SMART SPECIALISATIONS AS FACTORS OF INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT IN THE REGIONS OF EASTERN POLAND

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to identify and to assess the essence of the concept of regional smart specializations in the context of innovation development, with particular emphasis on the regions of Eastern Poland. Additionally, it aims to highlight the role of EU funds in financing activities related to the creation of smart specializations in these regions. Design/methodology/approach: In collecting empirical material for the article, the method of economic and general statistics was used. The time frame of the research covers the years 2014 2023. The justification for the research location lies in the significant innovation potential of the regions of Eastern Poland and the EU funds directed at improving their competitiveness and investment attractiveness. The question arises whether this has been successfully achieved. Findings: The research showed that in all five voivodeships of Eastern Poland, regional smart specializations included issues related to improving innovation. The regions of Eastern Poland received more funding from EU funds and programs per capita compared to the national average. This is also confirmed by the absorption rate. However, the analyzed voivodeships still have the lowest GDP per capita in the country. Therefore, they should continue to invest in the development of technical and social infrastructure, as well as innovation in enterprises. Originality/value: The article presents the utilization of EU financial resources supporting cohesion policy by the local governments of the voivodeships in Eastern Poland, as well as the effects of this support based on selected indicators, including the author’s absorption indicator.