The "Resurrection" of Industrial Policy in the European Union and its Impact on Industrial Policy in the New Member Countries. WWWforEurope Working Paper No. 26

The aim of this study is to consider the main factors affecting the industrial policy in Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) by elucidating the issues such as the connection between competitiveness and industrial policy, innovation, manufacturing, green growth and environment. The objective is to inspire thought in the reader and to highlight the necessity for a new industrial policy, which considers regional differences and specialisations in the catching-up economies of the CEECs. The ultimate question is what kind of industrial policy development is required in the CEECs in the future that could enable an even more successful catching-up, or convergence, with the Western economies. This study includes an analysis of the countries that have been more successful in transition. A measurement was made of the export market shares as well as the industrial structure (primarily in manufacturing).This study highlights that there is a need for a country specific industrial policy for each member country. During the development of industrial policy, the decision makers of each country must make complex decisions which consider all past and current economic factors.