The Role and Legacy of the North Great Plain Regional Development Agency

Abstract

The regional development agencies – created after the transition to democracy – in compliance with the  European Union’s regional policy became crucial  elements of the Hungarian municipal development  system. Their gradually accumulated expertise and  successful project implementation made a  considerable contribution to the country’s regional  development. The agencies efficiently managed and  accomplished several programs giving theoretical  and practical support to regional and municipality development actors. Between 2000 and 2016, this  role was played by the North Great Plain Regional  Development agency in Hungary’s North Great Plain  Region. Its activities measured up to the expectations  just as its peers’ in the other six regions in Hungary. These agencies were essential  parts of the country’s regional policy laying down the  foundations of the Hungarian system, enhancing  the adjustment to the EU’s regional policy  and the absorption of the funding. Their  legacy is still alive, deserving of some more in-depth  insights into their creation and operation. We aim to  fulfil this goal through the example of the North  Great Plain Regional Agency.