Severity of material deprivation in Spanish regions and the role of the European Structural Funds

European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIFs) and Regional Development across the European Union (EU)

“…The ESIFs significantly contribute to mitigating regional disparities, as indicated by studies like Mussida et al (2023) and Otoiu and Titan (2015), who highlight the funds' roles in reducing deprivation risks through social inclusion initiatives. However, they also note a significant misalignment in fund allocation versus the areas of greatest need, suggesting the need for more targeted fund distribution to effectively address regional disparities.…”

“…The exploration of regional disparities and convergence reveals a nuanced efficacy of ESIF in addressing socio-economic imbalances, a finding that both complements and extends the existing scholarship (RodrÍguez-Pose and Fratesi 2004). While Mussida et al (2023) highlight the role of ESIFs in mitigating material deprivation, the observed misalignment in fund allocation underscores the necessity for a more granular, targeted approach. This calls for a strategic realignment of fund distribution criteria, echoing the sentiments of Barca (2009), who argues for place-based strategies to enhance the effectiveness of cohesion policy.…”

“…These studies collectively aim to dissect the extent to which ESIFs contribute to mitigating regional disparities, promoting economic growth, and fostering convergence between and within member states. Mussida et al (2023) delve into the intricacies of material deprivation across Spanish regions, highlighting the substantial role of ESIFs in addressing socio-economic disparities. Their analysis points to a nuanced efficacy of these funds in reducing deprivation risks through social inclusion initiatives, albeit with a marked misalignment in fund allocation vis-à-vis the areas of greatest need.…”

“…The synthesis of policy implications and recommendations derived from the reviewed literature underscores a collective call for enhancing the governance structures, tailoring policy interventions to specific regional needs, and preparing comprehensively for future funding cycles to optimize the utilization of structural funds in promoting regional development within the European Union (EU). Mussida et al (2023) highlight the importance of re-evaluating fund distribution criteria, to align them more closely with the relative risks of material deprivation. Their study advocates for a more nuanced, targeted strategy in policy formulation and fund allocation to mitigate material deprivation across Spain's regions.…”

“…Furthermore, the literature on regional disparities and convergence has illuminated the role of ESIFs in mitigating socio-economic imbalances within the EU. Studies by Mussida et al (2023) and Otoiu and Titan (2015) have contributed valuable insights into the nuanced efficacy of these funds in addressing material deprivation and fostering socio-economic convergence, albeit pointing to a need for more targeted fund allocation strategies (Mussida et al 2023;Otoiu and Titan 2015;North 1990).…”