Gábor Lelkes: Elements of competitiveness and backwardness in the South-Slovakian space

This report provides information about the spatial processes of the 1990’s and the characteristics of the spatial structure of the South-Slovakian space as evolved by the beginning of the 21st century, as well as the major tasks of spatial development.

Specific features of the régiónál development policy, as opposed to the macro levél policy, deals with the differentiated, specialised attention of vari-ous regions. Over the pást decade the reaction of various regions to the changes proved to be very different, therefore régiónál strategies can not be formulated by a simple decision. Hence it requires mapping of the régiónál dimension: the actors of the régiónál policies should be familiar with the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of each region.

Considering the natural and climatic conditions and the relief of the territo-ry, the southern bordér regions of Slovakia have good conditions for the development of agricultural production, as well as for different forms of tourism.

Régiónál economic trends of the pást decade in the studied region have basically been determined by the important role of foreign capital in the local economy, entrepreneurial activity etc, as well as by the régiónál structures that have evolved as a result of the above mentioned components. On top of the natural features, régiónál disparities emerging from economic trends are significantly influenced by the region’s accessibility and the quality of its humán resources. These explain the diverse economic and social character of the regions.

During the last 10 years in the South-Slovakian space a strong west-east disparity has been created, which is particularly apparent in the sharp contradiction between the successful restructuring and renewal in the western part of the area and the lagging process of stabilisation in the eastern borderland.

Major determinants of the régiónál pattern of social disparities are: a) demographic conditions, which can influence a region’s economic potential and its ability to retain the local population; b) comfort levél, education, income-wealth conditions, health, public security determine the régiónál social pattern; c) unemployment, its development and its spatial differences.

Strengths: a) Advantageous geographic position of the region within Cen-tral Europe; b) Active chain of euroregions along the bordér region.

Weaknesses: a) The negative consequences generated by the former one-sided industrial structure; b) Lack of marketable skills at the labour markét.

Opportunities: a) Favourable conditions for the extension and production of biological foodstuffs; b) Settlement of large industrial companies oriented on demanding foreign markets.

Threats: a) Continuing lower educational levél of Hungárián and Romany population, b) Postponing of governmental decisions