Heterogeneity of a Region, Regional Integration and Regional Development

Despite its stereotypical outlook of a homogeneous administrative unit, the Silesian Voivodship is subdivided into five socio-cultural subregions and four economic areas. This heterogeneity results in a significant social and cultural potential, which might accelerate economic development. Unfortunately, the assets are dispersed all around the region, and there are no commonly shared traditions, norms, values and symbols that would enhance regional integration and regional collective action. In this context divergences of economic interests are difficult to reconcile. One may wonder whether the developmental potential, dispersed among localities, communities and sectors, can be coordinated for increasing the pace of regional development.