SWOT Report I - Central Europe

Title: 

Output No: 

CENTRAL EUROPE Project 1CE084P4 ReSOURCE www.resource-ce.eu 

Strengths, Weaknesses, 

Opportunities and Threats of 

European Mining Regions 

(SWOT Report I) 

3.3.1. 

Name: 

Address: 

Phone: 

E-mail: 

Web site: 

Date and place: 

Leibniz Institute of Ecological and 

Regional Development 

Weberplatz 1, 01067 Dresden 

+49 (0)351 46 79 100 

info@ioer.de 

www.ioer.de 

August 2010, Dresden 

This documentation reflects the author's views. The programme bodies are not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. 

This project is implemented through the CENTRAL EUROPE Programme co-financed by the ERDF.

Authors 

Jörn Harfst, Peter Wirth, Gerd Lintz, Christoph Bieberstein 

Leibniz Institute of Ecological and Regional Development (IOER), Dresden, 

Germany 

Including contributions by 

David Osebik 

Karl Franzens University (KFU), Graz, Austria 

Barbara Černič Mali, Naja Marot, Katja Klančišar 

Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (UPIRS), Ljubljana, 

Slovenia 

Antonín Vaishar, Milada Šťastná, Zdeňka Lipovská 

Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry (MENDELU), Brno, Czech 

Republic 

Gergely Horváth, Gábor Csüllög 

Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE), Budapest, Hungary 

Sylwia Dołzbłasz 

University of Wroclaw, Poland 

Dresden, August 2010 

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INDEX OF CONTENTS 

0. Summary ....................................................................................................................... 5 

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 6 

1.1. General aims ........................................................................................................... 6 

1.2. Coordination of Work ............................................................................................... 6 

1.3. Methodology ........................................................................................................... 7 

1.4. Prospects ................................................................................................................ 9 

1.5. Results .................................................................................................................... 9 

2. Regional SWOT Analyses ............................................................................................11 

2.1. SWOT Mansfeld-Südharz (GER)............................................................................13 

2.2. SWOT Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz /FLOEZ (GER) .....................................................19 

2.3. SWOT Steirische Eisenstrasse/Styrian Iron Route (AUT) .......................................25 

2.4. SWOT Zasavje (SLO) ............................................................................................31 

2.5. SWOT Sokolov-East (CZ) ......................................................................................37 

2.6. SWOT Salgótarján (HUN) ......................................................................................43 

2.7. SWOT Wałbrzych (POL) ........................................................................................51 

3. Combined SWOT Analysis ...........................................................................................57 

3.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................58 

3.2. Results ...................................................................................................................58 

3.3. Discussion ..............................................................................................................64 

4. Annex ...........................................................................................................................67 

4.1. Annex – “Basic information data set” ......................................................................69 

4.2. Annex – “SWOT Manual” .......................................................................................73 

4.3. Annex – Regional SWOT Matrices .........................................................................77 

4.4. Annex – Combined SWOT Matrix ...........................................................................91 

4.5. Annex – Comparative regional data .......................................................................97 

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0. SUMMARY 

This report is the fifth output of the academic work group within the ReSOURCE project 

(Project Output 3.3.1.): Strengths, weaknesses, options and threats (SWOT) of the mining 

regions under investigation. It includes all 6 SWOT Analyses” of the participating regions in 

ReSOURCE and an additional report from the associated Polish research partner on the 

region of Wałbrzych. The reports were compiled by the responsible academic work group 

partners. Also the document contains a “Combined SWOT Analysis”-chapter where common 

findings across all 7 regions are discussed. Responsible partner for the overall coordination 

(including concept development, discussion of contents, summary and combined analysis) 

was the Leibniz Institute of Ecological and Regional Development (IOER) in Dresden. 

This paper gives a short introduction of the framework and the aims of the first phase of the 

SWOT Analysis and its place in the overall work programme of the ReSOURCE project. A 

second phase will follow 2011 to assess the strategic approaches of the involved regions. 

The document is structured in four parts: 

The first one provides an overview of the general aims of the “SWOT I Report” and the 

methodology behind the research approach. Also the general results of the analysis are 

summarised, giving an indication of what this step of the research has achieved, especially in 

terms of the general research agenda. The second part includes the seven single “SWOT I 

Analyses”, which examine the SWOT results for each region along the guiding questions of 

utilisation of potentials, local and regional management of potentials and framework 

conditions. As a third part of the analysis the document contains a “Combined SWOT I 

Analysis”. Based on the single SWOT reports, this chapter highlights common SWOT factors 

valid in all case-study regions. In addition to this, a fourth part of the paper includes an annex 

containing additional documentation on methodology, as well as comparative statistical data 

analysis for all regions. 

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1. INTRODUCTION 

This “SWOT I Report” includes 7 regional reports called “SWOT I Analysis” by the research 

partners: 

Mansfeld-Südharz (compiled by the IOER) 

FLOEZ region (compiled by the IOER) 

Steirische Eisenstraße (compiled by the KFU) 

Zasavje (compiled by the UIRS) 

Sokolov-East (complied by the MENDELU) 

Salgótarján (compiled by the ELTE) 

Wałbrzych (compiled by the UWr) 

Additionally the IOER has prepared, on the basis of these 7 single SWOT reports, a 

“Combined SWOT Analysis” across all regions. Responsible partner for the overall 

coordination of this work step was the IOER in Dresden. 

1.1. General aims 

As laid down in the project application of ReSOURCE this “SWOT I Report” assesses the 

regions status-quo regarding utilisation of post-mining potentials and management/innovation 

strategies in the 7 ReSOURCE regions. Thereby it is strongly connected to the work steps 

3.1.2., the “Regional Opening Workshops” and 3.1.3., the “Regional Profiles”. In both work 

steps important facts and details from and about each region has been gathered, building the 

statistical basis of the SWOT I analysis. The preparation of the “SWOT I Report” marks the 

final research step in work package 3. The results from this work package will be 

disseminated and discussed in a scientific symposium (output 3.3.2.), before, as in 

accordance with the overall work plan, the research on work package 5 will begin. 

1.2. Coordination of Work 

The work on the ”SWOT I Report” is based on the previous project outputs 3.1.2. and 3.1.3., 

the “Regional Opening Workshops” and the “Regional Profiles”. The research is therefore in 

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accordance with the detailed research agenda from the first meetings of the academic work 

group in České Budějovice (CZ) and Zwickau (D). There the research partners agreed to 

draft a basic information data set (see Annex 4.1.), which served as a common guideline for 

the following research steps. The results of “Regional Opening Workshops” and the 

“Regional Profiles”, as well as the interviews conducted in the course of these two research 

steps, all contributed to this “SWOT I Report”. 

A first draft of the methodology for this document was discussed between all partners at the 

scientific meetings in Křtiny (CZ) and Salgótarján (HUN). This led up to the compilation of the 

complete report by the IOER in August 2010. 

