REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

The paper deals with an influence of foreign direct investments (FDI) on regional competitiveness. Foreign direct investments present the important tools for economic development in the regions in the long term. On the example of Slovakia, at NUTS 3 we analyze their relationship to fundamental indicators of competitiveness. The aim of this paper is to assess the effect of FDI on the competitiveness of regions. To achieve the objective we use the scientific methods, specifically analysis of issues, synthesis of information, spatial and temporal comparisons. We have identified a positive relationship between FDI and regional GDP. Regarding unemployment and average wage, it is important to understand their relationship to FDI in context and is not possible clearly state that a higher level of FDI means higher wages and lower unemployment.