Development of Innovative Business Parks to

Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the SEE Area

WP3.1

Study of the innovative potential of FIDIBE partners regions

Study of the innovative potential of West (Trencin Deliverable: region, region, )

Work Package: 3 Situation and Best Practice Analysis

3.1 preparation of studies on the innovative potential of Activity: FIDIBE partners regions

WP Responsible Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) partner

Version: Final Date: 11/05/2010

Type: Report

Availability: (Restricted, Public, etc)

Responsible Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin Partner:

Author: Kristina Zgodavova, Jozef Roznik, Jana Strauszova

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 1 CONTENTS

Abstract...... 5

PART I. Executive Summary...... 6

PART II. Report on regional situation of West Slovakia (Trencin region, Trnava region, Nitra region)...... 9

II.1 Introduction ...... 9

II.2 Specific characteristics of the West Slovakia...... 16

II.2.1 General Situation in the region and regional indicators ...... 16

II.2.2 SWOT analysis of the region...... 25

PART III. Main actors contributing to the development of innovative capability and entrepreneurship of the West Slovakia ...... 32

III.1 The general situation of the business sector, mostly focusing to innovative entrepreneurship32

III.2 Entrepreneurship policies in the West Slovakia focusing on the impacts for the innovative enterprises ...... 35

III.3 Main actors contributing to the development of innovative capability of the West Slovakia 43

III.4 SWOT analysis for the general situation of the business sector mainly identifying the main problems innovative enterprises are faced with ...... 81

SWOT analysis of SMEs - West Slovakia...... 81

PART IV. Suggestions and proposals...... 83

PART V. Main Conclusions ...... 87

Bibliography ...... 88

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 2 List of figures

Fig. 1 Location of Trencin in map of Slovakia...... 17

Fig. 2 Map of Trencin region...... 18

Fig. 3 Slovak road administration...... 22

Fig. 4 Slovak republic railway network...... 23

Fig. 5 West Slovakia including Trencin, Trnava and Nitra region...... 32

Fig. 6 Industrial park areas in Banovce nad Bebravou ...... 52

Fig. 7 Industrial park - Javorinská...... 56

Fig. 8 Industrial park Partizánske ...... 57

Fig. 9 Industrial park Trencin – Bratislavská street...... 59

Fig. 10 Industrial park ...... 65

Fig. 11 Industrial park Kostolné Kra čany...... 69

Fig. 12 NUTS II – Cooperation between Industrial parks and Universities in Trencin, Trnava and Nitra regions...... 84

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 3

List of graphs and tables

Tab. 1 Employment by sectors...... 19

Tab. 2 Average wage ...... 19

Tab. 3 Number of employees ...... 20

Tab. 4 Active economic subjects by branch...... 21

Tab. 5 The most innovative and promising sectors...... 33

Tab. 6 The most innovative enterprises ...... 34

Tab. 7 Strategic priorities of program period 2007 - 2013 ...... 36

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 4

Abstract

ZGODAVOVA, Kristína; ROŽNÍK, Jozef; STRAUSZOVÁ, Jana: Study of the innovative potential of West Slovakia (Trencin region, Trnava region, Nitra region).

[WP3.1 Study of the innovative potential of FIDIBE partners regions]. Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin. Slovakia.

Slovakia, Trencin: TnUNI, 2009, 93p.

The main theme is a summary of the innovative potential of SMEs in western Slovakia, namely Trencin, Trnava, Nitra regions. Based on the specific characteristics of the region and the indicators SWOT analysis region was elaborated. Situation in innovation and support activities for development and innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises, a SWOT analysis of SMEs. Suggestions and proposals to the ongoing problems of innovation of SMEs in the region.

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PART I. Executive Summary

The SEE area has a low performance with respect to R&D. The majority of the countries of the area are facing low levels of innovative activity and thus of competitiveness. Therefore it is crucial to establish frameworks to motivate SMEs for innovation activities, to bring them closer to R&D activities and to provide a favourable environment for them. As a respond to that, many national and regional innovation policies in the SEE area aim to develop technology parks, incubators, research centres etc. – in one word innovative business parks.

Slovak Republic joined the European Union on 1 May 2004 as one of the ten European countries.

Slovak Republic through the document NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework), first received the opportunity to use the resources from the EU funds in the period 2007-2013.

National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) is a strategic document of the Slovak Republic for programming usage of European Union funds in 2007-2013.

It sets national priorities, which will be financed by the Structural and Cohesion Funds in the next programming period, following the strategic guidelines, which define the framework for the Funds at the European level. (Euro Info, 2009)

Study of innovation potential of West Slovakia is divided into three main parts.

In the first part the basic characteristics of the region and general situation of regional entrepreneurship and innovation capacity is included. It is followed by main problems- obstacles that innovation development faces concerning innovative SMEs. The part includes also information on role of research and technology parks and exploitation of the innovation potential of the area of West Slovakia.

The second part consists of a general presentation of the present situation of the business sector, as well as of the most innovative and promising sectors concerning innovative capability. It includes aslo information on the general situation of the most innovative enterprises, the basic characteristics and overview of regional vs.national innovative performance, available figures and tables, SWOT analysis of business sector.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 6 The third part contains suggestions and proposals for increasing the innovative capability of Slovakia for small and medium enterprises.

Innovation - change in the thought process for doing something or "new stuff that is made useful". (Innovation, 2010)

Invention - new composition, device, or process. An invention derived from a pre-existing model or idea. It is independently conceived in which case it may be a radical breakthrough. (Invention, 2010)

Capacity – ability to receive, hold, or absorb. (Capacity, 2010)

Capability – quality of being capable; ability. The capacity to be used, treated, or developed for a specific purpose. 1. natural ability: the power or practical ability necessary for doing something 2. range of ability: the potential ability of somebody or something to do something (Capability, 2010)

Potential – having possibility, capability, or power. (Potential, 2010)

Innovative capacity measures the level of invention and the potential for innovation in any nation, geographical area or economic activity. Invention here refers to ideas that are patented. When those ideas are used for some economic or social purpose they become innovations. (Suarez-Villa, 1990) Five key dimensions of innovation performance: Innovation drivers • Knowledge creation • Innovation & entrepreneurship • Application • Intellectual property

Innovation potential of any territory is surrounded in the conditions of that region. Innovation potential is the capacity to develop and advance further. This potential is proportional with the country’s available intellectual assets including all public goods and intellectual properties. The number of patent applications reflects well a country’s intentions to improve and develop. A country’s innovation potential also depends on the material and

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 7 financial resources provided for these purposes, which corresponds with the size of the GDP. (Key dimensions of innovation performance, 2009)

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PART II. Report on regional situation of West Slovakia (Trencin region, Trnava region, Nitra region)

II.1 Introduction The Slovak Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million and an area of about 49,000 square kilometres (19,000 sq mi). Slovakia borders the and to the west, Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east and to the south. Slovakia is a member state of the European Union, NATO, UN, OECD, WTO, UNESCO and other international organizations. (Slovakia, 2010)

All information is provided by regional offices of the Regional Administration, experts from the Regional Chamber of Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SOPK) and Regional Office of Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO).

Benefits of investment in the Tren čín Region are:

• Advantageous location in the centre of Europe - Great location in the heart of Europe ensures the future investors with enough potential in all areas of agriculture and industry. • Sufficient volume of human resources - qualified and adaptable workforce • Low labor costs comparing to the other countries of the European Union • Good quality business environment in Slovakia – (flat tax rate and no tax on dividends) • Comfortable living and working environment resulting from the life of the rural and suburban areas • Option to invest in "green field" and "brown field" and to ensure the region's natural biodiversity. • High level education provided by universities and secondary schools in the region. • Connection between history and present in regional information centers • Benefits from state and local investment support (Jasikova, 2008)

Industry in region

Industrial production in the region is represented by most promising sectors as:

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 9 Mining industry (coal and lignite mining)

Machine industry (production and selling lathe machine tools and computer- operated workstations, air conditioning machinery, engineering and steel construction, mining machinery and machinery for universal centre lathes, NC lathes, semi-automatics for various vehicles and trailers, gear boxes, roller bearings, production of sanitary engineering, industrial thermometers....)

Electrical engineering (research, development and production of power electronics machinery, control systems, cable harness for the cars...)

Glass industry (container glass, lightweight and super light glass containers for the health service, dairying and chemical industry, pressed glass, light bulbs, decorative glass, cut and lead crystal glass....)

Textile and clothes industry (men´s and women´s clothing, woolen industry, knitted garments and washing, bed linen...),

Chemical industry (washing detergents production, lye and chlorine production, vinyl chloride and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production, rubber-based products production ...)

Wood processing industry (furniture production)

Leather industry (vachette processing, shoe manufacture)

Food production (distillery, production of dessert wines, fruits spirits and refined spirits and also pressed and dried baking yeast, dairy products, processed cheeses, cultured- milk products, bread, baking industry and dairy industry)

Production of building materials and buildings prefabricated elements cement and building stone, float concrete, artificial aggregate, concrete prefabricated panels, garden and interior fireplaces, metallic fences.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 10 Building industry supply and offer of civil and industrial constructions according to a client’s order

Production of electric energy

Tourism, Spa industry

Agriculture production of crops, sugar-beet, fodder beet, fruits, hops, stock-raising, poultry-raising, sheep breeding (Jasikova, 2008)

Significant drop of production is visible in these industries:

• mining industry • production of special (defense) technology • textile and clothes production (Jasikova, 2008)

The main barriers for development of Small and Medium Enterprises

Objective barriers:

• Instability of the law system. • Inappropriate legislation that favors large enterprises. • Difficult access to capital • Insufficient state support. • Onerous bureaucracy.

Subjective barriers:

• Unpreparedness, lack of economic and management education. • Social barriers.. • Psychological barriers, negative relationship to risk, lack of need for self-realization in difficult circumstances, lack of need to succeed. (University of Zilina, Faculty of Special Inginiering)

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Institutions supporting small and medium enterprises

Regional Advisory and Information Centres and Business Innovation Centres Regional Advisory and Information Centers (RPIC) and business innovation centers (BIC) and their workplaces in Slovakia form a network of agencies whose aim is to promote SMEs SR.

NADSME National Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (NADSME) was a joint initiative of the European Union's PHARE and the Government of Slovak Republic. The main objective is growth of existing enterprises and new creation of small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovakia. The Agency ensures coordination of all activities and support for small and medium enterprises in Slovakia, including financial support for international, national and regional level.

Slovak entrepreneurs can be directly financed by the Slovak National Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises from support loan program for businesses of 250 employees on or after 1.1.1990, with at least 50% private participation, from Micro-loan program and start-up capital program.

The subject of lending may not only be the purchase of tangible and intangible assets, but also purchase of supplies and materials with an interest rate of 11.3% to EUR 166.000 and maturity in 5 years.

The network of centers for business currently consists of 12 Regional Advisory and Information Centers (RPIC) and 5 Business and Innovation Centers (BIC). The mission of counseling centers for entrepreneurs is to promote SMEs in the , by providing comprehensive information and advisory service and education programs. Clients of RPIC/BIC are small and medium-sized businesses, or those who just want to start a business. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

AZZZ - Federation of Employers Associations and Unions Employers' organization in the Slovak Republic.

SZZ - Slovak Union of Crafts

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 12 It supports the creation and development of all forms of entrepreneurship, defends the interests of small and medium enterprises

ZPS - Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia Interest association of entrepreneurs in the Slovak Republic

ZSVD - Slovak Union of Producer Cooperatives Interest organization of production cooperatives

SOI - The Slovak Trade Inspection Control - inspection of compliance are generally binding regulations on consumer protection

Public Procurement Office Central Government Authority

Antimonopoly Office Protects and promotes competition. Prevent the creation and maintenance of monopoly businesses.

Integra Foundation Association to promote small and medium-sized enterprises in Central Europe and East Europe. It provides the training programs, microcredit, resources, search for business partners and so on.

AMIS - The Association of Microfinance Institutions

NGO federative entities and organizations that promote and implement the Micro-loan programs in Slovakia.