1.3. Methodology 

(1) Single SWOT analyses 

A SWOT analysis is a research method to analyse a certain status-quo. It is based on two 

tiers of analysis, which are conducted separately: 

First step is the analysis of internal factors (local analysis), which contains the 

discussion of Strength and Weaknesses according to the aims of the SWOT 

Second step is the analysis of external factors (global analysis), which contains the 

discussion of relevant Opportunities and Threats (positive/negative framework 

conditions - potential chances and risks) 

The IOER has drafted a detailed and comprehensive methodology for this research step. 

The academic partners from the UPIRS and the University of Graz contributed in drafting this 

paper and a final discussion of the document took place at the academic meeting in 

Salgótarján (HUN). In Hungary all partners agreed on the methodology for this work step. In 

accordance with the project application, the analysis centres on the following 3 core 

questions: 

Status-quo of utilisation of post-mining potentials in defined regions 

Research question: What potentials are currently used in the region? 

Management + innovative strategy development 

Research question: How does the region organise the utilisation of potentials? 

Regional development options in general 

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Research question: What are the region’s framework conditions for using such 

potentials? 

Each partner was responsible for conducting their own SWOT analysis for their region, on 

the basis of the knowledge gathered in the past work steps. 

(2) Combined SWOT analysis 

The IOER was responsible for the processing of data, as well as drafting the “Combined 

SWOT Analysis” across all 7 regions. In this work step, the single items of the regional 

SWOT reports by all partners were thematically sorted, cross examined and clustered (see 

Annex 4.3. – combined SWOT matrix). The outcome is a comprehensive analysis of SWOT 

items shared by all ReSOURCE case-study regions. These results were compiled in a 

“Combined SWOT Analysis” (see chapter 3), which also includes a discussion of the 

findings, raises open questions and asks for lessons learned from this step of research. All 

findings of the “Combined SWOT Analysis” were intensively discussed with all the involved 

partners. The research agenda for this work step was structured as follows: 

Figure 1: Research structure “SWOT I Report” 

For detailed information on the methodology and aims of the SWOT I analysis, see Annex 

4.2. 

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1.4. Prospects 

The results of the project output 3.3.1. “SWOT I Report” forms an important step in the work 

plan of the academic work group within ReSOURCE. Part of its results will be used for 

dissemination at the academic symposium in Leipzig (Germany) in October 2010. The 

results of this work step will also serve as a starting point for discussion in the regional 

“Laboratory Workshops” (5.1.1.). Furthermore this document is directly linked to the “SWOT 

Analysis II” (5.2.1.) and the following outputs “Recommendations on strategy development” 

(5.3.1.) and “Transnational recommendations on thematic utilisation” (5.3.2.) in work package 

5. 

1.5. Results 

The ReSOURCE project brings together different mining regions in the Central Europe 

programme area. In this work step the research analysed the specific strength and 

weaknesses of each of the participating regions and furthermore asked for common 

indicators across all 7 regions. Thereby the research forms the basis of the outputs in the 

next project stages, namely the work package 5, where the finalised results from regional 

status-quo (work package 3) will be used to deal questions of with strategy development and 

policy recommendations. 

The 7 single SWOT analyses in this document focus closely on the utilisation of post-mining 

potentials and assess the general framework conditions in each of the participating regions. 

The studies narrow down specific strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in each of 

the ReSOURCE regions, thereby substantially deepening the analysis carried out in the last 

outputs, especially the “Regional Profiles” (3.1.3.). The result provides a clear picture what 

kind of problems and possibilities each region has to deal with and how post-mining 

potentials are utilised. 

The “Combined SWOT Analysis” across all of the ReSOURCE regions shows a variety of 

different internal and external factors, which contribute positively or negatively to the 

development of post-mining potentials and general development options in all regions. The 

most important aspect regarding the regions assets is the use of cultural potentials, as well 

as the establishment of strong organisational structures that have been created in order 

to realise development options, which often include relevant political and administrational 

actors from the regions. These structures could help to realise some of the opportunities, 

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such as the utilisation of natural potentials and the intensified use of cultural potentials 

(tourism). Also the good location factors (infrastructures, existing industrial potentials and 

transport connections) can help to foster regional development. 

On the other hand the analysis showed some factors with negative influence on the 

utilisation of post-mining potentials and general development options. Major problems are the 

outcomes of the structural changes after mining and their interconnected economic and 

social problems (high unemployment rates, a low growth environment and investment 

rates). Related to this are problems regarding rehabilitation of brown field sites and 

negative demographic indicators. These aspects severely weaken the overall capacity of 

the affected regions to react in constructive way towards new development opportunities and 

hamper overall development efforts (i.e. bad image, contamination of brown fields etc.). 

Interconnected to this are problems of regional cooperation and the establishment of 

functioning regional network that could positively mediate process of change within the 

regions. Such problems are especially severe when being reflected upon the problems that 

region might face in the future (dwindling financial support, demographic futures). 

Overall the analysis shows that the mining regions share some common strengths and 

weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats, even being based in different regional and 

national contexts. Nevertheless the finding also highlight some interesting results: The 

importance of state-level support and functioning regional networks, the importance 

of cultural potentials in regard of future regional development (tourism) and the 

complete non-utilisation of natural energy potentials. Further research efforts are 

needed to explain these phenomena and look deeper into the structuring of network relations 

in the regions, as well as strategy building. 

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2. REGIONAL SWOT ANALYSES 

11

SWOT Mansfeld-Südharz 

12

Report prepared by 

Jörn Harfst 


2.1. SWOT Mansfeld-Südharz (GER) 

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Introduction 

The following analysis focuses on the strength and weaknesses (internal factors), as well as 

opportunities and threats (external factors) of the Mansfeld-Südharz district in regard of the 

utilisation of post-mining potentials and general development options. The analysis was 

carried out by the IOERs research team within ReSOURCE and was based on the previous 

project outputs “Regional Opening Workshops” (3.1.2.) and “Regional profiles” (3.1.3.). This 

SWOT paper will focus on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the region. 

The resulting strategic options for regional development will be considered in the next project 

work step. For more detailed results of the analysis see the full SWOT matrix in annex 4.3. 

Strengths 

Utilisation of cultural potentials 

The Mansfeld-Südharz region has a variety of touristic potentials, which make the area an 

attractive place for leisure and recreation activities. The three main pillars of regional tourism 

are the heritage of the reformation leader Martin Luther (whose birth and dying place is in the 

town of Eisleben); the regional wine/vegetable growing tradition (around the lake area of the 

“Süßer See”) and the district’s mining history. The mining heritage is integrated into the 

district’s tourism strategy by utilising many of its cultural potentials, as for example the 

show mine in Wettelrode and the district’s restored mining railway in Hettstedt. The cultural 

potential of the region's mining heritage is also documented in the LEADER project 

“Kupferspuren”. Also underlining the strong connection between mining heritage and region 

are the typical cone dumps, which serve as important landmarks and symbols of regional 

identity. 

Existing network structures 

Since the integration of all parts of the former mining areas in one administrative structure in 

2007, the region has been able to attract and use integrative projects for regional 

development (mainly LEADER+, but also a project funded by the Federal Ministry of 

Education and Science). These projects were initiated by an informal network of actors from 

the region and often the utilisation of mining potentials played a prominent role. Important 

nodal point in this network is the region’s LEADER management. In regard to mining 

potentials especially the miners associations are an important actor, which argue for the 

preservation of the mining heritage in the area. A planned district-wide Marketing Ltd. might 


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provide a structure, which could integrate these existing networks into a more 

institutionalised form. 

