REGIONÁLNE DISPARITY – PRÍČINY A MOŽNÉ RIEŠENIA

Abstract

The authors address the issue of regional disparities which exist persistently not only in the Slovak Republic but also across many different countries of the world. The present study attempts to analyse their main causes and effects. Two regions were selected to carry out the research, namely the Trenčín region and Prešov region. The former selected is characterized by long-term low levels of unemployment, well-developed and functioning infrastructure as well as a multitude of industries. The latter is characterized by high levels of unemployment, higher proportion of minorities, less well-developed infrastructure, and prevailing trading activities and industrial production. When examining regional inequalities, the authors analyse indicators of economic and social development, such as for instance unemployment rate, average wages, disposable income, number of people being on welfare, at-risk-of-poverty rate, migration, crime rate, etc. In general, it has been believed that western regions are richer than eastern regions. The authors try to determine the correctness of this belief and identify differences in the regions under consideration. In addition, they try to compare and explain both the data collected and the position of both regions in the Slovak Republic. Moreover, they attempt to highlight the strengths of both regions, draw attention to their weaknesses and propose ways to eliminate disparities.        

The interest in regional development and regional policy in Slovakia has grown significantly recently. It is associated with the increase in regional disparities and the possibilities to draw financial resources for regional development. Apart from the on-going process of eliminating disparities, reducing tensions between regions is essential.