Integrated territorial investments as an example of measures for sustainable territorial development

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to present the principles of Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) functioning on the example of the Bydgoszcz and Toruń Functional Area (BTFA). An attempt has also been as made to identify the barriers and limitations, including the areas requiring additional support, in the implementation of projects. The study shows that the ITI instrument is effectively implemented under the current financial perspective 2014-2020 and should be maintained in the financial perspective 2021-2027. Design/methodology/approach: The survey was conducted among employees of the Integrated Territorial Investments Office, with a specific purpose of an attempted assessment of whether the ITI instrument has been programmed well at the national level, including evaluation of the ways in which it has been managed and implemented by the Integrated Territorial Investments for the Bydgoszcz and Toruń Functional Area (ITI BTFA) partnership. The subject of the study entailed the Integrated Territorial Investments instrument, as a tool for territorial development in Poland. The object of the study was the ITI BTFA partnership, comprising two core cities: the City of Bydgoszcz and the City of Toruń, as well as 23 municipalities in the functional area. Findings: Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) is an important instrument of territorial development, constituting a well-utilized tool of local government cooperation, co-financed by the European Union. The instrument strengthens the impact of jointly implemented projects, through an approach extending beyond the administrative boundaries of a given local government. Integrated Territorial Investments are an important tool allowing implementation of the territorial strategies of the 2014-2020 programming period, primarily in the area of integrated actions for sustainable urban development. Originality/value: The article presents the research results arising from the survey conducted at the organization analyzed. The study indicated that the ITI partnership management system is effective, as it has allowed improvement in the efficiency of the activities undertaken as well as increased trust among the partners involved. The main factors which affected the effectiveness of the projects implemented by the ITI BTFA included: good rapport with the beneficiary, cooperation of the ITI Intermediate Body with the Managing Authority of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship Regional Operational Program, and ongoing monitoring.