The european cohesion funds policy in the regional science literature: A systematic review

• Paulo Messias Alves Lobo ^[1] ; Roberto Bande Ramudo ^[1]
  1. [1] Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

     Universidade de Santiago de Compostela

     Santiago de Compostela, España

     
• Localización: Documentos de Traballo. Análise Económica, ISSN 1138-0713, Nº. 77, 2025, págs. 1-40
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • This paper employs a top-down methodological approach to identify the most relevant contributions in the literature on the impact of European Cohesion Policy and European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) on regional development. After a broadspectrum bibliometric review, identifying the overall structure of research in this field, we systematically narrow its focus to quantitative studies and, ultimately, to econometric analyses of ESIF effectiveness. The results indicate that empirical research on ESIF has grown in complexity, with increasing reliance on advanced econometric techniques such as spatial econometrics, difference-in-differences, and regression discontinuity designs.

    While a large portion of the literature finds positive effects on economic growth, employment, and regional convergence, these effects are frequently conditional on governance quality, institutional frameworks, and regional characteristics. In contrast, some studies report insignificant or even negative impacts, highlighting inefficiencies in fund allocation and policy implementation. The findings emphasize the necessity for context-specific policy adaptations, ensuring that ESIF continues to support the evolving needs of regional economies in the European Union.