Positive location factors 

Another asset of the Mansfeld-Südharz district is the diverse structure of the local 

economy, which is mainly based on small and medium sized companies, many of which 

have been created as spin-offs from the former Mansfeld mining industry. Additional, the 

general location of the district in the centre of Germany and the good transport 

infrastructure (i.e. new motorway link) can be seen as an overall strength. Also the vicinity 

to the regional centres of Halle and Leipzig and the nearby tourism region of the Harz can 

be regarded as a positive element, which strengthens regional development options. 

Weaknesses 

Utilisation of natural potentials 

While there are natural potentials in the region (mine water, dumps and heaps), currently 

none of them is being utilised. While the regional ReSOURCE project partner (PP3) plans 

the exploration of geothermal energy generation from mine water, other ways of utilising 

natural potentials are currently not put forward. One reason for this missing initiative might 

be the lack of orderly rehabilitated former mining site (heaps, dumps), which prohibits the use 

of such places for i.e. biomass production. 

Internal organisation 

The region has internal administrative difficulties, which hamper the overall development 

of the region and the use of post-mining potentials. The unstable district structures over 

the last 20 years have resulted in accentuated rivalries between different municipalities in the 

area. This severely hinders the establishment of common strategic development goals for the 

region. This aspect is also highlighted by the fact that the district is currently part of two 

regional planning units – each covering only one part of the district. Consequently, there is a 

perceived lack of common identity in the region, despite the shared mining history and new 

administrative structures that unite the former mining areas. Overall, this has resulted in a 

lack of visions and leadership for the district. 


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Touristic destination management 

While the Mansfeld-Südharz region has some strong cultural and touristic assets, the full 

potential of these have not been realised. The region has not succeeded in using its 

strong connection to Martin Luther to its full potential. The heritage of the reformation leader 

is currently more closely linked to places like Wittenberg or Eisenach, both being very 

successful in marketing their Luther heritage. The Mansfeld-Südharz district lacks a joint 

and comprehensive touristic marketing concept. For the moment the region’s touristic 

concept is only based on the efforts of single municipalities. Additionally, the region is located 

outside the central tourism hotspots of the Harz region, which makes the development of 

such potentials rather difficult. 

Negative location factors 

One of the most challenging weaknesses is the region’s negative demographic 

development, which is accompanied by a situation of low economic growth and severe 

financial restraints for the district. With no higher (academic) infrastructures in place, a high 

unemployment rate and a peripheral situation to the growth poles of Germany, the very base 

of the economic future of the region is put into question. A constant brain-drain of young 

and skilled people, combined with the fact that there are no strong economic clusters in the 

region, can be marked as a distinct disadvantage for all economic activities in the area. 

Opportunities 

Development of tourism market 

One opportunity for the region of Mansfeld-Südharz is its potential on the inland tourism 

market. In times of economic instability, rising fuel and energy costs, especially the inland 

tourism market will gain of importance. Here the region has a variety of different touristic 

features to offer and is well connected to the rest of Germany and the Harz tourist 

destination. Also the area offers something “new”, in the sense that the region is not yet 

“discovered” by the tourism industry. Additionally the region has a strong “branding” 

potential (“Luther”), which is important in a market, where increasingly strong trade names 

are required. Against the background of these potentials, the mining heritage could be an 

additional feature. 


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Development of natural potentials 

Trends towards increasing raw material prices, as well as the increasing energy costs 

could both stimulate demand for the utilisation of natural potentials in the region. This could 

give new impulses for a (limited) reactivation of mining (i.e. the reprocessing of slag heaps) 

and new forms of energy production (i.e. biomass or geothermal energy production). Also the 

trend towards a decentralisation and diversification of the overall energy markets might 

indicate heightened opportunities for regional development initiatives in this sector. 

Importance of network structures 

There is a trend towards a heightened importance of informal network structures in 

planning and governance processes in general. The Mansfeld-Südharz region already has 

some experiences with such processes, as it has such a functioning network already in place 

(LEADER partnership). This means that the region is already accustomed to utilise such 

governance structures for the benefit of the region and would be more experienced to do so 

in the future. 

Threats 

Financial futures 

One of the most important threats to the development of Mansfeld-Südharz area is a 

worsening financial situation of the district and municipalities in the coming years. There is 

a general trend away from active redistribution policies aimed at weaker regions such as 

Mansfeld-Südharz in Germany, as well as on European level. For such regions this could 

mean a further downturn in local economic activities and an accelerated trend towards 

outmigration, which would severely hamper all efforts of such regions to invest/utilise its 

mining potentials and overall regional development options. 

Structural economic factors 

There is an increased importance towards a positioning of a region in the national/global 

market by means of i.e. regional marketing. This requires a shared vision and strategic 

concept within the region. If such a strategy is not developed and supported by regional 

actors, the region might lose further ground towards economic attractiveness and investment 

opportunities. 


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Structural demographic factors 

In Eastern Germany is an increased trend towards re-urbanisation processes, which will 

strengthen/stabilize existing centres, while the periphery is set to lose population and 

connected infrastructures. Peripheral regions such as Mansfeld-Südharz will come under 

further pressures from these processes, which will accentuate the already existing 

demographic difficulties. 

Summary 

The SWOT analysis for the district of Mansfeld-Südharz shows a variety of different internal 

and external factors, which contribute positively or negatively to the development of post- 

mining potentials and general development options for the region. A crucial positive feature is 

the utilisation of cultural potentials of the mining heritage and the integration into the district’s 

tourism agenda. These efforts would fit a trend towards a heightened importance of national 

tourism markets. Also a regional asset is the existence of an informal networking structure 

that has been able to realise important development projects for the district. 

As negative factors the analysis revealed the missing utilisation of natural potentials and 

especially the lack of formal steering capacity in the district, hampering efforts to establish a 

strategic vision for the region shared by all regional partners. While some of the region’s 

location factors can be valued positively (especially transport connections and a diverse 

regional economic structure), the general frame work conditions under which regional 

development has to be realised are unfavourable. High unemployment, negative 

demographic development and the absence of institutions that might facilitate endogenous 

growth (universities, research institutions) are issues that obstruct regional development. 

Against the backdrop of continuing financial scarcity and on-going processes of demographic 

change, the region’s problems are likely to remain severe. 


18


Jörn Harfst 

SWOT Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz 

2.2. SWOT Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz /FLOEZ (GER) 

19

Introduction 


opportunities and threats (external factors) of the Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz region in regard of 

the utilisation of post-mining potentials and general development options. The SWOT 

analysis was carried out by the IOERs research team within ReSOURCE and is based on 

the ReSOURCE outputs “Regional Opening Workshops” (3.1.2.) and “Regional Profiles” 

(3.1.3.). This SWOT paper will only discuss the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities 

and threats of the region. The resulting strategic options for regional development will be 

considered in the next project work step. For more detailed results of the analysis see the 

SWOT matrix in annex 4.3. 

