Specialization in Smart Growth Sectors vs. Effects of Change of Workforce Numbers in the European Union Regional Space

The purpose of the study is to identify the relations between the level of specialization in smart growth sectors and the effects of change of workforce numbers in NUTS (The Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) 2 regions of the European Union countries. Multivariate data analysis methods, structural-geographic shift-share method and regional specialization indices were applied in the study. The structure of workforce in economic sectors, separated based on the intensity of research and development activities in NUTS 2 regions in the period 2009-2012, constituted the subject matter of the analysis. The application of shift-share analysis allowed for determining the effects of workforce structure, competitiveness and number changes in smart growth sectors against the reference area, i.e. the European Union regional area. Multivariate data analysis methods facilitated the typology of the analyzed regions against the level of specialization and the type of effects resulting from the change of workforce numbers in smart growth sector, as well as determining the relations between them.