PERCEIVE: WP4: Spatial determinants of policy performance and synergies: Task4.4: Cohesion Policy vs Urban and Rural policies to address spatial discrepancies in EU territorial policy

This dataset consists of data addressing the relationship between territorial cohesion objectives and the problems perceived by citizens. In particular a comparative analysis between the case study regions will generate data useful for identifying best practices in mixing the EU policy instruments for a better achievement of regional needs. Data that will be generated via focus groups interviews among representatives of LMA (local management authorities) in 2 Polish regions: Dolnośląskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie . Interview transcripts and report was used to address how territorial cohesion objectives match the “real problems” of regions. The focus groups were built around the following main topics: 1) governance of the Cohesion Policy projects, in order to understand how different authorities at different levels cooperate and share the responsibilities for the implementation of the Cohesion Policy; 2) level of citizen engagement, in order to understand whether a bottom-up approach is used; 3) how the media inform on the Cohesion Policy programmes, in order to appreciate the discrepancies (if any) about the aims of Cohesion Policy and its construction on the public discourse. Comparing current and past programming periods, we investigate how the policy performs in reducing the gap between territorial cohesion objectives and “real problems” defined by LMAs and citizens. Because it is project-specific data and reflects the concept and methodology of the study under PERCEIVE they are perceived as unique - similar data does not exist. Potential users are be Regional Policy’s European/National/Local policy makers and practitioners, European networks and associations looking to data on LMA opinions on cohesion policy implementation in Poland to be used in policy recommendation, studies and policy making process; next group of potential data users are researchers working on assessment of Cohesion Policy, data may be used as a source for topic-related studies, case studies, comparisons.

The dataset is made up of 5 files: 2 files consist of reports from the workshops, 2 files consist in transcripts of interviews to practitioners, beneficiaries and targets of the Cohesion Policy projects in the Polish selected case‐study regions. Interviewees are asked to provide their views and perceptions on the multilevel governance system, on the communication activities of the Operational Programmes and on the effectiveness of Cohesion Policy.  1 readme file is included.