How important is the blue economy for regional development? – The case of Poland

Abstract

Since 2012, the European Union has actively promoted the growth of its maritime economy, driven by factors such as climate change and energy shortages. Despite this, research on the blue economy's impact on subnational development remains limited, often focusing solely on coastal regions. This paper aims to explore the broader spatial effects of the maritime economy in Poland, a country with a diverse and rapidly growing blue economy. Our study employs an estimated interregional version of Leontief's input-output (I-O) model, focusing on Poland's 16 regions, including three coastal regions. We address two key methodological challenges: compiling maritime sectors within the I-O table and extending the national I-O table to an interregional dimension using a spatial econometric approach.Our research demonstrates the extensive reach of the blue economy across Poland, offering a comprehensive view of its direct and indirect impacts. The results reveal significant intersectoral and interregional linkages driven by maritime economic activities. These linkages extend beyond coastal regions, highlighting the blue economy's wider influence on regional development. By examining the demand for intermediate goods and services by maritime sectors across regions, we identify the spill-over effects that transcend regional boundaries. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies that support both maritime industries and the regions supplying these industries, ensuring balanced and inclusive economic growth. Our findings provide specific insights for policymaking, suggesting targeted spatial policy interventions to enhance the effectiveness of maritime policy and its integration with regional development strategies.