SEICO - Slovak exports and Information Center SEICO provides information services that support the export activities of Slovak companies (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Universities in West Slovakia

Public universities in region of West Slovakia:

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 13 Public high school is a public and autonomous institution which is established and abolished by the law. The Act also establishes its name, rank and office. If a public high school is divided into faculties, upon its establishment the faculty is established at the same time.

Private colleges in region of West Slovakia

A legal person established in the Slovak Republic or established in the European Union Member State or States which are parties to the European Economic Area and Switzerland, which was established and based on education and research, is authorized to operate as a private high school if the Government of the Slovak Republic grants consent on behalf of the State.

Potential of investments into innovation capacities

Several industry fields are interesting for potential investors:

• machine industry • electrical engineering • rubber production • glass industry • textile production and shoe manufacture • wood-processing (Jasikova, 2008)

All districts of Tren čín Region dispose with:

• sufficient areas for the industrial parks and zones • vacant buildings and areas with good infrastructure • skilled labor force • good conditions for the modern production activities and services

Based on the evaluation of potential of particular localities, which were selected within preparatory phase for industrial parks localization, it is possible to specify three basic categories in Tren čín Region:

1. Industrial park with national importance: 9 2. Industrial park with regional importance: 23 3. Industrial park with local importance: 11 (Jasikova, 2008)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 14 Industrial park of national importance

Represents a park suitable for realization of developing and innovation programs with EU support, in which also experts from abroad are expected to be employed, with a size of more than 50ha and sufficient spare areas.

Industrial park of regional importance

Represents a park suitable for small and medium-sized businesses support, using available labor force in Tren čín Region, and usually in a size of about 30ha and with sufficient spare areas.

Industrial park of local importance

Represents a park suitable for small and medium-sized businesses development, using mainly labor force from surrounding area and in a size of about 10 ha with possible reserve spare areas. (Jasikova, 2008)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 15 II.2 Specific characteristics of the West Slovakia

II.2.1 General Situation in the region and regional indicators

Basic facts about Slovakia

Results of Slovak economy and its regions have made Slovakia an attractive place for business. Big advantage is high educational level and ability to adjust flexibly to actual labor market requirements. (Jasikova, 2008)

• Total area : 49,035 km 2 • Population : 5 416 958 inhabitants • Membership in international organizations (World Economy Ties) : UNO, OECD, WTO, NATO, EU, Visegrad Group • Tax Burden : o Income Tax: 19 % o Value added tax (VAT): 19 % (10 % on pharmaceuticals, medical aids e.i.) o Dividend tax: 0 % o Inter Annual Inflation (2008): 4.4 % o GDP growth: 8.3 % o unemployment rate: 9.6 % o Currency: EUR (conversion rate 1EUR=30,1260Skk) • Rating of Slovakia : o Standard&Poor’s A (stabile perspective) o Moody’s Aa1 (stabile perspective) o FITCH A (stabile perspective) o JCR A- (stabile perspective) • Since 2003, more than 70 % of state competences have been transferred to the eight self- governing regions. Tren čín Region is one of them. (Jasikova, 2008)

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Tren čín Region

Tren čín Region is situated in the North - Western part of the Slovak Republic. It borders with the Czech Republic in the West, Trnava and Nitra Region in the South, Banská Bystrica Region in the East and Žilina Region in the North. Tren čín Region is located on the main development axis. Transport and technical infrastructure corridors of multi regional importance are passing through Považie Region. (Jasikova, 2008)

• Regional Seat : Tren čín • Total Area : 4,502 km 2 • Number of towns : 18 • Number of villages : 276 • Population : 599,859 inhabitants • Population density : 135.6 inhabitants per km 2

Fig. 1 Location of Trencin in map of Slovakia

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• Number of districts and their administrative centres : 9 o Bánovce nad Bebravou o Ilava o Myjava o Nové mesto nad Váhom o Partizánske o Považská Bystrica o Prievidza o Púchov o Tren čín (Jasikova, 2008)

Fig. 2 Map of Trencin region

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Selected statistical indicators

Tab. 1 Employment by sectors

Tab. 2 Average wage

Source: Statistical Institution of Slovak Republic

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Tab. 3 Number of employees

Source: Statistical Institution of Slovak Republic

Organizational and proprietary relations

57,380 legal subjects were registered in the business register in the Tren čín Region prior to December 31, 2006. Legal entities were represented by 13,317 economically active people and that represented almost 1/4 of all registered subjects.

In the sector classification by branch the most of the economic subjects - 29.1 % -dealt with domestic business, hotels and restaurants, 23.8 % with other activities and 22.4 % with real estates, rentals and business activities. (Jasikova, 2008)

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Tab. 4 Active economic subjects by branch

Transport and infrastructure

Road system

Basic facts about road network (as of January 1, 2006):

• Highways: 4.44 km • Highway entrance ramps: 2.43 km • Roads: o 1st class roads 30.km o 2nd class roads 349.40 km o 3rd class roads 1,139.33 km • Roads, which are parts of international roads „E“: 188.33 km • Roads, which are parts of international roads „TEM“: 100.8 km • Multimodal and additional corridors TEN –T: 8.83 km • Road network density: o 0.42 km/ km 2 o 3.12 km/ 1,000 inhabitants

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 21 In accordance with preparation program and freeway and fast highway constructions, an additional fast highways R2 and R6 passing through Tren čín Region is planned. (Jasikova, 2008)

R2: Tren čín – Prievidza - Žiar nad Hronom – Zvolen – Lu čenec – Rimavská Sobota – Rož ňava – Košice in a length of 33km

R6: state border of Czech Republic / Slovak Republic Lysá nad Makytou – Púchov in a length of 19 km.

Currently, a highway D1: Bratislava – Trnava – Trenčín – Žilina passes through Tren čín Region.

Fig. 3 Slovak road administration Railway network

Railway transport routes of an international importance:

Railway transport represents the most ecological variant and also an economically acceptable transportation system as an addition to a road transportation infrastructure in Slovak conditions. However; a development of the railway infrastructure has been stagnating. (Jasikova, 2008)

• Route n. 120 Bratislava – Košice • Route n. 120 is a part of a trans-European railway corridor of North-Southern directional orientation and is a part of international main railway line list and the most important

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 22 routes of an international combined transportation in accordance with AGG and AGTC agreements. The line has been gradually modernized for the route speed of 160 km per hour, which will improve its transportation significance. (Jasikova, 2008) • Route n. 140 Nové Zámky – Prievidza. The regional railway system is supplemented with lines of regional importance. A regional personal transportation is specific for ensure mass transportation of persons for shorter distances. These trains ensure connection to the trains of higher category. (Jasikova, 2008)

The following regional routes pass through Tren čín Region:

• Route n. 121 Nové Mesto nad Váhom – Vrbovce • Route n. 122 Tren čianska Teplá – Tren čianske Teplice • Route n. 123 Tren čianska Teplá – horné S ŕnie – Vlársky Prusmyk ČD ( ČR) Route n. 123 is a route of a strategic importance and connects Slovak and Czech Republic. One of the border crossings to Czech Republic is located on this route. The route starts in Tren čianska Teplá, which is located on the main route of Bratislava – Žilina. • Route n. 124 Tren čianska Teplá – Lednické Rovné • Route n. 125 Púchov – Strelenka – horní Lide č ČD ( ČR) • Route n. 143 Tren čín – Chynorany • Route n. 144 Prievidza – Nitrianske Pravno • Route n. 145 horná Štub ňa – Prievidza (Jasikova, 2008)

Fig. 4 Slovak republic railway network

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 23

Air transport

There are several airports in this area. Most of them are so called AERO club airports, which means they can be used for small planes mainly for human transportation. Most important airports in this area are:

• AERO Club Dubnica nad Vahom (Airport Slavnica) • AERO Club Prievidza • AERO Club Partizanske – status of international airport • Airport Tren čín • Airport Pieš ťany

Most important airport is Airport Pieš ťany. It is the only airport equipped with new terminal with customs, which may be used for outside of the Schenghen transportation and specially it’s the only airport in the area with new radio navigation equipment (ILS CAT1), which allow planes to land on and take off in severe meteorological conditions as fog, small visibility, heavy rain etc. The important fact is that planes can land on or take off even during the night hours. This airport is also used for civil transportation, especially for charter flights transporting people to Pieš ťany to famous local spa. Airport is connected with the D1 highway (route E75). Connection point is only 4km far from the airport gate. There is also possibility of train transportation from Pieš ťany, via modernized train station. Another important fact is that part of D1 highway is projected as emergency airport. This place is only about 8km away from the airport.

In Tren čín, there is an airport which has been built for the military purposes. Tren čín airport has two runways (take off - surface and landing runway) - concrete 2,000 x 30 m and 1,000 x 100 m grassy surface. Connection with highway will be realized by highway entrance ramps, which are about 10km away. Nowadays this airport is partly civilian. Activities of this airport are: irregular domestic and international air service, aviation work and aviation personnel training. Big disadvantage of this airport is missing custom office, which makes the airport suitable only for Schenghen flights.

For the air service it is possible to use also an airport in Prievidza which has international airport status, nowadays used for the civil and sport services. All other airports don’t fulfill

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 24 necessary fire standards, and are missing customs office, or the runway is just grassy and improper for cargo.

II.2.2 SWOT analysis of the region STRENGTHS

Economic Development: • excellent geographical location • disposable sectorial industrial infrastructure • potential for development of industrial and technology parks • strong export and import linkages within the European Union • high proportion of small and medium enterprises within the economic structure • technological development of traditional industries • a rich tradition of craft production and services • energy network with adequate bandwidth • high potential for tourism development • major spa centers • potential for development, research and innovation • developed network of professional associations, agencies and counseling centers

Human Resources: • high diversity of historical and cultural heritage • lack of skilled labor • developed network of regional secondary schools with high quality education • high potential of higher education in the region represented by the Tren čín University and other universities and colleges • relatively high population of mild graduates • developed network of facilities for retraining and lifelong learning • developed network of social and health facilities and services • established professional associations, foundations

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Transportation and telecommunications: • the region's strategic location in the transport links north - south west – east • good transport infrastructure - the main transport corridors linking the SR with the Trans-European transport system • good quantitative and qualitative telecommunications infrastructure • disposable income potential of modern information technology

Environment: • the existence of planning for the protection and rational use of water by river basin - hydro-ecological plans for river basins • sufficient drinking water exceeding consumption • monitoring the quality and quantity of surface and groundwater • good quality of the environment areas (except in the upper Nitra) • large areas of forests and protected areas suitable for recreation and spa • exploitable geothermal resources

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WEAKNESSES

Economic Development: • insufficient use of existing production capacity • outdated technology base • lack of investment capital and own funds • limited access of SMEs to information technology and consultancy services • decrease of research and development activities and their consistency with good manufacturing practice • insufficient use of domestic raw materials • high concentration of industries in the engineering industry with a special focus on production • lack of business infrastructure for technology transfer • very low flexible system of vocational education to labor market requirements • low coherence of secondary vocational schools, schools and universities with business demand • lack of modern information technologies in tourism • lack of financial capital to promote tourism abroad • low level of tourism services

Human Resources: • long-term high unemployment in some regions (BN, PE, PB) • a high proportion of long-term unemployed and the graduates • low level of use of retraining and life-long learning possibilities • lack of coherence between the educational system and labor market • low level of coordination of public services, social services and education • lack of awareness on the issue of equal opportunities and protection against discrimination • lack of quality human resource management, marketing and innovation capabilities

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Transportation and telecommunications: • construction and technical condition of most roads and trails • poor use of air transport (national and regional) • threat of transport accessibility in the peripheral regions • lack of intermodal ways of transport • permanent trend of transfer both passenger and freight transport from rail to road • inadequate transport systems that have to be linked through effective coordination and subsequent integration

Environment: • low number of municipalities with public sewerage connected to the wastewater treatment plants • large sources of pollution of surface and ground water (agriculture, chemistry) • lack of technical capacity to collect, transport, sort, recover and dispose with waste • high number of sites to be remediated