Strengths 

Availability and utilisation of cultural and natural potentials 

One of the main strengths in regard to the use of post-mining potentials is the availability of 

natural and cultural potentials. The region has partly remediated heaps and dumps, 

disused coal railway terminals and other mining related buildings (i.e. Martin-Hoop mining 

site), that can be regarded as cultural potentials and which are open for redevelopment. As a 

natural potential the utilisation of mine water for energy production is currently planned by the 

ReSOURCE project partner in Zwickau. Also there have been some ideas put forward to use 

biomass on dumps and there is already existing experience in the wider region (geothermal 

energy project Bad Schlema) to use natural potentials. The existing cultural potentials have 

been strengthened by the integration of the region in touristic marketing label 

“Erzgebirge”, which gives a new importance to mining related heritage sites, such as the 

Saxonian hard coal mining museum in Oelsnitz/Erzgeb. 

Organisation and actors 

The region has two well-organised and established networks at different levels, in which 

all relevant administrative actors from politics and planning are integrated. There is also a 

regional development concept, which highlights the needs of the Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz 

area and outlines actions considering regional development. With the FLOEZ cooperation 

(Future for Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz) the region has an inter-communal forum, where all 

relevant local actors are present. On the regional level the WIREG (Wirtschaftsregion 

Chemnitz-Zwickau) acts as an important regional facilitator and moderator for events and 


20

development planning in the former mining region. Within this process some persons provide 

active leadership in this institutionalised context (mayor of Oelsnitz). Additionally the region 

has a long experience with using EU-funded projects (i.e. INTERREG projects REVI, 

READY). 


Generally the Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz region has some favourable location factors. The area 

is rather densely populated and part of the Zwickau-Chemnitz agglomeration, where 

many important regional institutions, enterprises and cultural infrastructures are located. The 

district capital Zwickau is the 4 th largest city in Saxony is close to all major Saxonian transport 

connections (motorways and interregional train connections) and has a high-ranking 

academic institution with the Westsächsische Hochschule (University of Applied Science) 

in place. The region also has a strong economic base with an active automotive cluster in 

Zwickau (Volkswagen plant in Mosel), providing the area with a regional growth pole, which 

generates investment and jobs. 

Weaknesses 

Realisation of potentials 

Despite the fact that regional actors have discussed various ways to utilise post-mining 

potentials in the region, the success of turning such potentials into projects is extremely 

limited. Reasons are high infrastructure cost in connection to the unregulated rehabilitation 

process in the region and a weak demand in brown field sites for redevelopment, which 

both hamper any investment efforts. Additionally, the region is located outside the central 

tourism hotspots of the Erzgebirge, which makes the development of such potentials rather 

unfavourable. 

Actors and networks 

Having pointed to the difficulties of realising projects that utilise post-mining potentials, 

another weakness lies in the network structure of the region. While all important state level 

actors are represented in the decision making process, the importance attributed to post- 

mining potentials clearly differs between the actors. While some municipalities have actively 

pushed forward various plans to realise projects (i.e. Oelsnitz), other have been more 

reluctant (Zwickau). Despite the existing network connections, this has resulted in a lack of 

vision and leadership. This is reflected by internal political disagreements, which led to the 


21

collapse of some projects (project “Castle Osterstein”, joint forest management). The network 

also failed to successfully lobby for state-co-funding for some project plans. Generally this 

lack of practical projects has led to a decrease in the network’s activities. With a 

reorganisation of the WIREG taking place at the moment (due to changes in administrative 

boundaries), one of the main regional facilitators of change is currently not able to break the 

apparent dead-lock. 

Negative location factors 

Despite being located in one of the more economically dynamic areas in Saxony, regional 

development still has to be realised in a situation of low economic growth and weak public 

finances. Even though the Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz area profits from an automotive cluster, 

unemployment in a German context remains high and the area shows a distinct negative 

demographic development. Also the region is only a minor tourism destination 

compared to the central Erzgebirge. Additionally the region also has still a “black” regional 

image based on the former coal mining activities. 

Opportunities 

Development of tourism market 

One of the main opportunities identified for the region of Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz is the 

potential on the inland tourism market. In times of economic instability, rising fuel and 

energy costs, especially the inland tourism market will gain importance. Being member of the 

tourism label “Erzgebirge” provides the region with an important link-up to the inland tourism 

market. The tourist value would gain significantly of importance, if the whole Erzgebirge 

region will become a UNESCO world heritage site (project “Montanregion Erzgebirge”). With 

the location of some important mining heritage sites within the Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz 

region this process could considerably strengthen the overall touristic value of the area. 

Development in natural potentials 

Trends towards increasing raw material prices, as well as the increasing energy costs 

could both stimulate demand for the utilisation of natural potentials in the region. This could 

give additional impulses for new forms of energy production (i.e. biomass or geothermal 

energy production) for which the region has already developed first ideas. Also the existence 

of successfully running demonstration sites and centres of expertise (Bad Schlema and 

Freiberg) could foster such development in the region. Also the trend towards a 


22

decentralisation and diversification of the overall energy markets might indicate heightened 

opportunities for regional initiatives in this sector. 

Rehabilitation futures 

Another opportunity for the region could be a new interest by policy institutions into the 

process of mining site rehabilitation. The region has long argued for state support in order 

to tackle the problems stemming from the incomplete rehabilitation process of the former 

mining sites. With many of the ongoing rehabilitation processes in other Eastern German 

mining regions coming to an end within the next 10 years (lignite and uranium mining), there 

is now the possibility – in a second round of rehabilitation – to gain access to state or federal 

funds for site remediation. Such rehabilitation projects would bring new economic activities to 

the region and remove a considerable financial burden from the affected communities by 

reducing the maintenance costs of public infrastructures. 

Threats 

Financial futures 

One of the most important threats to the development options of Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz is 

the worsening of the public finances in the coming years. There is a general trend away from 

active redistribution policies for weaker regions such as Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz in 

Germany, as well as on European level. For such regions this could mean a further downturn 

in local economies and increase the trend towards outmigration, which would severely 

hamper all efforts of such regions to invest/utilise its mining potentials and overall regional 

development options. 

Future of the economic cluster 

A threat for the development of the Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz region is the unstable 

development of the automotive industry. The whole region is highly dependable on the 

Volkswagen plant and its suppliers and any sizing down of capacities would have an 

immediate effect on regional development. As the car industry has proofed in the past as a 

very volatile industrial sector, in which overcapacities and outsourcing of production facilities 

are common, such a scenario cannot be ruled out. 


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Administrative changes 

The region of Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz has established a dense network of actors, which is 

involved in the development of the area. This arrangement is to a certain degree threatened 

by the trend to administrative restructuring, taking place on municipal and district level in 

Saxony. The constant administrative rearrangements hamper the efforts of partners to 

establish long-term connections and planning initiatives. It also threatens the continuity of 

successful regional institutions such as the WIREG, with their important facilitator and 

moderator role in the region. 

