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What are the factors behind the successful EU-China cooperation on the subnational level? Case study of the Lodzkie region in Poland

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  • Tomasz Kamiński

    (University of Lodz)

Abstract

Analysing the relations between the EU and China one can notice a growing network of links on all levels, including subnational. Within the framework of the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative Chinese regions are eager to develop contacts with European counterparts. The case of the Lodzkie region’s (Poland) cooperation with Sichuan Province is often presented in media as a flagship example of taking the advantage of the possibilities posed by the OBOR. The direct cargo train connection with China has been accompanied by close political relations on the regional level as well as academic cooperation. Neither distance nor great asymmetries between the partners impede smooth collaboration in the Lodzkie case. The main aim of this paper is to answer the question what are the factors behind the success of the Lodzkie region in order to recognise the conditions that may play an important role in the process of building strong bilateral links between European and Chinese subnational units. The Lodzkie case clearly shows the key role of the personal factor. Politicians and officials have identified a great potential in a small-scale business initiative and have helped it to enhance in cooperation with local stakeholders (the city authorities, academia, local companies). Moreover, they have been able to create an attractive story which appeals to international media and attracts business.

Suggested Citation

  • Tomasz Kamiński, 2019. "What are the factors behind the successful EU-China cooperation on the subnational level? Case study of the Lodzkie region in Poland," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 227-242, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:asiaeu:v:17:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10308-018-00532-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10308-018-00532-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jennifer A. Yoder, 2003. "Decentralisation and Regionalisation after Communism: Administrative and Territorial Reform in Poland and the Czech Republic," Europe-Asia Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 55(2), pages 263-286.
    2. Joachim Blatter & Matthias Kreutzer & Michaela Rentl & Jan Thiele, 2010. "Preconditions for Foreign Activities of European Regions: Tracing Causal Configurations of Economic, Cultural, and Political Strategies," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 40(1), pages 171-199, Winter.
    3. Tim Summers, 2016. "China’s ‘New Silk Roads’: sub-national regions and networks of global political economy," Third World Quarterly, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(9), pages 1628-1643, September.
    4. Thomas Christiansen & Richard Maher, 2017. "The rise of China—challenges and opportunities for the European Union," Asia Europe Journal, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 121-131, June.
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