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OPPORTUNITIES

Economic development: • development of industries using renewable domestic sources • development of environmentally friendly technologies • foreign direct investment • development of industrial and technology zones • supporting access to existing investors, production infrastructure • increased utilization of alternative energy sources • reduction in material costs of production • increasing competitiveness of industry • development of IT applications in industry and services • enhancing transfer of modern technologies • development of services in the industry • developing services to support tourism • increasing labor market flexibility • improving access of SMEs to finance • creation of new jobs, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses and services • improvement of hotel reservation systems and networks

Human resources: • creation of common tools of employment policy at the TSK • effective and efficient implementation of action plans for employment law • increased co-operation of academia and business in order to customize the content and scope of education to labor market demands • reform of social services leading to an increase in service quality • involvement of universities and R&D organizations in scientific research and innovation activities

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Transport and telecommunications: • significant use of the geographical localization of the freight passing through the territory of transport corridors • EU funds for transport infrastructure • involvement of transport infrastructure in the TEN-building multimodal corridors • further development of telecommunications services in a competitive environment

Environment: • building a sewerage network and WWTP • gasification of municipalities • use of alternative energy sources (biomass, geothermal and solar energy, small hydro) • development of organic farming • use of environmental-friendly materials, respectively use of waste for energy production

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THREATS

Economic development: • lack of industry restructuring • increasing competition from other regions of Slovakia and adjacent regions • loss of a highly skilled workforce to other regions (eg Bratislava) and abroad • low level of development in the business sector in comparison with standards in EU • lack of technical infrastructure built • low labor mobility • low support activities promoting the development of tourism

Human resources: • increase in unemployment and the deepening problems in the labor market • widening of regional disparities within the region (drop in unemployment in the districts of PE, BN and PB, respectively. Increases in other districts) • deepening the gap between demand and supply in the labor market in the regions • deepening social imbalances

Transportation and telecommunications: • delay in the construction and reconstruction of roads and rails • attenuation of transport (rail, road, etc.) • high subsidy burden of public transport • limiting the availability of peripheral regions • uneven development of regional transport • lack of market impetus for the development of network services in the public interest

Environment: • lowering the quality of potable, surface water and air • reduction of biodiversity • loss of significant sites of protected areas, flora and fauna

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PART III. Main actors contributing to the development of innovative capability and entrepreneurship of the West Slovakia

Fig. 5 West Slovakia including Trencin, Trnava and Nitra region

III.1 The general situation of the business sector, mostly focusing to innovative entrepreneurship The Slovak government has made considerable progress in macroeconomic stabilisation and structural reform and the economy continues to grow. Heavy industry and agriculture have declined in importance since the end of communism but the services sector has increased significantly. A rise in real wages has contributed to a revival of domestic demand and consumption is increasing.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 32 Slovakia is the 36th economy in the world for ease of doing business and the Government is continuing to implement a pro-business agenda. (Slovakia, 2010)

Tab. 5 The most innovative and promising sectors Particular opportunities in the following sectors Automotive Stampings and Pressings, Fasteners/Fixings, Plastic Mouldings, Design Industry Engineering Services, Testing Services Education & vocational education, rural development training, lifelong learning, ICT in Skills Education, English language Clothing and Slovak fashion is generally well regarded and opportunities exist for well- fashion known fashion brands that offer good quality clothes at reasonable prices key projects planned in drinking water supply, sewerage and wastewaster Water treatment waste management, air pollution, soil decontamination projects and there is Environment also demand for environmental services (audits, etc.). Food and drink confectionery, sauces, cereals, spirits, tea and ethnic foods. (Slovakia, 2010)

Since 2007, Slovakia has been the world's largest producer of cars per capita, with a total of 571,071 cars manufactured in the country in 2007 alone. There are currently three car manufacturers: Volkswagen in Bratislava, PSA Peugeot Citroen in Trnava (West Slovakia) and Kia Motors in Žilina(North Slovakia).

From electrical engineering companies, Sony has a factory at Nitra for LCD TV manufacturing, Samsung at for computer monitors and television sets manufacturing.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 33

Tab. 6 The most innovative enterprises District Company’s name Industry Bánovce nad Gabor Slovensko, spol. s r. o. Shoes production Bebravou Eterna, s. r. o. Textile, Clothes EVPÚ, a. s. Electrotechnics Ilava Leoni Slowakia, spol. s r. o. Cable production Považská cementáre ň, a. s. Cements production Weatherford – Kabel, s. r. o. Cable production Myjava PFS, a. s. , Brezová pod Bradlom Spring production Emerson Electric Slovakia, a. s. Electrotechnics EMERSON, a. s. Electrotechnics Nové Mesto nad Sensus Metering Systems, a. s. Water meters production Váhom Obal -Vogel & Noot, a. s. Metal-working Premagas, s. r. o. Gas meters production Vulkan, a. s. All-rubber shoes Považská Bystrica PSL, a. s. Bearing production Sauer – Danfoss, a. s. Hydraulic means ContiTech Vibration Control, s. r. o. Rubber Nováky Prievidza VEGUM, a. s., Nováky Rubber GeWiS – Slovakia, s. r. o. Machine Nestlé Slovensko, s. r. o. Food YAZAKI SLOVAKIA, spol. s r. o. Electrotechnics Continental Matador Rubber, s. r. o. Rubber Púchov MAKYTA, a. s. Textile, clothes RONA, a. s. Glass CEMMAC, a. s. Cements production Konštrukta-Industry, a. s. Machine industry Leoni Autokabel Slowakia, spol s r. o. Electrotechnical Tren čín MERINA, a. s. Textile VETROPACK NEMŠOVÁ, s. r. o. Glass Považský cukor, a. s. Food TRENS, a. s. Machine Vojenský oprávarenský podnik, a. s. Machine (Jasikova, 2008)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 34

III.2 Entrepreneurship policies in the West Slovakia focusing on the impacts for the innovative enterprises

Current period 2007-2013 is first program period for Slovak republic, when it is possible to draw funds from EU funds during whole period. This possibility is described by National Strategic reference framework of Slovak republic for years 2007 – 2013 (NSRR). This strategic document has been prepared in accordance to new European Union direction for structural funds and cohesive fund and has been approved by Government of SR at 6 th of December, 2006 and by European commission at 17 th of August, 2007. Cohesive politics of EU will be in program period 2007 – 2013 realized through the concentration of contributions into three main targets:

• Convergence, • Regional competitiveness and employment, • European territorial cooperation. (Euro Info, 2009)

Only first two are in accordance with the regulations of the NSRR SR:

Target Convergence The financial support from the ERDF and ESF will be mainly concentrated to regions, where GDP per capita for the last three years prior to the adoption of new regulations has not reached 75% of the countries´ of enlarged EU. In the case of Slovakia it is whole territory except the .

With financing from the Cohesion Fund, Convergence cover the Member States where Gross National Income for the last three years prior to adopting regulations has not reached 90% of the countries´ of enlarged EU and those not having Convergence program. These criteria Slovakia meets in all its territories. (Euro Info, 2009)

Target Regional competitiveness and employment Only those areas not covered by the Convergence objective are eligible for support within the Regional competitiveness and employment target - in the case of Slovakia it is only Bratislava region.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 35 Strategic target for years 2007 – 2013 formulated by NSRR represents not only continuation of trend of approaching to EU-15 level, but also increasing competitiveness of Slovakia and its regions and increasing of quality of life of Slovak republic citizens . (Euro Info, 2009)

NSRR strategy is build on three strategic priorities and their three targets, which should be fulfilled with support of project financing in program period 2007-2013:

Tab. 7 Strategic priorities of program period 2007 - 2013

STRATEGIC TARGET OF STRATEGIC

PRIORITY PRIORITY

1. Infrastructure and Increasing density of the regions regional infrastructure and equipment availability efficiencies associated with public services

2. Knowledge Developing resources for economy sustainable economic growth and enhancing competitiveness of industry and services

3. Human resources Increase employment, quality workforce growth for needs of knowledge economy and increase social inclusion of risk groups

NSRR belongs to the competences of Ministry of Construction and Regional Development (MVRR), which distributes different calls for proposals to Self-Governing Regions such as:

• Self-Governing Region of Trencin • Self-Governing Region of Trnava • Self-Governing Region of Nitra, etc . Self-Governing Regions are presenting actual calls and approved projects on their web pages. (Euro Info, 2009)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 36

Slovak Structural Funds

For programming period 2007-2013 over 11 bil. EUR is allocated, divided into 11 Operating programs based on NSRR 2007 – 2013:

• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) o 6,2 bil. EUR for Regional Operation Program (ROP), OP Society Informatization, OP Research & Development, OP Competitiveness and economic growth, OP Health service, OP Bratislava Region, OP Technical Support, partially OP Transportation and OP Environment • European Social Fund (ESF) o 1,5 bil. EUR for OP Employment and social inclusion, OP Education • Cohesive fund o 3, 9 bil. EUR for OP Transportation and OP Environment • Countryside development program SR 2007 – 2013 counts with contribution of EU (The European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund – EAGGF) in the amount of 2 bil. EUR. It’s divided into 4 preferred axes. (Euro Info, 2009)

EU Seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7) FP7 compiles all research-related EU initiatives together under a common roof playing a crucial role in reaching the goals of growth, competitiveness and employment; along with a new Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) , Education and Training programmes, and Structural and Cohesion Funds for regional convergence and competitiveness. It is also a key pillar for the European Research Area (ERA) . The broad objectives of FP7 have been grouped into four categories: Cooperation , Ideas , People and Capacities . For each type of objective, there is a specific programme corresponding to the main areas of EU research policy. All specific programmes work together to promote and encourage the creation of European poles of (scientific) excellence. (Euro Info, 2009)

Proposed financing ratio rules of participation at FP7 is 75% for research and development activities of SME (originally it was 50%) This will increase attraction for SME to participate at FP7 by decreasing the amount of financial investments of SME. Moreover, the current rule of collective financial responsibility in FP7 proposition is replaced by guarantee fund, which will cover financial risks of violating project participants. (Euro Info, 2009)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 37

National agencies supporting regional development:

• MVRR – Agency for regional development support • Slovak Chamber of Commerce and Industry o Independent representant of market economy, which is protecting interests of entrepreneur subjects, supports their development and expansion in national, European and global dimension, specially through support of entrepreneur environment. • National Agency for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises o The National Agency for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (NADSME) has been established with the aim to support the development and growth of SMEs in the Slovak Republic in line with the state structural, industrial, technical, regional and social policies. o The Agency coordinates activities, including financial ones, at the international, state, regional and local levels in order to support the development of SMEs in the Slovak Republic. • SARIO – Slovak Investment and Trade development agency o MISSION The main mission of SARIO is to contribute to the acceleration of economic growth of the Slovak Republic and to improve the quality of life in Slovakia - SARIO achieves this goal by presenting the economic environment of Slovakia, attracting foreign direct investments and developing the FDI projects up to their final stage. The aim of SARIO is also to decrease the unemployment rate, support export activities of Slovak companies, and administration of structural funds of the EU. o VISION SARIO will be actively contributing to make the Slovak Republic a country with well developed economy and educated population with high quality of life. In order to achieve all its goals, SARIO will use its excellent contacts both in Slovakia and abroad. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 38

Region development organizations in Self-Governing region of Trencin

• Self-Governing region of Trencin – section of Regional development • Regional Development agency - RRA Banovce o Supports the initiation, coordination and implementation of strategic actions aimed at economic, social, cultural and social uplift of the region, o Promotes economic restructuring in order to facilitate regional economic growth while respecting environmental considerations and the creation of new jobs through long-functioning institutions. o Promotes the region to support establishing of small and medium businesses o Promotes the development of education and retraining programs and the development of human resources; o Cooperates with other organizations and individuals in the region • Regional Development agency - RRA Puchov

o Agency was established in 2007 in order to support investments into region and support effective cooperation in economical, cultural and social development between Self-Governing region, State administration, entrepreneurs and third sector. o The agency´s aim is also complex development of Povazie region in accordance with OP, realization of development projects for long-term investing support into region from internal and external sources. o By establishing the agency in Trencin region, space for achieving higher life standard and sustainability of the region support through initiating and cooperating on strategic innovation projects has been established. • Regional Development agency – Trencianska RRA o Agency was established in order to solve regional problems of the Trencin region. Agency plays main role in economic reclassification of region, in cooperation between private and public sector, through support and guidance and also contributes to achieve higher life standard. • Regional Development agency - RRA ZRRHN (Prievidza)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 39 o Regional development agency of region Horná Nitra integrates important actors from area of public and private sector (local Self-Government, entrepreneur and non-governmental sector) with target to increase quality of life and tenability of development of region through increasing absorbing ability to utilize European Funds. The branch does have status of Regional information centre for Framework of community support. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Region development organizations in Self-Governing region of Trnava

