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 University education, steady research basis – mainly in transport, ICT, engineering, chemical and textile

SWOT analysis of the region STRENGTHS WAKNESSES Stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment Qualified labour force Accomplishment of telecommunication infrastructure Wide network of institution for life-time education  Low labour costs Low transport accessibility Lack of own capital Unprepared regional infrastructure Low 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 branches Suitable economic environment – growing economy, lower taxation, low costs New competitive environment Leaving 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