SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES MECHANISMS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE COUNTRIES (CASE OF POLAND)

Abstract

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are widely used in most developing countries and in many developed countries. The main goal of this study is to identify mechanisms of SEZs functioning and their role in the economic development of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (based on the examples of Poland). As a result of the study presented in the article, the conclusions can be drawn that in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe SEZs are successfully used both as a tool of investment and industrial policy, and through the mechanisms of functioning of SEZs, the interests of private investors and national goals of economic development of the countries are actually merged. The formation of SEZs in Central and Eastern European countries is aimed at industrial development, in particular export production, involvement of advanced technologies and domestic R&D, development of innovative potential of the countries, employment generation, etc. SEZs in Poland serves as an effective tool for the investment policy and are actually part of a competitive package of measures that are used to attract foreign investors along with other forms of promotion of foreign investment. In the history of economic development of SEZs, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, a wealth of experience has been accumulated in attracting foreign investment, and its analysis and use can be useful in justifying the methods and organization of state investment policy in transition countries, including Ukraine.