Is the ESDP Goal of 'Polycentric and Balanced Development' Experiencing a Revival Through the Objective of 'Territorial Cohesion'?

Abstract

The paper tries to explore the four key sub-questions, under relevant sub-headings. Firstly, recounting to the concept of "Polycentric Development" put forward in the European Spatial Development Perspective (1999). Secondly, it explores its relationship with "Territorial Cohesion", a concept introduced in the Treaty of European union (TEU), after the ratification of "Lisbon Treaty, Article 3" (Bohme K, et.al, 2011), followed by opportunities and challenges posed in interpretations of this relationship. Finally, the Cohesion Policy for the current period 2014-20, is evaluated to understand the "possible mechanisms to achieve Territorial Cohesion or polycentric development". The paper explains the relevant concepts and interpretations build upon various the academic researches done by different authors i.e Davoudi, S. (2003), Eskelinen, H., & Fritsch, M. (2009), Schon, P. (2005), Faludi (2005,2009), Duhr, et.al (2010), among others.