Summary 

The SWOT analysis for the region of Zwickau-Lugau-Oelsnitz shows a variety of different 

internal and external factors, which contribute positively or negatively to the development of 

post-mining potentials and general development options in the region. The most important 

aspect regarding the region’s assets is the strong organisational structure that has been 

established in order to realise development option for the former mining region and includes 

all relevant political and administrational actors from the region. This structure could help to 

realise some of the opportunities, such as the use of utilisation of natural potentials and 

tourism. Also the good location factors (infrastructures, automotive cluster and transport 

connections) can help to foster regional development. 

On the other hand the analysis showed some factors with negative influence on the 

utilisation of post-mining potentials and general development options. A major problem is the 

failure to realise the potential of the region’s network activities in the form of concrete 

projects. This weakens the overall capacity of the network and hampers general 

development efforts. It also leads to a lack of regional cooperation and threatens the whole 

network in general. Reflecting on the problems the region might face in the future (economic 

cluster, dwindling financial support, demographic features); such a loss in network capacity is 

hardly affordable. 


24


David Osebik 

2.3. SWOT Steirische Eisenstrasse/Styrian Iron Route (AUT) 

SWOT Steirische Eisenstraße/Styrian Iron Route 

25

Introduction 

In the following the strengths and weaknesses (internal factors) as well as the opportunities 

and threats (external factors) are described. Regarding the internal factors it is difficult to give 

an overall picture of the in many ways disparate region Steirische Eisenstraße. Topics 

concerning a single part of the region are therefore stressed in the text and the SWOT- 

Matrix. Additionally the report is divided into thematic subsections to make a direct 

comparison between the single internal and external factors possible. For a better overview 

weaknesses and threats are written in italic letters. Concerning opportunities and threats only 

factors with medium and high probability or influence are listed. 

Internal Factors - Strengths and Weaknesses 

2.3.1. Infrastructure and Accessibility 

The southern part of the region has a fully developed transportation network at its disposal 

with a therefore high accessibility to the superregional centers of Vienna and Graz. The 

northern, mountainous part (around the mining center Eisenerz) describes the total opposite 

with low accessibility and a partly underdeveloped transport infrastructure. Concerning the 

general infrastructure (education facilities, hospitals, administrative functions etc.) nearly the 

whole region can be seen as sufficiently equipped. One of the most important weaknesses of 

the region is the underdeveloped touristic infrastructure, which hampers the slowly upcoming 

tourism and forms an overall disadvantageous image (in comparison to other Austrian 

touristic regions). 

2.3.2. Economy 

The above described regional disparities also concern the economical situation. The 

southern part around Leoben has already faced a transformation process from a one-sided 

industrial to a more diverse economical structure (nearly 40% loss of population). By now the 

area around Leoben is a viable regional center with economical prospect. The northern part 

is more diverse. Rural municipalities are in contrast to the mining related area around 

Eisenerz. Compared to other declining mining/industrial regions the Steirische Eisenstraße 

has a relatively low unemployment rate (2001 5,8%) and a high level of social security. The 

latter hampers future regional development noticeable, as the motivation for change of the 

remaining population is very low. Another obstacle is the ownership structure in the northern 

part of the region. The mining company (plus subsidiaries) and big landowners make 

alternative uses (esp. tourism) difficult. 


26

2.3.3. Natural Conditions 

Natural resources form the most important strength of the region. A spectacular mountain 

range with nearly untouched woods and water bodies (lakes, small rivers, torrents, karst 

sources) could provide the basis for future touristic development (adventure tourism, 

ecotourism, hunting etc.). Besides the region’s water resources are predestined for water 

supply (the region already is one of the most import water supplier for Vienna) and energy 

production. Forestry already is or rather could be one important economic pillar (energy and 

materials production). One hampering factor in this place is the hostile climate in the northern 

part with long and cold winters and high precipitation. Concerning natural potentials in direct 

connection to mining the unique and outstanding silhouette of the Erzberg should be 

mentioned. At least it can be seen as an identity serving symbol of the federal state of Styria. 

2.3.4. Cultural and Historical Heritage 

The cultural and historical identity of the region is mainly served by the mining and industrial 

heritage of the region. Several monuments, traditions and events are based on this. On the 

other hand the common external perception as “industrial center of Austria” leads to an 

overall disadvantageous image, which is in contrast to the potential touristic value. Beside 

the mining and industry related heritage the region has a great source of authentic rural 

culture (traditional dressing, folklore, events etc.) and with Leoben a superregional center for 

museal exhibitions. 

2.3.5. Actors and Demography 

Owing to the mining and industrial history the Steirische Eisenstraße has a close social and 

administrative network with strong player (e. g. private, enterprises, associations, political 

actors, Montanuniveristät Leoben). Out of this there is a great source of cooperation and 

potential for project realization (cf. Erzberg Rodeo see below). Additionally the region has an 

integrated cultural management, mainly carried out by the Verein Steirische Eisenstraße. On 

the other hand this close network of actors forms some kind of social exclusiveness 

(especially concerning mining associations), which makes it difficult for external 

actors/influences to play a vital part. The steady loss of younger, well educated population 

(esp. in northern part) and the therewith connected overaged population intensifies this 

situation. 

2.3.6. Reference Projects 

In the past several successful reference projects have been carried out. As examples the 

Erzberg Rodeo (international motorcycle event), Abenteuer Erzberg (adventure show mine), 


27

annual exhibitions in the Art-Hall Leoben, Redesign Eisenerz (overcome unnecessary 

infrastructure) and the installation of fixed rope climbing routes can be mentioned. Despite 

these promising attempts none of these projects has been able to provide sustaining 

economic success, measured by working places in comparison to the peak of mining and 

industrialization. 

2.3.7. Mining 

Against all expectations mining is still active in Eisenerz. Due to a planned processing plant 

(Pelletieranlage) the prospect of active mining is more than 30 years with 150 additional 

working places. Today´s extraction of ore is comparable to the one at peak of mining. 

Therefore mining is going to stay one important economic pillar for the region´s future. From 

a different point of view this can be seen as somewhat problematical. The prolonged 

dependence on mining will probably slow down a needed transformation process to a more 

diverse regional development. 

External Factors – Opportunities and Threats 

2.3.8. Raw materials prices and natural conditions 

The development of the ore price is one important but ambivalent external factor which 

influences the still active mining in Eisenerz. It has always been a decisive element for the 

profitability of mining and downstream industry (in Leoben). In comparison rising oil prices 

can be seen as an important opportunity. On the one hand rising transportation costs would 

strengthen the regional industries; on the other hand the region could gain more touristic 

attention as close destination for guests from Central Europe (main target markets Austria, 

Germany, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia). Climate change as well as a therewith 

connected global water scarcity can also be seen as chance for the region. The overall chilly 

climate and water richness of the region could provide a basis for energy production, water 

supply and recreational tourism. Close to this the upcoming trend to electronic mobility and 

renewable energy production (biomass, water) could be an opportunity for the region too. 

Economically threatening seems the general trend towards outsourcing of industries 

2.3.9. Political framework 

As political opportunity stronger environmental protection legislation (e. g. renewable energy) 

can be mentioned. Superregionally the construction of the Semmering-Basistunnel (speed 

railway connection from Vienna to the south) seems to be an important opportunity, as the 


28

accessibility of the region would be improved enormously. One important threat is the 

general trend to public cost-cutting. A loss of public services (hospitals, educational sector, 

and social security) and regional subsidies would have enormous impact on the as yet fragile 

development. 

