New Approaches to the Development of the Least Developed Regions in Slovakia

Abstract

The paper is discussing and critically looking at the new action plans prepared for the least developed regions in Slovakia (the criteria for eligibility is the unemployment rate 1.6 times above the national average in at least 9 of 12 consecutive quarters) prepared in cooperation among the experts and the Governmental Office of the Slovak Republic. These actions plans were designed in short period of time by spatial planning, education, industry and agriculture professionals and represent special, non-systematic legal measure within the system of regional development support in Slovakia. The first plans were agreed on and legally supported in the middle of 2015 and the paper is looking into the first results reflected in the decreasing unemployment rate. The paper, firstly, portrays the situation of regional development in Slovakia focusing mainly on eastern and south-eastern parts and explains the reasons for this step by the government and why this decision was taken relatively quickly. Secondly, the situation which necessitated the decision to create the action plans is described and explained. Then, the action plans are discussed regarding their structure and the main pillars on which the development is guided in these regions. Special emphasis is put on the financial and fiscal measures combining the national resources and EU financial support. Final part is dedicated to discussing the action plans, their advantages and disadvantages and ways forward. One of the preliminary conclusions of larger research project focused on preparing the strategy for new regional development in Slovakia is that the prepared and agreed on action plans together with focusing on these regions by the national government are initial success factors for regional development of the lagging regions. Furthermore, the action plans are increasing the local capacities and social capital to improve the regions by empowering local public and private stakeholders to be more actively involved in the local and regional development.