Urban-Rural Linkages in Poland
The OECD report Urban-Rural Linkages in Poland analyses the potential of urban and
rural territories for development and improved well-being. Urban and rural areas have
different yet often complementary assets, and their better integration is important
for socio-economic and environmental performance. The report argues that local governments
need to engage in partnerships where all parties are equal, as a higher form of urban-rural
co-operation. Building urban-rural partnerships in Poland would help territories enhance
the production of public goods; achieve economies of scale in public service provision;
co-ordinate decisions where cross-boundary effects are important and increase the
capacity of the partners. Yet a lack of trust and of policy integration hinder the
effectiveness of partnerships. The report found that the main incentive for Polish
local governments to enter into a partnership is access to EU funds. However, while
Poland has developed solid experience in the management of EU funds, it would benefit
from deepening the integration and complementarity among funding streams. Moreover,
the report argues that strengthening metropolitan governance will underpin efforts
to facilitate the formation and management of urban-rural partnerships.
Published on June 27, 2022
In series:OECD Regional Development Studiesview more titles