Zilina Innovation Policy

Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) project of the Zilina Region, Slovakia

Zilina region - basic facts

Area: 6 874 sq. km2

Number of Inhabitants: 692 332, uunemployment rate: 10,6 %

Average Nominal Salary: 370 EUR/month

GDP per capita: 8 701 EUR (2002, purchasing power parity)

Introduction of Zilina region Mechanical engineering, automotive,

chemical, textile, electro-technical, paper-production industry, construction, ICT and electronics

Zilina - important transportation junction Zilina - important transportation junction University education, steady research basis

– mainly in transport, ICT, engineering, chemical and textile

SWOT analysis of the regionSTRENGTHS WAKNESSES

Stabilisation of the macroeconomic environmentQualified labour force Accomplishment of telecommunication infrastructureWide network of institution for life-time education Low labour costs

Low transport accessibilityLack of own capital Unprepared regional infrastructureLow support on research and development activities by the state Deficient co-ordination between education institution and labour market

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

Integration of Slovakia to the European Union Access to the European market International cooperation in the field of science and research Entering of new investors Development of new branchesSuitable economic environment – growing economy, lower taxation, low costs

New competitive environmentLeaving of qualified labour forces to the other country  

Perspectives of region Foreign investment, mainly in automotive industry,

ICT Regional supply chain links Infrastructure development Tourism development Regional support on innovation, research and

development Development of High-Tech companies utilizing

potential of young creative people Implementing Regional Innovation Strategy: Zilina

Innovation Policy