2.3.10. Tourism 

The general trend to more individual forms of tourism, especially adventure and ecotourism, 

is a very promising chance for the region´s development. In contrast to this the high touristic 

competition with other relatively close top destinations and the overall disadvantageous 

regional image has to be pointed out. Touristic valorization of post mining potentials seems 

to be difficult, as mining and industry in general can be seen as a touristic low involvement 

product. As supplement for an integrated destination mix mining and industrial heritage could 

play a part. 

2.3.11. Other 

Southern and Eastern Styria set an example for successful regional development without 

massive financial means and external support. In both cases the factor of success lies in 

positioning of high quality regional products and authentic non-mass ecotourism as well as 

on a diverse economic structure. This has already formed an international image with a 

sustaining flow of visitors and customers. For the Steirische Eisenstraße these examples 

provide a benchmark for an overall image improvement. Nevertheless the region could 

develop a cultural identity in the last years (integrated cultural management, exhibitions in 

Leoben, festivals etc.). 


29

SWOT Zasavje 

30


Naja Marot 

Barbara Černič Mali 

Katja Klančišar Schneider 


2.4. SWOT Zasavje (SLO) 

31

Overview of internal factors 

In SWOT analysis we firstly inspected regional strengths. Our debate mostly resulted in 

strengths connected to institutional arrangements regarding regional development, also post- 

mining potentials were mentioned. In last few years co-operation between municipalities of 

Zasavje region and on regional level has improved. Actors collectively approached major 

development problems, these actions are mostly stimulated by regional development agency 

as a major regional actor. Beside regional co-operation, regional development centre is in 

charge of delivering programme of measures, prepared for the process of mine closure and 

financed by the government. Programme included several different projects with the focus in 

social and economic activities. Centre also offers well-organized supporting environment for 

business development as well as carries out instruments for development of small and 

medium enterprises like business incubator, technological centre, voucher consulting, 

guarantee scheme. It also puts a special emphasis on youth business activity to stimulate 

and motivate youngsters to develop their business ideas. Youth itself is well organized in 

societies or NGO’s and actively co-operate in projects’ preparation and implementation. 

Youth is not just locally orientated but is also active on national and international level. 

Development initiative is also given by other organized societies and civil society. Since 

lately, NGO’s have been connected into network of non-governmental organisations which 

should institutionally support and enhance their activities and goals. Due to enhanced actors’ 

co-operation there is a tendency towards a social consensus regarding regional ecology, an 

important issue due to highly polluted environment. 

The second groups of strengths relates to physical characteristics of the region and presence 

of mining potentials. Region is situated almost in the centre of Slovenia thus is very close to 

other centres of higher importance and is easy accessible (except for the high way 

connection). Tradition of mining and industry activities in the past has left region with a 

specific knowledge in energy provision and mining engineering and post-mining potentials 

such as already rehabilitated areas, available for development, local identity and mining 

technical heritage. The former mine areas have a potential for use of biomass and 

geothermal energy, hence analysis of possibilities to use renewable energy resources have 

been done, and some pilot investments realised. A well-established institutional support for 

preservation of mining heritage is offered by Zasavje regional museum which preserves 

heritage artefacts, and also organizes exhibitions and events with mining theme. In some of 

the former mining neighbourhoods in Hrastnik and Trbovlje revitalisation has been in 


32

progress which will raise the quality of living. Last but not least, region has scored high in 

measuring innovativeness in Slovenian companies. 

Although region is showing a nice progress in institutional organization regarding regional 

development there is still a lack of comprehensive approach to creating common solutions. 

Problem partially derives from municipalities which focus on short-term results’ provision 

such as road infrastructure and partially from Slovenian administrative organisation. Since 

there are no regions in administrative sense there is no clear distinction between 

development and planning on the local and regional level. Absence of regional spatial 

planning also results in lack of comprehensive territorially-orientated projects. Project ideas 

are usually suggested by municipalities; hence regional programme presents a patch work of 

unconnected projects. Municipalities have low capacity to gain EU funds, for pre- 

investments, preparation and implementation of projects. Beside regional development 

centre there is no scientific support - institution which would primarily focus on mining and 

regional development. Development is also hampered due to a very slow preparation of new 

generation municipal spatial plans; currently planning is performed on the basis of plans from 

1984. Projects do not just lack innovativeness and comprehensiveness but also a continuous 

monitoring and evaluation of programmes’ and projects’ implementation which would 

distinguish between successful and less successful projects. 

Beside institutional arrangements region is also week in economy and demography. The 

region is known for the biggest relative decline in jobs of all Slovenian regions for the period 

2002-2004 which consequently resulted in a raise of daily migration. Number of labour force 

exceeds the number of available jobs for 27%, approximately only 50% of the persons in 

employment work in the same municipality they live in. Brain drain occurred due to structural 

imbalances on labour market – there is a lack of high-profile and well-paid jobs. Apart from 

young professionals who have left the region, there is also a significant part of young 

professionals who migrate daily to work outside the region. Even though this cannot be 

formally considered as brain-drain it should be noted that those young professionals spent 

majority of their time outside the region and do not participate in any activities, initiatives, 

decision making processes etc. in the region. Thus, they can be considered as "lost" for the 

region. Region is still strongly positioned in the secondary, i.e. industrial sector and there is 

little initiative in technologically more intensive activities present in the region. Consequently 

there is not much interest for investments in green industries which could be an innovative 

and potentially fast growing industry. Potential investors have already stepped back a few 

times due to lack of flat, hence development, areas and due to unsettled ownership of former 


33

mine areas. Unsolved ownership severely impedes not only investments in new activities, but 

economic development and service provision in the region in general. Steep surface speeds 

problems of erosion and denudation, the environment is due to past and present mining and 

industrial activity still polluted: polluted soils with heavy metals hinder agricultural activity; 

polluted air influences health of the local people, vegetation is damaged. 

2. Overview of external factors 

Actors’ co-operation in development provision has increased but more transparency and 

openness of the process could stimulate even better solutions. Like in other places in 

Slovenia higher level of horizontal and vertical public participation in decision-making 

process is needed. Until now public participation has been mostly established on paper, now 

more active approach is needed. Lack of active participation derives from people’s mentality 

and former unsatisfactory experiences. Co-operation between regional actors and project 

initiators has improved, however it still needs further impulses to be able to function towards 

a common goal. Region should preserve its energy function, support the use of renewables 

and enhance development with the use of EU funds, financial sources for mine closure, 

guaranteed by the law, and exchange of knowledge and good praxis with other regions. 

Regional activities on national and international level should be orientated towards attracting 

investments into new economic activities, creation of new – green jobs and promoting 

available development area, gained after extensive recultivation and rehabilitation processes, 

further more renewal of old mining and industrial housing. Promotion and attraction of new 

investments can also ground in integration of the region into global informatics processes. An 

umbrella regional plan with more emphasis on territorially focused projects could represent a 

negotiation document and a compromise regarding long term development of the region. 

