟凝聚基金资助的所有项目。我们比较了在两个连续的规划周期中由地区当局管理的项目的特征，即 S3 政策和实施的紧随其后和紧随其后的一个。结果表明，两个规划时期之间的变化是适度的，并且区域之间具有异质性。总体而言，没有强有力的证据表明地区如何分配结构性资金有任何实质性变化。