• Self-Governing region of Trnava – section of Regional development • Regional Development agency - RRA • Regional Development agency - RRA o Main activities are aimed to increase quality of life of citizens of Self-governing region of Trnava, mainly of Hlohovec district; to provide long term tenability of region and district development; support social and economical cohesion of Trnava region and Hlohovec district with target to increase absorption ability of region to utilize EU funds; increase area marketing; stimulate public-private partnerships; participate in international projects • Regional Development agency - RRA Senica o Orientation to regional development based on National plan of regional development o Implementation of development projects to support the creation of conditions for investment in the region from internal and external resources o activate the region in obtaining domestic and foreign grants, developing cross- border and interregional cooperation o Promoting the entry of foreign investment in the regions and the initiation of construction of business incubators and industrial parks o Providing technical and economic studies, advice on the design, implementation, monitoring development projects and acquisition of foreign, venture and seed capital o Providing consulting services and advice for drawing funds from structural funds o Organizing seminars and exhibitions, as well as presentations of regional projects and initiatives

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 40 o Coordination of activities and cooperation with those involved in ensuring regional development o Organization of cooperation with foreign partner organizations and support funds o Ensuring the drafting of regional development studies o Creating a regional information systems and databases o Organizing professional training activities, in particular regional development o Support the development of tourism, cultural and social events • Regional Development agency - RRA Ister o Target of RRA ISTER is to activate economical development of Western Slovakia region via institutional connection of public administration, private sector and third sector • Regional Development agency - RRA of Trnava region o Existing financial benefits for region: 1.4 million EUR • Regional Development agency - RRA Galanta o Agency develops activities, which supports and are related to regional development. In the next future the work of the agency will be targeted to all- round preparation of region for utilization of EU funds during the period 2007- 2013. In cooperation with local and regional self-governments, the agency is working on identification of main development targets of towns and cities and is processing projects, which can be used for funding. In this way, agency is helping the self-government region with preparation of high quality planning development documents. For support of competitiveness of regional economy with balanced structure, they are supporting development of SME with accent on development of innovation, technologies and economy based on knowledge. Since 1 st of March, 2002 RRA Galanta has also become the centre for entrepreneur support of Új Kézfogás foundation. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Region development organizations in Self-Governing region of Nitra

• Self-Governing region of Nitra – section of Regional development • Regional Development agency - RRA Horné Požitavie o Established in 2005

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 41 o RRA Horné Požitavie is a non-profit organization, which is instrument for economic and social development support in region, in way of regulation and acquisition of partnerships for connecting of public administration, entrepreneur sector and third sector • Regional Development agency - RRA Topol čiansko o Main target of RRA Topol čiansko is activation of economic and social potential of region development, institutional inter-connection of state administration, public administration and territorial self-government, entrepreneur and third sector. • Regional Development agency - RRA Južný Región o RRA Južný región is institutional tool for regional development support. It has been established for preparation and realization investment and development project in Štúrovo area and surroundings. It is realizing activities in cooperation with local self-governments, non profit organizations and entrepreneurs. Also cooperates with Hungarian partners in euro-region Ister-Granum. • Regional Development agency - RRA Šala • Regional Development agency - RRA Ipe ľ – Hron o RRA Ipe ľ – Hron is a non-profit organization, which is active in economy and social region development. Following the principles of partnership, it provides inter-connection of public administration, entrepreneur sector and third sector. • Regional Development agency - RRA Komárno o Targeted to support economic and social development in region, via institutional connection of public administration, private and third sector. It is oriented mainly to region and takes into account local problems. It is also target to cooperation development with other involved persons in sphere of regional development and national, international and cross-border cooperation. At present it appeals to become technical secretariat for Grant scheme to support the preparation of local and regional project as info-point for neighborhood program INTERREG IIIA Hungary-Slovakia-Ukraine • Regional Development agency - RRA Nitra o Main mission of RRA NITRA is activation of economic and social potential of regional development of Nitra area, especially with institutional connection of public administration and territorial self-government, entrepreneur sphere and third sector. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 42 III.3 Main actors contributing to the development of innovative capability of the West Slovakia

Universities in the region of West Slovakia

Public universities in the region of West Slovakia:

Public high school is a public and autonomous institution which is established and abolished by the law. The Act also establishes its name, rank and office. If a public high school is divided into faculties, upon its establishment the faculty is established at the same time

University of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava The university gives students and teachers possibilities to participate in public life and create a civil society with the focus on education following the principles of democracy, humanism and tolerance. The university comprises the Faculty of Philosophy, the Faculty of Mass Media, the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Institute of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Rehabilitation seated in Pieš ťany. University participates in scientific research activities within the departments in each faculty. It cooperates on research tasks with organizations and companies in field of philosophy, natural science and mass-media communication within the regions of Slovak Republic and also the EU in international projects. For example:

• The utilization of coal for improvement of the soil quality. • Agricultural reutilization of nonferrous metal containing waste from microelectronic and surface treating industry

Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, in addition to training teachers for primary and secondary schools, prepares future social workers, experts on cultural, political science, catechists, journalists, archaeologists, historians, museologists, biologists, environmentalists, mathematicians, physicists, computer scientists, psychologists, gemology and other professionals.

Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra currently has five faculties: Faculty of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Faculty of Central European Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and Faculty of Education. (About University, 2010)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 43 Center of Information and Communication Technology (CIKT) is an independent university information and scientific and technological department. The UKF provides administration, operation and development of computer networks, the smooth operation of information systems, university administration computer network, usual computer maintanaince. The mission of CIKT is to ensure coordination, creation and operation of information systems at UKF, effective access to information from various internal and external sources of information for workers of UKF as well as for students. CIKT provides information linking of the relevant departments of universities that are involved in tasks related to using information technology for the management of universities and colleges as well as their workplaces. (Čo je CIKT, 2010)

Univeristy of Trnava Trnava University is committed to the principles of the Charter of the United European universities to advocate full independence of the university from political and economic power, their freedom to conduct research and teach. Trnava University defends Christian principles, seeks to protect the moral and spiritual values, to educate in a spirit of ecumenism, to cooperate with universities, educational and scientific institutions in the Slovak Republic and abroad. Trnava University is in permanent contact with universities in Slovakia, but also with 13 universities abroad (in the Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Sweden, USA, Poland, Hungary), which have developed good cooperation with each other.

The University of Trnava currently has five faculties: Faculty of Philosophy, Faculty of Pedagogy, Faculty of Social Health and Social Work, Faculty of Theology, Faculty of Law. (Trnavská univerzita v Trnave, 2005)

Alexander Dub ček University of Tren čín Alexander Dub ček University of Tren čín is situated in the town of Tren čín which is the regional capital, in the centre of Považie region occupying an economic and industrial eminent position in Slovakia. There is a high concentration of manufacturing companies, research-development and project organisations fulfilling significant tasks of world-wide importance in development and application of new technologies in industry. (Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin, 2008)

In accordance with the law, four faculties were established: Faculty of Special Technology, Faculty of Industrial Technologies, Faculty of Mechatronics, and Faculty of Social and

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 44 Economic Science. In 2002 the Institute of Natural Sciences and Humanities was founded providing particular University-wide teaching and research functions. In 2004 The Institute of Public Health and Nursing was founded, aimed at teaching and research in the field of health care. (Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin, 2008)

Centre of Information Technologies (CIT): operates at TnUAD as a center for hardware and software support, management of information systems and web sites, network and intranet management and development of computer networks, usual computer maintanance. (Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin, 2008)

Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra By implementing its mission SAU contributes to increasing the educational, scientific, technical and economic levels of society. (Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 2010)

Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra has six faculties: Agrobiology Faculty and food sources, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food, Faculty of Economics and Management, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development. (Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 2010)

In addition to these, the scope of the University includes implementation of various support services for educational and research activities and information services necessary for full functionality of the university. University operates several purpose-built facilities. (Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 2010)

Private colleges in region of West Slovakia

These are legal persons established in the Slovak Republic or established in the European Union Member State or States which are parties to the European Economic Area and Switzerland, which were established and based on education and research, and are authorized to operate as private high schools, if the Government of the Slovak Republic grants consent on behalf of the State.

City University of Seattle (College of management in Tren čin) It is accredited by the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic at the undergraduate level in specialization business administration and knowledge management and at the graduate level in knowledge management. The founding partner of CM is City University of Seattle,

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 45 which has been successfully offering its business curricula in Slovakia since 1991. CM as the first private high school in 2007 won the prestigious rating of the European University Association (European University Association). (City University of Seattle, 2010)

Central European College in Sládkovi čovo High School Sládkovi čovo was established for minimal bilingual education and reeducation of V4 citizens according to requirements by age and labor market of the EU. The school operates on civil and democratic principles in the preparation of intellectually trained forces for the knowledge economy in order to preserve equal opportunities and human rights. College in Sládkovi čovo consists of three faculties: Faculty of Social Studies, Law faculty of Janko Jesenký, Faculty of Public Policy and Public Administration. (Vysoká škola v Sládkovi čove, 2008)

University of Central Europe in Skalica University of Central Europe (UCE), n. o., provides commonly beneficial services in following fields: creation, development, protection, renewal, presentation of intellectual and cultural values; in the field of education and development of physical culture, as well as in the field of research, development and scientific-technical and informative services. (University of Centra Europe in Skalica, 2008)

SoNet (Social Networks Research Center): The International Research Centre at the UCE joins the scientists and researchers who are interested in processing different massive and complex data, obtained on the thin Earth surface, where we live; in our environment. Research is focused on revealing covered knowledge by the help of modern informatics methods, artificial intelligence / AI /, machine learning, natural language processing, math modeling, data obtaining information, knowledge discovery and other techniques. (University of Centra Europe in Skalica, 2008)

Technology Institute in Dubnica nad Vahom Technology Institute in Dubnica nad Vahom is a part of Dupres group, which operates in the fields: IT consulting, information technology development, construction work in the aerospace, automotive industries, etc. The main mission of Dubnica Technology Institute in Dubnica nad Vahom is providing and organizing higher education in accredited study programs, conducting creative scientific research, providing continual education through a wide range of courses and educational activities. Dubnica Technology Institute in Dubnica

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 46 nad Vahom focuses on education, research, production and dissemination of knowledge and innovation, especially in the field of applied degree programs and disciplines, with emphasis on training of professionals demanded by the labor market, in order to contribute to building a sustainable and competitive knowledge-based economy Slovakia. Dubnica Technology Institute in Dubnica nad Vahom cooperates with domestic and foreign universities, businesses, public sector, and NGOs involved in international projects. (Dubnický technologický inštitút v Dubnici nad Váhom, 2007)

Centres of Excellence

Centers of Excellence can be defined as one or more teams to jointly carry out research at the international level of excellence that are involved in international scientific and technological cooperation, using a common technical infrastructure and operations. Their outcomes have significant socio-economic impact. In the year 2009 Agency of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic for the Structural Funds of the EU opened the call for tender to Support centers of excellence in Slovak republic. (Euro Info, 2009)

Slovak university of technology in Bratislava and Faculty of material science and technology in Trnava will establish The CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE in 5-AXIS MACHINING.

Project objectives: application of high-tech 5-axis machining:

• Multi-axis machining for the production • Complex machining • HSC and HSM technologies, HSM - High Speed Machining and HSC - High Speed Cutting for economic machining • A multi-machining method • In combination with CA (Computer Aided) Technologies such as CAD, CAM, CNC, CAE. (Centre of Excellence in 5-axis Machining)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 47

Tren čín Region

Science and Technology Park (STP) is an organization managed by specialized professionals whose main objective is to improve the wellbeing of all stakeholders of the STP by means of supporting innovative culture and competitiveness of associated companies and educational institutions. To fill this objective, STP stimulates and manages the flow of knowledge and technology transfer between universities, research institutions, firms and markets, facilitates the creation and growth of innovative companies through incubation activities and spin-off processes, and provides other services with high added value along with quality spaces and facilities.

Industrial park Bánovce nad Bebravou Town of Bánovce nad Bebravou offers, prepares and seeks to: • restructure already developed industry • prepare and develop new industrial zones o Horné Naštice, o Biskupice, o Horné Ozorovce • prepare and develop real estates for small and medium businesses • try to create entrepreneurial incubator (Priemyselný park Bánovce nad Bebravou - Horné Naštice, 2004)

Investment tools used: • urban spatial planning, settlement of property-right relationships, engineering networks preparation • seeking potential investors through companies cooperating with investors o SARIO, o MHSR, o TSK, o RRA TN

Signifcant employers in the region: • GABOR, • HELLA,

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 48 • ETERNA, • MILSY • A distance to the closest highway - Tren čín - 35 km • A distance to the closest airport - Bratislava - 150 km • Planned town bypass construction – connection to a highway.

There is no possible construction limitation resulting from a general urban plan (building height, size, etc.). Current parcel´s utilization (agricultural area with no ecological burden) meaning no polluted parcels. If a connection of an industrial zone to networks has not been realized yet – an investor, ZE, SPP, ZVS, a town will assume the responsibility for the expenses. (Priemyselný park Bánovce nad Bebravou - Horné Naštice, 2004)

Locality Horné Naštice • Area: cca 160,800 m 2 • Total industrial zone area: cca 25 ha thereof: 18.1 ha green field + 6.9 ha brown field (a factory TATRA) • Ownership type: ownership certificate n. 479 (in complete) of the city of Bánovce nad Bebravou • Parcel type: arable soil outside of town built-up area • Technical infrastructure: o an access road is immediately next to the parcel - 2 km from the 1st class road no. 50, railway 3 km – railroad no. 143, respectively, after an agreement, using of an existing railway siding TATRA o public gas distribution is located within 150 m (high-pressure distribution) o potable water is available directly on a parcel o the river Radiša can be used for supply water, there is no sewage – the river Radiša can be used as a water intake for sewage plant o electricity distribution – there is a transformer station with an output of 20 MW, which is located 200 m from the parcel, telecommunications – engineering networks are dimensioned with a sufficient capacity next to the parcel o technical communal waste dump: in a distance of cca 3 km (Priemyselný park Bánovce nad Bebravou - Horné Naštice, 2004)

Advantages:

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 49 Continuation of an industrial zone connected with a TATRA plant. Industry type acceptable in the industrial zone – it is recommended not to establish heavy industry and chemical industry, which is characterized by a larger amount of pollutants release into the air, more significant demands for water and considerable waste production. Also technologies which require large amount of technological (service) water or technologies from which a waste water amount or quality would significantly burden a water intake or negatively influence its flow are not recommended. Only silent operations or storage administrative operations can be situated in a contact zone with residential build-up area Horné Ozorovce. (Priemyselný park Bánovce nad Bebravou - Horné Naštice, 2004)

Locality Biskupice • Area: cca 250,000m 2 • Ownership type: private persons • Parcel type: arable soil outside of town built-up area of the city • Technical infrastructure: o an access road is immediately next to the parcel o public gas distribution is located directly on a parcel (high-pressure distribution) o potable water, public distribution is directly on a parcel, supply water can be realized directly on a parcel through wells o no sewage – the river Radiša can be used as a water intake for sewage plant, public electricity distribution is directly on a parcel, telecommunications – nearby the parcel, engineering networks are dimensioned with a sufficient capacity for high-capacity plant (Priemyselný park Bánovce nad Bebravou - Horné Naštice, 2004)

Forced investments: • sewage construction of cca 600 m • technical communal waste dump: in a distance of cca 3 km

Advantages: Regional decision for an industrial production has been issued.

Locality Horné Ozorovce (backup) • Area: cca 220,000 m 2

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 50 • Ownership type: private persons • Exemption: arable soil • Technical infrastructure: o an access road is immediately next to the parcel o public gas distribution is located directly on a parcel (high-pressure distribution) o potable water is available directly on a parcel, supply water can be realized directly on a parcel through well, o there is no sewage – the river Bebrava can be used as a water intake for sewage plant o public electricity distribution is directly on a parcel o telecommunications – nearby the parcel, engineering networks are dimensioned with a sufficient capacity for high-capacity plant (Priemyselný park Bánovce nad Bebravou - Horné Naštice, 2004)

Forced investments: • Sewage construction of cca 600 m • Technical communal waste dump : in a distance of cca 2 km

Contact: Municipality of Bánovce nad Bebravou, Regional development section, Nám. Ľ. Štúra 1/1, 957 80, www.banovce.sk

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 51

Fig. 6 Industrial park areas in Banovce nad Bebravou Industrial Park Dubnica nad Váhom • Area: 92 ha • Developed part: cca 97,000 m2

Locality in premises of ZVS holding a. s..

These unused areas and objects are called Brown Park.

These are empty objects which can be reconstructed and adapted according to companies’ specific needs. Their total area is 22,800 m 2. Another group of objects are objects assigned for demolition which would create an additional space for a new investment development. This way, in case of customer’s need, it would be possible to combine particular areas for an investment into coherent areas suitable for large investment plans realization. In total, this area suitable for an investment construction would represent additional 46,000 m 2. (Priemyselný park ZVS Dubnica nad Váhom, 2009)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 52 Ownership of all the objects as well as empty areas in the ZVS site is settled up and thus are immediately available for exploitation. (Priemyselný park ZVS Dubnica nad Váhom, 2009)

From the environmental point of view, this territory has no environmental liabilities burden. The objects are mostly consisting of modules with an area of 700 m 2 and with a medium height of 4.5 m, which makes them suitable for light engineering production as well as for assembly lines locating. (Priemyselný park ZVS Dubnica nad Váhom, 2009)

• Technical infrastructure: o This area is connected to electricity, gas, water and communication distribution networks o The electric energy is supplied by two lines 2 x 2.5 MW from three transformers which are in the company’s ownership. Distribution´s parameters inside of the premises are 22 KV/400 V, 50 Hz o A gas medium-pressure distributor has a capacity of 3,000 m 3 per hour with a possibility of a further expansion and is available in the entire area o Water distributors are supplied from their own sources, in a case of need with a possibility of an immediate connection to a public water supply system (Priemyselný park ZVS Dubnica nad Váhom, 2009)

Free land between TESCO and DELTA. Listed land has an area of 500,000 m 2. There are engineering networks available next to the parcel (sewage system, water-service pipe, electricity and gas.)

Campus PP ZVS has good logistical position. Highway intersection and main line railway Bratislava - Žilina are located within 4 km. Dubnická industrial zone will be located within the same distance. Air transport may be provided through an airport in the provincial town of Trencin, situated about 15 km. (Priemyselný park ZVS Dubnica nad Váhom, 2009)

The land is located directly next to the D1 Bratislava – Žilina highway entrance

Contact: Municipality of Dubnica nad Váhom, www.zvsas.sk

Industrial park Javorinská Myjava

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 53 Location of the industrial park: This particular area is in the territorial plan of the town of Myjava wich was approved in the year 2004 as an industry and services area. This area is supported by the “Urban study for location of industrial parks in Tren čín Region”. Park Myjava – Javorinská is defined as a park of state importance.

The territory of the park is on the west side close to an existing brown industrial park, which is in the area of former Slovenská armatúrka Myjava Inc. On the south side, there is inhabited area, on the east side there are production sites and on the north side there are vacant grounds for further construction of an industrial park. In the east side the park borders with the state road. There is also a railway Nové Mesto nad Váhom – Myjava, Myjava – Czech Republic (Veselí na Morave).

Mission and intent of the industrial park: Municipality of Myjava prefers those forms of business which will support: • strengthening the potential of the region, expansion of production • create new job opportunities • improving the accessibility of the region to increase its competitiveness • attracting prosperous multinational businesses • using of competent man-power and the tradition of our region • new and progressive technologies with products of high technical level • increase in the number of business companies with foreign share • increase of the export ability • possibilities of exploitation of secondary schools graduates

The town of Myjava has made territory development plan, where the park is planned in 2 phases. Industrial park has its own functional use and all the industrial companies should use it for: • light machine production – electrotechnics, plastic, car industry etc. • storage • production services

The possibility of the construction of the business objects: • Immediately after the construction license issuing.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 54 The 1 st phase of the industrial park establishment is finished. Up till 30 th of March 2009, following investors are present: • SF FIX, a. s. - Warehousing, wholesale anchoring material. Binding number of new jobs created: 30 (of 30 th of September 2007). Mandatory amount of investment in IP Javorinská: cca 1 million EUR. Investor's ability to market its products: 80% - domestic market, 15% - EU markets, 5% - third country markets. • SEISA EUROPE, s. r. o. - production of medical components implants into the human body. Binding number of new jobs created: 150 (at 30 th of September 2007). Mandatory amount of investment in PP Javorinská: 2 million. EUR. Investor´s ability to market its products: 100% - the EU markets, • FABIRAS REAL ESTATE s. r. o. (Before TECHNOIMES s. r. o. and BIKE LINE s. r. o. ) - stores and trade with prefabricate. • CPN Invest s. r. o . - manufacture of urban furniture. Binding number of new jobs created: 95 (of 30 th of September 2007). Mandatory amount of investment in PP Javorinská: 2.5 million. EUR. Investor´s ability to market its products: 35% - domestic market, 65% - EU markets. • Subtil Slovakia s. r. o . - manufacture of springs. Binding number of new jobs created: 70 (of 30 th of September 2007). Mandatory amount of investment in PP Javorinská: 2,7 million. EUR. Investor´s ability to market its products: 10% - domestic market, 90% - EU markets. • ALTCAM Slovakia s.r. o. - manufacture of plastic products for the engineering industry. Binding number of new jobs created: 30 (of 30 th of September 2007). Mandatory amount of investment in PP Javorinská: 1,3 mil. EUR. Investor´s ability to market its products: 20% - domestic market, 80% - EU markets. (Priemyselný park Javorinská Myjava, 2009)

Contact: Municipality of Myjava, Department of Regional Development, Construction and Environment. www.myjava.sk

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 55

Fig. 7 Industrial park Myjava - Javorinská

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 56

Industrial park Partizánske • Area: 28.5 ha (I. development stage) + 26 ha (II. Development stage). • 1st development stage has been started in March 2007 and was finished in October 2007. • Position in town: outskirts of town • Use: industry, logistics • Technical Infrastructure: o Motorway D61 (Bratislava – Tren čín – Žilina) is situated at 53 km distance (exit Pieš ťany) or 56 km distance (exit Nitra). o The land is situated on the 1 st class road Nr.164. o The „Partizánske – Prievidza – Nové Zámky“ railway route is passing through the town. The railway station is 1,2 km far from the plot land. o Airports: Bratislava – 140 km, Pieš ťany – 45 km o Ports: Bratislava 140 km, Komárno – 122 km • Industrial park is located in close proximity to the 1st class road, opportunity to construct a railway siding on a boundary of a land. (Priemyselný park Partizánske, 2010)

Contact: Municipality of Partizánske, www.partizanske.sk

Fig. 8 Industrial park Partizánske

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 57 Industrial park Tren čín – Bratislavská Street The research and development park is situated within the Tren čín town outskirts. The ground has an oblong shape, and is bordered by the state road I/1 and the River Váh. Slovakia’s main highway is on its southern border and the land has direct access to it. The ground is relatively flat, with a maximum height diference of 3 meters and is presently being used for agriculture.

• Area: 115 ha • Altitude: 205 meters • Ground water below the surface: 2-3 meters • Ownership: 60 % of the land is owned by private individuals, the rest is owned by the Slovak Land Fund, the town of Tren čín and other corporate bodies. • Technical Infrastructure: o Two open wire lines are planned, of 22 kV, to which an outdoor transformer station can be connected. o High-pressure connection with the governor station RS III-Zámostie with 12,000 solid meters per hour. The extension is expected under pressure 0. 3 MPa in distance of 700 meters. o Possibility to build a connection to the urban waste water plant. o Possibility to build a drainage pump and a connection next to the urban waste water plant. • Transport infrastructure: There is an easy and direct access to the highway D1 and the state road I/61 right on the border of the allocated land. The main railroad Bratislava - Žilina - Košice passes near the ground. There are three railway stations nearby. The international airport in Bratislava is 120 km away, about an hour by car, but Tren čín or Pieš ťany airport can also be used. • Ecological Constraints It’s necessary to protect vegetation along the Zlatovský creek.

Advantages • Good transport connection. • Waste water plant at the land. • Direct connection to a highway D1 and a state road of the 1st class I/61. • The park was classified as “of strategic importance“ in Slovakia by the SARIO Agency.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 58 Investors in industrial zone: • CTP Invest - commercial property developers • ENVItech, s. r. o. – technical support for environmental protection • Q-EX, a. s. - commerce company in the field of advertising, electronics and systems • VMA Slovakia – electrotechnical industry • Igaz - stationery company engaged in manufacturing and wholesale of paper (Priemyselný park Bratislavka ulica, 2009)

Fig. 9 Industrial park Trencin – Bratislavská street Contact: www.trencin.sk

Industrial park Považská Bystrica • Locality: Považská Teplá • Area: 16 ha. • The land is located between the railway route Bratislava - Žilina and a state road I/61. The land is flat, used mostly for the agriculture; it is not developed. It is an arable land. The land is in an ownership of private individuals. • Transportation Road transportation: a state road of the 1 st class I/61 passes in a near proximity of the planned area. The projected route of the D1 highway passes between an old river-basin of the river Váh and a diversion channel of the river Váh with a connection to a state road

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 59 I/61 nearby the town part of Vrtižer cca 2 km from a planned area. The highway is planned to be finished untill the year 2010. Railway transport: in a close proximity of an area there is a railway route Bratislava - Žilina with a stop in Považská Teplá where an unused branched tracks are situated. River transport: in the regional plan of Tren čín Region, a commercial-industrial port is planned with a capacity of 8,000 tons a year, incorporated into a 3 rd phase of the Váh water route construction. A possibility of using the river Váh channel is included in a long-term development plan of Territorial Development Concept of Slovakia. The described locality is in a distance of about .9 km from this planned port. Air transport o Hri čov airport in Žilina - 20 km distance o Tren čín airport - 50 km distance. • Technical infrastructure o high-pressure gas distribution and medium-pressure distribution network is passing through this locality o high-voltage connector is located nearby the train station in Považská Teplá o The main supply of potable water is located in a cadastral area of Považská Teplá for the town of Považská Bystrica o Sewage will be developed in 2008 in this locality o Telecommunication network is in Považská Teplá. • Work force The town with vicinity areas has 42,208 citizens (status on 31 st December 2005), with the industrial unemployment 6 %. The town part Považská Teplá has 1,410 citizens. Accessibility for work force is ensured by urban transport or by train. The locality is 4 km far from the town. • Planning In accordance with land-use planning of the town, the area between the state road I/1 and railway is reserved for an industry. The area is not developed, agriculturally used. A construction of an area with a light industry character is possible after completion of a land-use plan. • Legal settlement

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 60 The land is in an ownership of private individuals. There are no objects on the land. The land is used for agricultural purposes. The owners are known. The town is ready to arrange land sale or to participate in providing land in the given area. • Grant The town of Považská Bystrica can provide a tax relief from a property tax in accordance with valid General binding regulations of the town of Považská Bystrica. • Locality Považské Podhradie The area is located on the right side of the state road II/507 - Považská Bystrica - Byt ča - Žilina, in a suburb area of a town section of Považské Podhradie. Its total area is cca 8 ha. The land is flat, built-up, used partly for agriculture, partly for other business activities. It is registered as a built-up and other land located outside the village area. A forested area borders a land on the West, a state road on the East, clif with the riuns of Považský castle on the South and agriculturally used land on the North. The land has a high level of underground water due to its immediate proximity with a diversion channel of the river Váh and a river Váh itself. • Transportation Road transport: state road II/507 Púchov - Byt ča - Žilina is by the right side of the area reserved in accordance with valid spatial plan of the town as a spare area for an industry and tourism. The area is connected to the state road of l. class - Považská Bystrica - Byt ča - Žilina. It is in a distance of 400 meters from the state road ll/507. The state road II/57 connects to a state road I/61 Tren čín – Žilina in a distance of 4.5 km. Railway transport: Railway Bratislava - Žilina is led through the town in a distance of about 4.2 km from the mentioned area. Train station Považská Bystrica has branched tracks. River transport: in the regional plan of Tren čín Region, a commercial-industrial port is planned with a capacity of 8,000 tons a year, incorporated into a 3 rd phase of the Váh water route construction. A possibility of using the river Váh channel is prepared in a long-term development plan of Territorial Development Concept of Slovakia. The described locality is in a distance of about .3 km from this planned port. Air transport: o Hri čov airport in Žilina - distance of cca 20 km o Tren čín airport - distance of cca 50 km.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 61 • Technical infrastructure: o urban area Považské Podhradie has a gas distribution network in a near locality of Šebeš ťanová and Podvažie prepared in a form of a project. High-pressure gas distribution and medium-pressure distribution are passing through this locality. o Electricity: high-voltage connector is located in an area of a former agricultural cooperative. o Water supply pipe from Považská Bystrica is led into this urban area of Považské Podhradie o Sewage is located in the area o Telecommunication network is present in the given locality. o There is a need to move high-voltage networks. Nothing else has to be moved. • Planning Construction of an area with a light industry character or tourism (aqua park) is possible after preparation of urban – building study of the given locality which will be approved by municipal corporation and a completion of a spatial plan of the town of Považská Bystrica. • Legal settlement The land is mainly in an ownership of private individuals. There are objects of an agricultural character on the land. Surrounding land is used for agricultural purposes. The town is ready to arrange land sale or to participate in providing land in the given area. In accordance with spatial planning of the town, the area between the state road I/61 and railway is reserved for an industry. The area is not developed, agriculturally used. • Grant The town of Považská Bystrica can provide a tax relief from a property tax in accordance with valid general binding regulations of the town of Považská Bystrica. (Priemyselný park Považská Bystrica, 2006)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 62

Trnava Region

Decisive factors for the emergence and development of industrial and manufacturing zones in different municipalities are incorporated into development plans of municipalities and consulted with the relevant competent authorities at regional level.

Urban industrial and technology park in Trnava Area: 27 935 m 2 (brown field)

Position in town: outskirt of town (main industrial zone of Trnava town)

Use: sophisticated production pavilion and manufacturing cells (4 250 m2), manufacturing technology and stock pavilion (3 016 m2) for SMEs

Ownership type: the Slovak Land Fund, the town of Trnava

Technical infrastructure:

Significant employers: 450 high qualified employees • Construction Compay of Trnava a. s. (Trnavská stavebná spolo čnos ť, a.s.), Trnava - construction of rail infrastructure facilities, further construction of urban by-passes roads, highway intersection lines, as well as construction of administrative buildings and industrial halls. • DÚHA, a. s. - design and implementation of existing sewage treatment facilities • Malokarpatská constructor company, s. r. o., Pezinok • ELFE F. V. Trnava • Harmann, s. r. o. Trnava • J. H. STAVMONT, • AGROSTAV Trnava, a. s. • M. V. – ALIEN Studio, Trnava • AGS TRNAVA, s. r. o. (Mestký priemyselný a technologický park Trnava, 2010)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 63

Industrial production and industrial parks of national and international importance

Industry zone in Senica Area : 220 ha Position in town : outshirt of town, south-western part of town - "KAPLINSKÉ FIELD"

Use : steel processing logistics center, dairy and bakery industry, local area companies

Transportation: Road transport: • Highway Bratislava - Prague: 30 km (Kúty) • Highway Bratislava - Zilina: 45 km (Trnava, Nové Mesto nad Vahom) • Highway Bratislava - Prague: 30 km (Kúty) Connecting roads to freeways: • Senica - Trnava (Class I) • Senica - Kuty (II. tr.) • Senica - Nove Mesto nad Vahom (Class II) Main routes: • Trnava - Senica - Hodonín (CZ) • Kúty - Senica - Nove Mesto nad Vahom Roads to allow truck transit are in close proximity to land. Distance to international airport: • Bratislava 90 km, • Brno - 100 km, • Vienna - 110 km, • Piestany - 50 km Distance to the nearest airport (WFR): Senica - 1 km Distance to the port: Bratislava - 90 km Investors: DELPHI, s. r. o. ArcelorMittal Gonvarri SSC Slovakia, s. r. o. Noble International Ltd. ArcerolMittal Construction Slovakia, s. r. o. (Priemyselná zóna Senica , 2008)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 64 Technical infrastructure: water, sewerage, gas, energy, telecommunications

Fig. 10 Industrial park Senica

Industrial locations and industrial parks of supra-regional and national significance

Industrial parks: • -Červeník-, • Gab číkovo, • Sere ď – Juh, • Industrial park Sere ď, • Kúty (Senica), • Industrial park Holí č, • Sládkovi čovo – Západ, • Industrial park – A, B, C • Madunice-Ve ľké Kosto ľany, (Priemyselné parky, 2007) • Dunajská Streda,

Industrial locations and industrial parks of regional and supra-regional significance

Industrial park of regional to supra-regional significance focused on the development of SMEs to employ workforce in region with area aprox. 30 ha. (Priemyselné parky, 2007)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 65 Industrial park - Šopor ňa Program of economic and social development in municipality Šopor ňa, vision of municipality to 2014 defines three key areas where the development of business and services is inevitable for the future of the region: infrastructure and the environment, cultural heritage and social life and tourism.

Key Area A - Infrastructure and Environment • Objective A.1 Completing and upgrading technical infrastructure • Objective A.2 Solve of traffic problems • Objective A.3 Ecologic management systems and use of resources • Objective A.4 Improved performance and operating characteristics of public buildings • Objective A.5 Support for various forms of housing

Key Area B – Cultural heritage, social life and appearance of the municipality • Objective B.1 Strengthening fellowship of inhabitants • Objective B.2 Establishment and development of cross-border cooperation • Objective B.3 Another development and presentation of local traditions • Objective B.4 Interest of inhabitants in management of municipality • Objective B.5 Improved appearance of municipality • Objective B.6 Activation of youth in community life • Objective B.7 Preserve the cultural and historical monuments for the next generations

Key Area C – Recreation and Tourism • Objective C.1 Complete the technical infrastructure for development of cyclo-tourism • Objective C.2 Development of river tourism • Objective C.3 Extending opportunities for individual recreation • Objective C 4: Agri-tourism development • Objective C 5: Support of tourism capacity development and cultural exchange • Objective C 6: Opportunities for active recreations of inhabitants

Key Area D - Business development and services Objective D.1: 1 Support for small business and the business aspirations of local inhabitants

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 66 • D.1.1 Project "Small Business-Center" • D.1.2 Consulting and business courses for SMEs

Objective D.2: Increasing the potential for production development and creation of new jobs • D.2.1 Technical Planning of the industrial zone • D.2.2 Preparation of land for capital for the industrial zone • D.2.3 Communication with potential investors

Objective D.3 Removal of production facilities from the town center • D.3.1 Zone of small businesses

Objective D4 Remote services for inhabitants • D.4.1 Publicly accessible Internet in the library

Objective D.5 Presentation materials of municipality for external audience • D.5.1 Promotion leaflet outlining the vision of the future development of the municipality (Priemyselný park Šopor ňa, 2009)

Industrial part Ve ľký Meder Area: 30 ha (406 044 m2) – brown field area Ownership: in the ownership of town Ve ľký Meder Use: machine industry, light industry and logistic Transportations: connetion to the state road I/63 to Dunajská Streda – Ve ľký Meder will be created in the second phase which will start in 2009. Location of Velky Meder is on a main transport route, which provides favorable conditions for the localization of production in the industrial park and convenient connections to neighboring Hungary.

Industrial locations and industrial parks of local to regional significance Industrial locations and industrial parks of local to regional significance focused on the development of SMEs with area aprox 10 ha and more. (Priemyselný park Ve ľký Meder, 2006)

Industrial zone Hlohovec – Horná Siho ť

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 67 Area : 25 ha Ownership : the Slovak Land Fund Use : production of light industry, logistics, food industry Transportation : has no highway or by-pass road Investors : • MT SK s.r.o. - manufacture of printed circuit boards for LCD TVs • Vetter Slovakia s.r.o. - drying and packing fruits and nuts • Transkam Slovakia s.r.o. - logistics, warehousing and distribution of food products • Faurecia Automotive Slovakia s.r.o. - manufacture of automotive components Employees of industrial zone : 1020 (Priemyselný park Hlohovec - Horná Siho ť, 2002)

Industrial park Častkov Area: 25 ha Use: production, storage facilities Transportation: national road 51, located in close proximity to the area Technical infrastructure: regulatory gas station and high voltage (Priemyselný park Častkov, 2008)

Industrial park Kostolné Kra čany Area: 50 ha (the stony and flat lowlands of Žitný ostrov) Transportation: the international turnpike I/63 (E75) Wien - Bratislava - Komárno - Budapest. Technical infrastructure: road network, public lighting, industrial and public water supply network for sewage water and moisture, electrical power up to 15 MW, gas distribution system and parks.

The founders of the industrial park - first of all we have to point out the initiative of the local municipality that has set a goal to solve the problem of unemployment-already present in the region through enterprises and investments of industrial nature. The industrial park is not only meant to ensure the taking of chances, but it is also a possibility related to the region's future.

The industrial park is situated 1 km from Dunajská Streda, the county center. There is no direct railway connection, the closest railway station is 800 meters far, in the village of Ve ľké Blahovo. A river harbour is in Bratislava and in Komárno, 50 kilometres from the industrial park. The closest international airport is in Bratislava, 47 km from Kostolné Kra čany. A

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 68 terminal to receive and dispatch containers is in Dunajská Streda. (Priemyselný park Kostolné Kračany, 2005)

Fig. 11 Industrial park Kostolné Kra čany

Industrial park Dolný Bar Area: 40 ha (15 ha built) Biginning of operation: 2011 Use: light industry, technical industry and storage, logistic facility Transportation: need to develop transport infrastructure Employees for industial park: aprox. 300 Investors: Opera, a. s. – formation company (Priemyselný park Dolný Bar, 2009)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 69

Nitra Region

Nitra region is one of the warmest areas and productive agricultural centers of the Slovak Republic. In addition to the food industry, the important role in the industry has also engineering and chemical industries concentrated in different centers:

Industrial park Nitra – North Largest industrial park in Nitra region. Area : 220 ha Use : engineering and construction companies from Germany, Denmark, France. Investors : The biggest investor in Nitra is a company Sony. Visteon - manufacturer of automobile components, engineering products for the automotive industry. Giesecke & Devrient manufactures plastic ATM cards, Industrial Cabels Slovakia bend copper electrical cables. The processing of stainless steel sheets for the food is realized by subsidiary of Danish company Carnitech/Marel. Steep Plast – automotive industry. Japanese company Ryoko Global Europe. Employees: 12 000 (Priemyselný park Nitra, 2007)

Duslo, a. s. Ša ľa (www.duslo.sk) In the course of its history Duslo, a.s. Ša ľa has become the producer of fertilizers of European importance and the global supplier of rubber industry chemicals.

In addition to it, the company produces pesticides, industrial explosives, polypropylene fibres and concentrates for fiber and plastics industry applications.

The position of reliable business partner is based on use of own technologies and using to a large extent tradable commodities as a raw material input. Duslo belongs to the most important companies of chemical industry in Slovakia and since the year 2005 it has been an integral part of AGROFERT, a. s., the international holding pursuing business in chemical industry, agriculture and food industry. Duslo, a. s. acquired shares of the company Istrochem o. z. in 2005 and since 1 January 2006 Istrochem has become a branch company of Duslo, a .s. (DUSLO, 2010)

Slovenské lodenice Komárno, a. s. (www.slkb.sk)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 70 Slovenske lodenice Komarno, a.s., is the only Slovak shipyard specializing in the design and construction of multi-purpose river and sea-going vessels of up to 8,000 dwt. The company is strategically located on the in the southwestern Slovak city of Komarno, offering access to Black Sea and North Sea ports and beyond. Utilizing state-of-the-art design and production technology, the shipyard is able to meet even the strictest client requirements. Its unique production halls allow for a year-round production cycle, which significantly shortens delivery times. (Slovenské lodenice Komárno, 2008)

Slovenské energetické strojárne, a. s. (www.ses.sk) SES a.s. is an important supplier of boilers for power plants, combined power and heating plants and incinerating plants. Its tradition is longer than 60 years. It b elongs to leading suppliers of boilers for both power and combined heating and power plants, incinerating plants.

SES a.s. produces and supplies steam boilers for combustion of coal, oil, gas and biomass complying with the most demanding requirements of environmental protection while reaching high efficiency and long- term operation capability. (SES Tlma če, 2010)

Smurfit Kappa Packaging Meder, a. s. (www.smurfitkappa-obalysturovo.com) Since 1973 Smurfit Kappa Packaging Meder, a. s. has been as well-known manufacturer of corrugated cardboard and cardboard from corrugated cardboard. Its innovative approach to production, development and sales-consulting services ranks this company on a leading place in Slovakia. In January 2006 it became part of a multinational company Smurfit Kappa Group. (Smurtif Kappa Obaly Štúrovo, 2010)

Slovak power plants (www.seas.sk) The joint-stock company Slovenské elektrárne was officially established on 21 Janaury 2002 as a new entity and a successor of Slovenské elektrárne, a.s., from which Prenosová sústava and Tepláre ň Košice separated as of the above date.

Ownership structure of SE, a.s. is following: the National Property Fund owns 34 % and the company ENEL SpA owns 66 % of the SE shares. The company´s line of business includes electricity generation, imports, exports, sales and distribution. SE, a.s. provides heat generation and heat sale. Joint-stock company SE is the operator of two nuclear power plants, two thermal power plants and 34 hydroelectric power plants. (Slovenské elekrárne , 2010)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 71 Nuclear Power Plant – Mochovce The Mochovce units rank among the newest nuclear blocks WWER 440/V 213 and benefit from all of the improvements already made at the plant. International expert teams have agreed that once the safety measures are in place, the plant complies with all the international standards and nuclear safety levels, assessing its reliability as extremely high. (Elektráre ň Mochovce , 2010)

Industrial park in Vráble Industrial Park in Vrable is the first industrial park established in Slovakia.

The initiative for the construction of the park came from the Dutch firm United Parts Slovakia, which in 1995 moved the production of automotive components into the leased premises of the former company Tesla Vrable. Board of Directors addressed the investors that in 1999 established the Industrie und Gewerbepark Vrable, Ltd. company with full German participation. In January 2000, Industrie und Gewerbepark Vrable, Ltd purchased land from the city of Vrable with the intention to build and rent production plants on it. The intention of IGP Vrable s. r. o., Vrable that negotiates with the candidates for entry into the park, is to attract investors with long-term business plans.

Good location of the industrial park and skilled workforce for the future are excellent potential for investors. In 2005, IGP Vrable s.r.o. owned three industrial buildings of the park. and another land was leased by the town of Vrable.

Investors: • Kongsberg Driveline Systems s.r.o. • Cesam , s.r.o. • Slomedical s.r.o. • HOECKLE s.r.o. • Heller Services s.r.o. • MIBA Steeltec s.r.o. • Join Medical s.r.o. (Priemyselný park Vráble, 2010)

Incubators in Slovak republic In 2008 the Slovak Association of Business and Technology Incubators (SAPTI) was established.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 72 Founding members of SAPTI are eleven business and technology incubators from different regions. Association's mission is to create possibilities for development of economy potential of the regions and improve business environment in Slovakia. The Association aims to guarantee its services provided by its members to small and medium enterprises on a qualitative level similar to other European Union countries. (Inkubátory na Slovensku, 2010)

The founding members of the consortium are incubators and other regional stakeholders as municipalities and regional advisory and information centers as following:

Trencin region:

ASTERION, n. o., Handlová Address of the incubator: Nám. baníkov 5, 972 51 Handlová Capacity [m 2] (as of 30 September 2008): 882,03 Occupancy [m 2]: 759,53 Occupancy [%]: 86 Number of incubated companies: 18 Number of workplaces in incubated companies: 50 Price of rent for incubated companies [m 2]: 10,62 €/320 Sk (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Podnikate ľské a inova čné centrum - technologický inkubátor Prievidza Address of incubator: Hviezdoslavova 3, 971 01 Prievidza Capacity [m 2] (as of 30 September 2008): 1 080 Occupancy [m 2]: 727 Occupancy [%]: 67 Number of incubated companies: 23 Number of workplaces in incubated companies: 117 Price of rent for incubated companies [m 2]: 14,94 €/450 Sk (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Trnava region

Sládkovi čovo town Address incubator: Fu číkova 460, 925 21 Sládkovi čovo Capacity [m 2] (as of 30 September 2008): 1 158,5

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 73 Occupancy [m 2]: 1118,12 Occupancy [%]: 97 Number of incubated companies: 22 Number of workplaces in incubated companies: 60 Price of rent for incubated companies: 24,90 €/750 Sk (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Incubators in others regions:

• Inkubátor Malacky, n.o., Malacky • Martinsko-Flámske podnikate ľské a inkubátorové centrum s. r. o., Martin • Mesto Moldava nad Bodvou • Podnikate ľský inkubátor Spišská Nová Ves • Regionálne poradenské a informa čné centrum Bratislava • Regionálne poradenské a informa čné centrum, Prešov • Regionálne poradenské a informa čné centrum Rož ňava • Vedecko-technologický park, Žilina (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Clusters in Slovak Republic

Automotive Cluster of West Slovakia:

Participation in a cluster provides to high schools following benefits:

Knowledge of the needs of industry • Training tailored to their students • Applied Research (collaboration on real projects) • Gain from joint research and development projects, improvement of material-technical provision of universities • Technology transfer into practice • Access to additional sources of funding (private funding, grant funding, etc.

Activities in Automotive Cluster of West Slovakia: • visiting and guidance for members

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 74 • organization of educational meetings • team solving of problems in region • joint purchase of energy and overheads (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Project AUTOCLUSTERS , Program: Cross-Border Cooperation, 9 countries participating: On 6.7.2009 the Monitoring Committee approved the project AUTOCLUSTERS coordinated by the automotive cluster - West Slovakia with 11 partners from 9 countries of Southeast Europe participating. The project should ensure the transfer of knowledge and innovation through networking among the partner regions.

Automotive Cluster of West Slovakia is currently working on following projects: AC , Autoplast, Autoclusters, AutoNet, etc. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Electro technical Cluster of West Slovakia: Electrotechnical Cluster of West Slovakia is association of electronic and technology oriented companies. The aim of the cluster is to assure exploitation of human and technical capacities, their qualitative growth and development of new investment opportunities in the region. Its mission is to make highly prestigious and modern basis for development of electronic industry, as a condition for knowledge and economy development. They assure services and support for companies and organizations in the field of project development, science, research and development, trainings and education, technological transfers, transfer of innovations, regional development, marketing activities, etc. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Areas of activity: • Electronics, automation and measuring technology • Research, services, institutions

Other innovations supporting institutions acting in the region

Regional Advisory and Information Centers (RPIC) and business innovation centers (BIC)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 75 Regional Advisory and Information Centers (RPIC) and business innovation centers (BIC) and their branches form a network of agencies whose aim is to support SMEs in SR. The main agency promoting small and medium-sized entrepreneurship is the National Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (NADSME).

NADSME was a joint initiative of the European Union's PHARE and the Government of Slovak Republic. The main objective is growth of existing SMEs and creation of new small and medium-sized companies in Slovakia. Agency is responsible for ensuring coordination of all activities and support of small and medium-sized enterprises in Slovakia, including financial support on international, national and regional level.

Slovak entrepreneurs can be directly supported by the Agency from the loan program for businesses of maximum 250 employees with at least 50% private participation, from the Micro-loan program and start-up capital program.

The subject of a loan may not only be the purchase of tangible and intangible assets, as well as purchases of supplies and material.

The network of centers supporting business and innovation currently consists of 12 Regional Advisory and Information Centers (RPIC) and 5 Business and Innovation Centers (BIC). The mission of counseling centers for entrepreneurs is to promote SMEs in the regions of Slovakia, by providing comprehensive information and advisory service and education programs. Clients of RPIC / BIC are small and medium-sized businesses, or those who just want to start a business. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Regional Advisory and Information Centers – RPIC Regional Advisory and Information Centers (RPIC) are non-profit institutions and independent regional associations of legal persons. They are financially supported by the Slovak as well as EU funds to support small and medium-sized enterprises. They provide free counseling, information and education services, in particular for: • start-ups as founders of new small and medium-sized enterprises to help them realize their business idea • existing small and medium-sized businesses that need to address their business problems, respectively need help within their business

RPIC is a reliable business partner to solve their business problems because:

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 76 • Assesses the chances and risks of implementing a business idea • Develops a business plan acceptable by both financial institutions and foreign funds to support small and medium enterprises • Provides advice and information necessary for establishing and building a successful company in the field: - Management, - Marketing, - Taxes, - Accounting, - Legislation • Searches for a suitable partner for cooperation • Organizes the participation of companies at trade shows • Organizes a comprehensive educational-counseling program for the founders of small businesses • Carries out training seminars for existing businesses with focus on core business • Professionally manages regional development project (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Business and Innovation Centers - BIC

Business and Innovation Centers (BICs) are independent legal entities. They have arisen as limited companies and operate on a commercial basis unlike the RPICs. The services offered by BIC include: • Processing of business and marketing plans • Processing of applications for credit • Accounting and Economics • Search for partners in the region and abroad • Search for foreign resources in the creation of joint ventures • Legal, tax and customs consultancy • Bookkeeping • Implementation of quality systems (ISO 9000) • Technology and patent advice • "Due diligence" evaluation-risk projects for funding • 'Spin off' advice - inefficient allocation of units of large enterprises • Among the services provided to clients include: • Search for innovative projects (bookers activity) • Processing of the business plan • Economic and financial advice • Advice on funding projects • Contacts within the European BIC Network

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 77 • Training • Joint participation in exhibitions • Promotion and public relations • Initiate mutual cooperation • Start businesses and provide material support to reduce costs required for start-up companies (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

Internet-based Information Office: Information on the missions, objectives and organizational structure of NARMPS is provided by the Internet-based information office (IIP – Internetové informa čné pracovisko). It assists in establishing trade and services through the Euro Info Center between small, respectively medium-sized enterprises and large industrial companies. IIP was established to simplify and accelerate the establishment of contacts with potential business partners.

The mission of the IIP is to allow businesses an easy and direct access to business information and information on conditions for domestic and international cooperation.

IIP Objectives: • To help entrepreneurs seek trading partners at home and abroad • Enable entrepreneurs to view information on the Internet and get advice • Provide information on activities of NARMPS (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

The electronic search of business contacts for Slovak entreprises is realized via using systems such as BRE and VANS. VANS is electronic communication system enabling obtaining an information on business environment in EU, searching for cooperation partners and communicating with individual Euro-Info Centers. BRE (Bureau de Rapproachement des Entreprises) also serves as a cooperation partner search tool.

NADSME has access to all current cooperation offers and publishes them in print or electronic form.

Institutions supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in the Slovak Republic

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 78 NARMPS - National Agency for small-medium enterprises The aim is to promote SMEs and to ensure running a network of regional agencies like advisory and information Centers (RPIC), Business Innovation Centers (BICs) and their branches.

AZZZ - Federation of Employers Associations and Unions Employers' organization in the Slovak Republic.

SZZ - Slovak Union of Crafts It supports the creation and development of all forms of entrepreneurship, defends the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises.

ZPS - Entrepreneurs Association of Slovakia Interest association of entrepreneurs in the Slovak Republic.

ZSVD - Slovak Union of Producer Cooperatives Interest organization of production cooperatives.

SOI - The Slovak Trade Inspection Authority of internal market surveillance - it is independent in its inspection and decision- making activities.

Public Procurement Office Central Government Authority

Antimonopoly Office Protects and promotes competition. Prevent the creation and maintenance of monopoly businesses.

Integra Foundation Association to promote small and medium-sized enerprises in the countries of Central and East Europe. It provides training programs, microcredits, search for business partners and so on.

AMIS - The Association of Microfinance Institutions Non-government federative entities and organizations that promote and implement the Micro- loan programs in Slovakia.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 79 SEICO - Slovak exports and Information Center The Center supports the export activities of Slovak companies by providing information services. (Národná agentúra pre rozvoj malého a stredného podnikania, 2006)

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 80

III.4 SWOT analysis for the general situation of the business sector mainly identifying the main problems innovative enterprises are faced with

SWOT analysis of SMEs - West Slovakia

Strengths

• Excellent geographical location • Disposable sectoral industrial infrastructure • Potential for development of industrial and technology parks for SMEs • Strong export and import linkages within the European Union • Good transport infrastructure with the main transport corridors connecting SR with the Trans-European transport system • A high proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises in economy • Flexible response to customer requirements • Creation of job opportunities • Lower administrative costs • Quality and sophisticated products • Skilled workforce • Potential for development, research and innovation • Extensive network of professional associations, agencies and counseling centers

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 81

Weaknesses

• Outdated technology base • Lack of investment capital and own funds • Poor concentration and low possibility of assembly production • A small possibility of ordering materials in bulk • Limited resources for advertising • Neglected life-long professional education • Lack of own R&D activities in SMEs • Insufficient cooperation between SMEs, SMEs and R&D sector • Poor access to export credit • Lack of current information, especially on legal, economic and fiscal areas, which is due to frequent legislative changes • Lack of awareness on the issue of equal opportunities and protection against discrimination • Lack of quality human resource management, marketing and innovation capabilities • Huge paperwork and bureaucracy when starting and closing business

Threats

• Increasing competition from other regions • Brain drain of highly skilled workforce to other regions and countries • Low level of development in the business sector in comparison with standards in EU • Poorly built technical infrastructure • Vulnerable SMEs are competing with large multinational companies • Legislative restrictions • Interest rates and difficult access to finance • The absence or shortage of experts in financial management

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 82

Opportunities

• Cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises, creation of business networks • The possibility to apply for financial grants for further development (new technologies, increase exports, development of production, increase jobs, education) • Expanding to neighboring markets • Contractual relationships with foreign partners • Development of industries using renewable domestic sources • Development of environmental friendly technologies • Foreign investment in SMEs • Construction of industrial zones and technology parks • Supporting the entry of investors into the existing production infrastructure • Increased utilization of alternative energy sources • Reduction in material costs of production • Increase the competitiveness of SMEs in industry and services • Development of IT applications in industry and services for SMEs • Intensifying the transfer of modern technologies • Support for developing investment • Development of services in the industry • Increasing labor market flexibility • Improving access of SMEs to finance • Creation of new job opportunities, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses and services

PART IV. Suggestions and proposals

Trencin region is one of the economically strongest regions with the industrial and agricultural character. Trencin expects arrival of one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of TV displays at the world.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 83 The Automotive Cluster PSA Peugeot Citroen in Trnava region has the potential to be a pilot project to be followed as an example by the other areas of the Slovak economy.

Fig. 12 NUTS II – Cooperation between Industrial parks and Universities in Trencin, Trnava and Nitra regions

Development of small and medium-sized enterprises is not possible without creating the conditions facilitating the emergence of new firms. In addition to economic policy and the state, regulation of competition is for a variety of supporting activities focused on financial assistance and to communicate the necessary information. Based on the experience from development of small and medium-sized enterprises in European countries, three types of state support tools were recommended: (University of Zilina, Faculty of Special Engineering)

• loan - paid by the government from the state budget

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 84 • help from organizations in other countries and international institutions to find necessary funds (advice, information, assistance in obtaining loans from banks and other from risk capital, help with processing of investment projects and etc.). • control panel to protect small and medium-sized enterprises in competition. (University of Zilina, Faculty of Special Engineering)

Since 2004 Slovak SMEs has a possibility of financing projects from the EU Structural Funds, but they still do not have enough information on the procedures of applying for funds. The full package of EU funds was prepared for the Slovak Republic through the document NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework), as it enabled to use resources allocated for the full EU programming period. Slovakia allocated over 11 billion EUR (331 billion SK) for period of 2007-2013.. The main strategic objective of NSRF document is to "increase significantly competitiveness and performance of regions and the Slovak economy and employment in respect of sustainable development by 2013."

There are three main objectives for funding from the Structural Funds: 1st Purpose - Convergence - This objective will be financed from three funds: ERDF (European Regional Development Fund), ESF (European Social Fund) and the Cohesion Fund. 2nd Purpose - Regional Competitiveness and Employment – The objective is to strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of the regions by anticipating economic and social change and encouraging innovation, knowledge-based society, through entrepreneurship, environmental protection and prevention of risks, encouraging adaptability of workers and enterprises and the development of labor markets, based on social inclusion. 3rd Purpose - European Territorial Cooperation - Meeting this objective is contained in the NSRF document. This objective is financed from the ERDF fund. The aim is to support balanced development of EU territories by exchanging experiences between regions and enhancing cooperation between them.

Greatest emphasis should be given to: • support legislation for better development of SMEs • tax benefits for SME with low profit from previous business period • allow create the spin-off companies and spin ups businesses from large multinational companies with the participation of Slovak investors

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 85 • support for graduates in very special branches and prevent neighbouring countries from taking the advantage of Slovakia in the present high potential, support small and medium sized enterprises in this field • promote and develop the Slovak traditional industries such as food and confectionery industry and textile

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 86

PART V. Main Conclusions Slovakia is the country with innovation performance below the EU27 average and belongs to the Moderate innovators in the European Union. (European Innovation Scoreboard).

However, the rate of improvement is above that of the EU27 average. Relative strengths, compared to the country’s average performance, are in areas like Company Investments and Economic Effects and relative weaknesses are in Finance and support, Linkages & entrepreneurship, Throughputs and Innovators.

Over the past 5 years, Finance and support and notably Throughputs have been the main drivers of the improvement in innovation performance, in particular as a result of strong growth in Broadband access by firms (33.3%), Community trademarks (34.1%) and Community designs (19.1%). Performance in Human resources has hardly improved and that in Firm investments has worsened, in particular due to decreases in S&E (Science&Engineering) and SSH (Social Sciences and Humanities) doctorate graduates (- 5.9%), Life-long learning (-6.4%) and Business R&D expenditures (-13.4%).

The study within WP 3.1 begins with definitions of basic concepts of the study such as innovation, invention, capacity, capability, potential, innovative capability.

Various parts of the study were dedicated to on the general regional situation of entrepreneurship and innovation capacity of West Slovakia region.

Consequently, based on these information we have created a SWOT analysis of the West Slovakia region that takes into consideration current situation in the economy of the region and the characteristics of trade and its impacts on various parts of the territory.

The main part of the study is based on the general situation of business sector focusing mostly to innovative entrepreneurship.

At the end of the study we provide some suggestions and proposals regarding supporting SMEs in Slovakia. Given that the West Slovakia, namely Tren čín and Trnava are the most economically powerful with the most developed infrastructure, we thing it was the best option to develop the analysis in just these regions.

WP 3.1 Alexander Dubcek Univesity of Trencin 87

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