PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT IN THE REZEKNE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE

Abstract

Purpose and aim of the study: The present research aims to identify and analyse problems and opportunities for the business environment in the Rezekne Special Economic Zone.Design / Methodology / Approach: The research employed the following methods: descriptive and graphic, analysis, an expert survey, as well as SNW (strengths, neutrals and weaknesses) analysis and the SNW typological index. Main Findings: The most important problems for the business environment in the Rezekne SEZ, which, according to the experts, were as follows: a lack of suitable land plots and buildings for starting production; a lack of qualified labour; rare and poor communication between Rezekne SEZ businesspersons (etc.), as well as opportunities such as additional tax relief for companies from the Rezekne SEZ; additional advantageous criteria for national, EU, ALTUM etc. project evaluation for businesses having Rezekne SEZ company status; opportunities for cooperation with Rezekne Academy of Technologies (etc.).Originality: Based on an expert survey, an SNW analysis and the SNW typological index, the research identified the most important problems for the business environment in the Rezekne SEZ.Implications: An analysis of the situation in Rezekne city and Rezekne municipality regarding the national business environment reveals regional differences, which makes it necessary to perform an analysis of the business environment in the Rezekne SEZ in order to identify the main problems that hinder the creation of a favourable.