Integrated Territorial Investments: real or ostensible innovation?

Abstract

Main objectives of this article is the analysis of reasons of application of the ITI in the context of the EU reforms and analysis of the creation process and threats that this experimental approach may encounter. Main thesis says that ITI concept may cause conflicts between managerial staff and beneficiaries. Additional thesis suggests that there exist important factors potentially fostering limitation of the radical reforms and thus restitution of the status quo (“domestification” of the policy). Main methods (desk research and involvement in preparatory works as Ministry expert) determine the structure of sources used, that is documents and literature. After discussion of preparatory period, article ends with conclusions. Due to delayed implementation, ITI after long preparatory period only now enter implementation, but lack of finished projects makes it impossible to assess initial results. That is why conclusions are limited to preparatory period, mainly to strategy development and establishment of proper body in charge of management. Main weaknesses met (high propensity to individual approach and Merton’s goal subsitution, limited knowledge and experience) turned out to get reduced during the preparatory process. ITI procedure turned out to be effective from the very beginning. However, there is a need to further society education and strict realization of required tasks. Otherwise we will see a return of behaviour learned during the 2004–2013 period, including financial resources expenditure instead of objective attainment. It is a threat, as dynamically developing Poland still belongs to 5–6 least innovative and developed countries. There is a growing pressure to spend European Money, what is supported by infrastructural investment.. Up to now this is the only proof that ITI is threatened by being ostensible.