Region would establish more eco-way of life with supporting increase in use of public 

transport and development of services for elderly people. 

Although region seems to be on a right track towards better future there are some threats 

which can impede faster progress. For example, decisions regarding continuous energy 

function of the region are done outside of the region on the national level which at the 

moment does not necessarily support preservation of energy function. National energy policy 

is created in a multi-level decision making and is strongly influenced by economic situation 

and power of all interested parties. No or low support for regional initiatives and decrease of 

subsidies can hamper delivery of already prepared and adopted projects. Implementation of 

the projects is also rendered impossible by a poor national institutional support for EU 


34

funding and EU programmes’ implementation, in this region particularly also for the 

undefined ownership of former mine areas. Government has adopted Agricultural Land Act 

which demands return of former mine land to the National Agricultural Land Fund instead of 

to the municipality. Loss of land limits municipalities with already minor development areas in 

resources and possibilities to reuse the land. Such ownership policy is also a result of lack of 

national policy regarding degraded areas. There are neither funds nor programmes to carry 

out the measures to rehabilitate degraded land. Even if the law on public-private partnership 

exists it is not necessarily used. Due to ownership issues land rehabilitation is done only 

partially, thus it is not attractive for new activities. In economic sense a lot of companies went 

bankrupt or are now owned by owners who in terms of seeking short term profit could 

financially exhaust them. Since there is not much interest into investments from outside of 

the region and there is a smaller dynamic of new companies’ establishment, employment 

may still cause problems in the future. Lack of investment interests come from poor image of 

the region in Slovenia, and on international level also from the competitiveness with other 

former mining regions which can offer larger areas. Due to slow economic development 

further negative demographic trend can be expected such as aging, brain drain, emigration 

of active population, and further increase in daily migration and increase of traffic density 

between regional centres and larger employment centres outside of region. Regarding use of 

renewable energy fuels, investments are moderate since energy distributors in municipalities 

have long-term contracts for electricity or heat provision produced by the use of fossil fuels. 

Energy policy also depends on oscillation in price of energy products which is under 

influence of global energy market. Further decline of the region’s importance could happen in 

the case of introduction of administrative regions which would probably lead into inclusion of 

Zasavje region into larger administration authority of Ljubljana region. 


35

SWOT Sokolov East 

36


Antonín Vaishar 

Zdeňka Lipovská 

Milada Šťastná 


2.5. SWOT Sokolov-East (CZ) 

37

INTERNAL FACTORS 

STRENGTHS 

Resources 

Regarding the regional framework 

- Demographic development 

� Stable population in the Microregion 

The Microregion as a whole had a slight increase of inhabitants (278 people within the period 

2002 – 2009). Only three largest towns have seen a decrease in numbers of inhabitants 

in the mentioned period. The higher increase was identified in rural communities Jenišov 

(110% within 2002 - 2009), Mírová (22%) and Hory (15%). This is caused mainly by close 

position of Karlovy Vary spa and its suburbanization effect. 

� Favourable demographic structure 

With the exception of Březová the average age of the residents in the individual villages of 

the Microregion is better that the countrywide average. 

- Accessibility/location/infrastructure 

� Good accessibility and a favourable location 

The I/6 road (future highway D6 Prague – Bavaria) is the axis of the Microregion. The 

regional centre Karlovy Vary is very close and the Microregion is situated within the “spa 

triangle” (Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně). 

Regarding the potentials 

� Existence of cultural heritage (town Loket) and natural heritage (protected landscape 

area Slavkovský les in the vicinity). 

� Time factor – the mining is presupposed till 2030 (it is possible to prepare 

measurements). 

� Existence of traditional industry (glass, porcelain). 

� New reclaimed areas (swimming pool Michal, Medard lake, Golf Course Sokolov) – 

Microregion and Karlovy Vary Region tries to utilize them for tourism development. 

� Potential for using of renewable energy sources (biomass cultivation on stockpiles, 

using of geothermal energy from mining water). These potentials have not been utilized yet 


38

ut there is an effort to use the geothermal energy (cooperation with Mansfeld-Südharz 

region). 

Innovation 

Main projects 

� Projects supporting traditional crafts and cultural life (Bernard Grange). 

Operations 

Interplay of actors 

� Good collaboration between LAG LEADER+ Sokolovsko and Association of communes 

Sokolov-East (Sokolov-East Microregion). 

WEAKNESSES 

People 

Key actors 

� Consequences of post-war population exchange 

Most of original inhabitants were transferred after the Second World War. The number 

of compulsorily transferred Germans is estimated at 8 000. They were replaced by mainly 

Czech people from all over the Czechoslovakia and abroad. In the 1950s and 1960s a lot 

of people came there to work for industrial enterprises connected with mining. This situation 

caused that people do not have such a great relationship with the territory as in other parts 

of CR. 

� Unfavourable social and educational structure 

The qualification gravity centre of the Microregion's inhabitants consists of people 

with completed apprenticeship (including secondary vocational schools without general 

certificate of education) and of people with a basic education (including incomplete). The 

share of people with no education is above average (Sokolov District 0.9 % vs. CR 0.4 % in 

2001). Contrary to the national situation the share of people with completed secondary, 

vocational and university education is below the average. 


39

Resources 

Regarding the regional framework 

- Economic status 

� Structural changes in economy followed by unemployment 

The unemployment rate in the Sokolov District is highly above the national average. This is 

mainly linked to two factors: the decline of extensive mining activity in this region and 

the structure of the local inhabitants, which is characterized by significant proportion of the 

Roma population. In connection with the decline of mining activities, many people lost their 

jobs and it is difficult for them to get a new job in another field because of their qualification. 

The problem of the Roma minority is linked to low educational level which reduces their 

chances of employability. 

� High dependency of employment on the largest employer SUAS mining company - 

about 5,000 people are employed in SUAS and other 5,000 in downstream sector. 

Regarding the potentials 

� Bad environmental image 

Brown coal mining and downstream industries have a very negative impact on all components 

of the environment (pollution, “lunar landscape”). Sokolov region is known as one of the most 

damaged region in CR. 

Operations 


� Lack of cooperation between SUAS and the Microregion - lack of willingness to 

cooperate from SUAS´s side. 

EXTERNAL FACTORS 

OPPORTUNITIES 

Political 

� Policies supporting renewable energy sources (biomass, geothermal energy…) – at 

national, regional and local level. 


40

There have been already carried some studies exploring using of geothermal energy from 

mining water in CR (within the Project RIV/61989100:27350/99:00009238 Possibility of 

geothermal energy utilization from the coalmine waters in CR, Project GA105/09/0808: 

Exploration of Raw Material and Energy Use of the Potential of Mine Water in Flooded 

Uranium Mines). The study of geothermal energy using in the Sokolov region is planned 

(cooperation with Mansfeld-Südharz region) within this ReSource project. Thus there is 

the big opportunity which could be used soon. 

Generally, development is expected in biomass cultivation for energy use because the Czech 

Republic has committed that 8 % of consumed energy till the end of 2010 and 13 % till 2020 

will come from renewable sources. 

