Polarity of the Regional Space – the Dilemma of Shaping the Investment Attractiveness of Poland

• Main Author: Hanna Godlewska-Majkowska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie 2018-11-01
• Series: Prace Komisji Geografii Przemysłu Polskiego Towarzystwa Geograficznego
• Subjects: growth pole; investment attractiveness of the region; investments; local development; location
• Online Access: https://prace-kgp.up.krakow.pl/article/view/4651

This study aims to show how the polarisation of the economic space can modify the investment attractiveness of the regional space. A thesis has been put forward that the polarisation of the economic space affects the investment attractiveness of the regional space by strengthening the polarising power of the regions with the highest investment attractiveness. This study uses the results of the parameterisation of investment attractiveness of Polish regions for 2015 by gmina; it also identifies growth poles in four five-year time periods: 2008–2012, 2009–2013, 2010–2014, and 2011–2015. The study shows that the permanent growth poles are created at a distance of several dozen kilometres from large cities. It indicates the depletion of development reserves of large and medium-sized cities, especially those with extensive space management. Smaller centres are gaining location attractiveness, especially those located in the vicinity of communication routes, where access to investment areas and lower costs of running a business attract investors. Special economic zones are also located in such places. The poles and their clusters usually form large agglomerations and industrial centres in the development phase. They are usually places with high investment attractiveness, adjusted by management decisions of large enterprises, local government units and the state government. The polarisation of the economic space affects the increase of the investment attractiveness of the regions, strengthening the succession of economic production and service functions in special economic zones. Investments in road infrastructure and revitalisation processes supported by special economic zones are essential.