Research and analyses - Research and analyses completed

The main goal of the evaluation was to conduct a complex diagnosis of the development possibilities of Malopolska with a view of the functional subregions stated in the Malopolska Region Development Strategy by proposing and justifying the delimitation of five subregions and defining the development directions of each subregion based on the existing development possibilities. The conclusions presented in this report are based on a detailed analysis of secondary (statistical) data and the results of questionnaires and interviews.

Based on the secondary data 7 fields of research divided into 24 thematic areas have been created, and based on these the differences between the districts of Malopolska were analyzed. As a result 5 functional indexes were created – subjects with a similar or complementary function for which the development policy will be conducted. Due to the use of the potential of subregions an increase of the pace of growth of Malopolska will be possible, taking into account the necessity of the implementation of social goals such as the need to sustain the internal cohesion of the region.

These analysis point to the ambiguous position of the region in the country. Macroeconomic indicators show the small rate of growth which results from the high participation of low-productive agriculture, average entrepreneurship and small investment expenditure. The consequence of this is a low level of remuneration and a lack of a clear improvement on the labor market. At the same time the region is characterized by a growing attractiveness for foreign investment – especially due to the presence of a prestigious, innovative academic centre, well-educated staff and a high quality of life. Due to the unique natural and cultural heritage the touristic trade contributes to the development of the region.

These results describe the districts of the region in a differentiated way. The key role for the development of the region is played by Krakow. Almost all of the innovative potential of the region and most of the academic institutions are located in Krakow. Districts surrounding Krakow take advantage of these resources to a limited extent. A growth of entrepreneurship and a relatively better situation on the labor market is visible, however it is difficult to confirm the thesis about the diffusion of innovative action. Economic activity remains relatively high in the western districts, which is the effect of the presence of the Silesia market. These areas are also highly industrialized – this enables the generation of a relatively high product, but also causes the decline of natural resources.

The rest of the region is developing much more slowly. The development of the southern districts is mainly based on the touristic trade and its derivatives. However only the most attractive areas benefit from tourism. In the North-eastern part of the region agriculture absorbs relatively large resources, but its commoditization character, directed at high productivity, is limited. Industries located in South-eastern part of the region mainly have local character, as well as its tourism attractiveness.

A large problem of the whole region is the accessibility of transport. The highway which is a part of the TEN-T corridor is very significant, however it is not able to provide the accessibility of districts, especially Krakow and the capitals of the subregions. On a local scale a serious barrier is the low supply of public transport services, which foredooms educational and professional mobility. Another issue is the location of suburban areas – however its limitations can be leveled by increasing the accessibility of broadband internet.

The focus analysis enabled the delimitation of 5 subregions – groups of districts which have similar or complementary functions. The following subregions have been distinguished:
•    Krakow Metropolitan Area subregion (with the capital in Krakow),
•    Tarnowski subregion (Tarnow),
•    Sadecki subregion (Nowy Sacz),
•    Podhalanski subregion (Nowy Targ, Zakopane),
•    West Małopolska subregion (Oswiecim, Olkusz, Chrzanow).

According to recommendations, districts of the CMA subregion should take greater advantage of the potential of Krakow’s development – especially concerning the extent of services for the agglomeration – while Krakow should have a policy which aims to give it the role of a European-scale city. The West Malopolska and Tarnowski subregions should use the possibilities resulting from the presence of an important transport corridor. Additionally the Tarnowski subregion should increase the commoditization of its agriculture. The realization of this goal would strengthen the demand of the complex policy of rural areas which aims to increase the quality of life and decrease the unequal chances of the citizens of cities and villages. The Sadecki subregion should continue to systematically move towards innovative and ecological industries and use its local wildlife wealth for the development of tourism. This potential should especially be used by the Podhalanski subregion which should extend its offer of places and specialties. Irrespective of the recommendations for subregions it is significant to keep in mind the fact that an increase of the dynamics of the development of the region will not be possible without increasing the accessibility of communication and transport of the districts of the region, educating adequately to the current and future needs for specialists in given fields and the systematic modernization of the structure of the economy.

The report is available in the Polish version.