Analysing territorial impact assessment dynamic in cross-border regions: challenges and future perspectives

This article introduces Dynamical Territorial Impact Assessment (DyTIA), a novel approach for assessing development strategies in European border regions. Drawing on dynamical systems theory, DyTIA captures non-linear interactions, feedback loops, and threshold effects across economic, social, environmental, and institutional dimensions. Unlike conventional static models, DyTIA enables a more realistic representation of the evolving dynamics in border territories. The method was applied to data from 23 INTERREG V-A programmes (2014–2020), revealing strong regional disparities in funding allocation and thematic focus. A case study of the Greater Region programme demonstrated how DyTIA can trace complex territorial impact chains and inform more effective resource allocation—especially relevant given anticipated budget cuts under the INTERREG NEXT framework (2021–2027). The analysis also uncovered synergistic effects between thematic objectives, enhancing overall territorial outcomes. Beyond analytical insights, DyTIA serves a strategic governance function. In the context of Ukraine’s EU integration, it provides a tool for incorporating Ukrainian border regions into European development frameworks. The EGTC Tisza pilot project illustrates DyTIA’s potential in post-conflict recovery and institutional adaptation. The article concludes with practical recommendations for applying DyTIA in national and regional planning, strengthening EGTCs, and integrating security considerations into territorial assessments. DyTIA thus contributes not only methodologically but strategically to fostering integration, resilience, and stability in a transforming European space.