Support for economic, social and territorial cohesion has always been a central goal of the European Union. Much progress has been made. However, large-scale economic shocks have often worked to exacerbate differences between regions. Cohesion policy can help prevent such effects strengthening resilience and supporting transformation, with a focus on regions that are less developed or in transition.

This report assesses which regions are leading in transformative investments, such as those concerning innovation, digitalisation and sustainability. Using the results of the EIB Investment Survey, it examines how investment was affected by the COVID-19 shock, how firms responded to it and how they have progressed towards deeper structural transformation. In doing so, it also provides information on investment needs and gaps across regions and the challenges firms are facing, with a particular focus on transformation.

Support for economic, social and territorial cohesion has always been a central goal of the European Union. Much progress has been made. However, large-scale economic shocks have often worked to exacerbate differences between regions. Cohesion policy can help prevent such effects strengthening resilience and supporting transformation, with a focus on regions that are less developed or in transition.

This report assesses which regions are leading in transformative investments, such as those concerning innovation, digitalisation and sustainability. Using the results of the EIB Investment Survey, it examines how investment was affected by the COVID-19 shock, how firms responded to it and how they have progressed towards deeper structural transformation. In doing so, it also provides information on investment needs and gaps across regions and the challenges firms are facing, with a particular focus on transformation.