Spatial polarisation within foreign trade and transnational firms' networks. The Case of Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, Central and Eastern Europe were subject to strong polarisation processes. This article proposes examines two neglected aspects regarding the transition period: a comparative static assessment of foreign trade since 1967 until 2012 and a city-centred analysis of transnational companies in 2013. Results show a growing economic differentiation between the North-West and South-East as well as a division between large metropolises and other cities. These findings may complement the targeting of specific regional strategies such as those conceived within the Cohesion policy of the European Union.