Integrative potential of Central European metropolises with a special focus on the Visegrad countries

One of the characteristic phenomena associated with the current development of civilization is undoubtedly metropolisation. This article focuses on the strategically important problems of the metropolisation of the Central European area with an emphasis on the Visegrad countries. The introductory part is dedicated to the identification of Central European metropolises based on three components: population size, economic profile and investment attractiveness. Designated metropolises are then assessed from the point of view of integrative potential level, including economic interactivity, tourist attractiveness and transport connectivity. Based on the synthesis of these components, the most important axes of supranational importance were identified. It can be said that within the established network of metropolitan axes connecting eastern with western parts of the Central European region the Czech Republic is the best placed, followed by Poland. From a wider geopolitical outlook this network creates favourable conditions for the integration of the Visegrad countries, mainly driven by international trade

FOREIGN FIRMS AND THE PERCEPTION OF REGIONS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: A STATISTICAL EXAMINATION

Foreign investment is of particularly importance in countries undergoing far-reaching economic transformation. Also the location of foreign investment throughout the country is very important for further regional development. Actual location decisions of investors are influenced by various factors, but it is rather obvious that behind these decisions there is also always a lack of information or a distorted view of potential locations and regions for investment. The aim of this paper is to indicate the image of Czech regions that foreign entrepreneurs construct and to understand the character of spatial perceptions of foreign entrepreneurs from various points of view in order to find out what main factors are influencing location decisions of foreign investors in the country. The paper provides a summary of preliminary results of the survey. It provides current mental maps of foreign entrepreneurs and the most important results of explanatory statistical analyses. Copyright (c) 2007 by the Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG.