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

2. Zilina region - basic facts
Area: 6 874 sq. km2
Number of Inhabitants: , uunemployment rate: 10,6 %
Average Nominal Salary: 370 EUR/month
GDP per capita: EUR (2002, purchasing power parity)

3. Introduction of Zilina region
Mechanical engineering, automotive, chemical, textile, electro-technical, paper-production industry, construction, ICT and electronics
Zilina - important transportation junction
University education, steady research basis – mainly in transport, ICT, engineering, chemical and textile

4. SWOT analysis of the region
STRENGTHS
WAKNESSES
Stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment
Qualified labour force
Accomplishment of telecommunication infrastructure
Wide network of institution for life-time education
 Low labour costs
Low transport accessibility
Lack of own capital
Unprepared regional infrastructure
Low support on research and development activities by the state
Deficient co-ordination between education institution and labour market
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Integration of Slovakia to the European Union
Access to the European market
International cooperation in the field of science and research
Entering of new investors
Development of new branches
Suitable economic environment – growing economy, lower taxation, low costs
New competitive environment
Leaving of qualified labour forces to the other country

5. Perspectives of region
Foreign investment, mainly in automotive industry, ICT
Regional supply chain links
Infrastructure development
Tourism development
Regional support on innovation, research and development
Development of High-Tech companies utilizing potential of young creative people
Implementing Regional Innovation Strategy: Zilina Innovation Policy