Changes in the European Regional Policy Due to the Globalization Process and the Lisbon Strategy

The main changes in the European regional policy are taking an active form. It finds expression in the influence of factors, which determine competitiveness of particular regions. These factors include also the quality of human resources and the capability of creating and introducing innovations, i.e. "soft" factors of the regional development. "Hard" factors are also very important in enhancing the competitiveness of regions. Globalization processes and the Lisbon Strategy attached a great importance to "soft" factors taking into consideration other determinants of development.This paper was presented at the 16th International Conference of the International Trade and Finance Association at the University of Lodz, Poland, May 11, 2006.