Regional Cohesion : Effectiveness of Network Structures

This book presents an interdisciplinary analysis of EU regional cohesion based on a network and clusters approach. The author explores the question if and how the presence of network structures supports the effectiveness of transformation in EU regions, in particular with a focus on non-pecuniary factors of regional growth. For a theoretical foundation of the topic, characteristics of a networking economy as well as the determinants of EU policies on regional development and innovation are examined and discussed. The empirical analysis at the core of this work presents and makes use of interdisciplinary methodological tools such as Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), K-means models and self-organizing maps. TOC:Introduction.- Clustering and Networking in Regional Policy.- Cluster and Network Approach in Regional Development.- Regional Disparities in EU.- Regional Clustering Based on Effectiveness and Networking Models.