The first step in biomass cultivation on stockpiles in CR was made within the Project No: 

11M0571 of MEYS. This type of reclamation is highly recommended so the development in 

this area is expected. But it will depend also on national energy concept and on the amount 

of subvention for biomass cultivation for energetic purposes. 

Support of technologies using renewable and alternative energy sources in the region and 

research in use of geothermal energy is a part of Karlovy Vary Region Development 

Programme. 

� Collaboration with Bavaria and Saxony 

The Microregion, LAG Sokolovsko and Karlovy Vary Region support and initialize 

international cooperation projects in tourism (e.g. project Boating Ohře), education (e.g. 

collaboration between Steinwaldhalle Waldershof-Bavaria and Czech Civil Center for New 

Energy, Environment, Culture and Sports), innovations etc. 

� Use of reclaimed area for tourism (Lake Medard, Golf Course Sokolov) is one 

of the main priorities of Karlovy Vary Region, LAG Sokolovsko and Sokolov-East 

Microregion. 

� Mining territory as priority area for regional support - Karlovy Vary Region classifies 

the mining territory as one of the priorities for regional support. 

Economic 

� Better use of EU funds 

� Support of local SME 

Social 


41

� Higher interest for living in the countryside – suburbanization from Karlovy Vary. 

Legal 

� Support of employment by Karlovy Vary Region 

The support of development projects and business projects that create new long-term stable 

jobs is the priority of Karlovy Vary Region Development Programme (first step should be 

establishment of Karlovy Vary Agency for Business Development). 

THREATS 

Social 

� General trend of population aging 

Although the average age of the residents in the Microregion is better than the countrywide 

average it is threatened by population aging which is general trend in the whole country. 

� Emigration of skilled workers from the region to other regions within CR or abroad. 

� Increasing unemployment and connected emigration 

Notes: 

All used statistical data was provided by Czech Statistical Office, Prague. 

List of abbreviations: 

CR – Czech Republic 

EU – European Union 

SME – small and middle enterprises 

SUAS – mining company Sokolovská uhelná, a.s. 

MEYS - Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic 


42


Gergely Horváth 

Gábor Csüllög 

SWOT Salgótarján 

2.6. SWOT Salgótarján (HUN) 

43

Situation analysis 

According to the regional division of the European Union (NUTS) today the town is situated 

in the North Hungary Region (HU31), it is the seat of Nógrád County (HU313) and the centre 

of the Salgótarján Micro-region, at the same time it is one of the 23 county rank towns in 

Hungary. The mining and the industry creating the town was decisive for almost 130 years 

and presented capabilities with very severe tasks and utmost difficult problems later with the 

system change aftermath changing the structure of industry. In the region mining brown coal 

started in 1848. By the end of the 19th century, mining in the vicinity of Salgótarján was in 

the hands of 3 major companies. The development and formation of the present view of the 

town were grossly influenced by several other industries, such as the iron and later the glass 

production. Up to the start of the coal mining Salgótarján used to be a relatively insignificant 

settlement which was awarded town rank in 1922 and gradually assimilated the nearby 

villages having already been administratively attached (Somoskő, Somoskőújfalu, 

Zagyvaróna, Zagyvapálfalva, Rónafalu e.g.), while new mining colonies came into being 

(Salgóbánya, Somlyóbánya, e.g.). So ’Great’ Salgótarján having emerged this way originally 

consisted of a not really characteristically urban centre and a set of village-like settlements 

surrounding it. (As the only administrative new change, Somoskőújfalu separated from 

Salgótarján on 1st October 2006 as a result of a local ballot and became an independent 

settlement again.) In 1950 Salgótarján became a county rank town and the seat of Nógrád 

County was relocated here as well. During the 50’s due to the state development projects it 

evolved a typical ’socialist town’ and grew to be the industrial, administrative, commercial 

and cultural centre of the county. After the great mining achievements of the 50’s production 

gradually diminished as the output of the deep cultivation mines decreased and production 

got more expensive. In 1993 the coal-mining company ceased to be and coal mining was 

given up similarly to many mining regions of the country. The powerful 100 years of mining 

and industry called forth not only a massive industrial structure and a town functioning as an 

economic and administrative centre next to it, but an urban society as well, living in a sizable, 

well-constructed infrastructure. In this society the well-trained trade intellectuals and the 

traditionally meant skilled worker layer, and despite the problems and crises of the past 

decades it possesses significant cultural values and traditions. 

As the consequence of the structural change in the industry after the decay of the mining the 

industry got into serious trouble, more and more important plants went bankrupt 

consequently the number of industrial workplaces diminished significantly, which caused a 

massive unemployment of about 10% by the turn of the century. The town lost not only the 


44

socialist industrial structure but became the loser of the renewing industrial structural 

change, too, as the foreign owned industrial companies fitting into the new structure did not 

appear here. Because of the lack of workplaces and the growing unemployment, many 

moved to other settlements and the population of Salgótarján started to decrease. The whole 

region, especially the earlier heavy industrial centres suffered a severe kickback. It is clearly 

shown by the per capita GDP value being under the national average. The fate of the town 

bears the characteristics of the Central European industrial towns but we can stress 

individual features in the course of industrialisation that had momentous effect on the 

structure, functions and the character of the environment of the town. Its unique features 

however gives not only the problems, it can provide facilities for the solution and may contain 

the ways of change. 

Swot analysis 


STRENGTH WEAKNESSES 

Suitability for showing geological and 

geomorphologic specialities for scientific 

and educational purpose 

As special rarity, suitability for showing 

pseudo-caves caused by collapses having 

followed the undermining 

Accessibility of these natural or 

anthropogenic geosites are mostly not 

too difficult 

A clear intention of the local selfgovernment 

to raise from the dead the 

mining heritage 

Suitability for showing the technical 

heritage like miners’ tools etc. on-thespot 

Some former miner colonies as 

architectural monuments survived the 

change 

Utilization of post-mining natural potentials 

The region is mainly not suitable for adopting 

well-known utilization types of other mining 

regions 

Lack of capital, as utilization of post-mining 

natural potentials needs at first investment 

No detailed calculation yet of such projects 

Privatization of services weakens the 

intervention of the local authorities 

Local people do not grasp that utilization of 

post-mining potentials is a break-out point 

from the crisis 

Utilization of post-mining cultural potentials 

The self-governments as owners of the former 

mining infrastructure have very small financial 

funds to renew or at least to maintenance the 

mining heritage 

Lack of working out of ideas how to utilize the 

remained mining infrastructure 

45

The last generation of the miners is still 

preserving the mining tradition 

The miners’ choir and orchestra, a brass 

band still exist 

Town of county rank – mayor’s office 

County seat - county administrative 

office 

Administrative institutions of county 

level 

Significant industrial past 

Industrial park 

Advantageous logistical situation 

Relatively high number of residents 

Favourable population structure 

High qualification compared to region 

Remarkable intellectual capital 

Easy-to-activate centres of knowledge 

(’think tanks’) 

Near Budapest 

Next to border 


Regional state of development 

Serious lack of funds 

No institution of national or regional rank 

No potentially strong economic performer 

Insufficient integration of economic 

performers into town development 

Poor interest enforcement of civil sphere 

Economy 

Break-off of industrial plants 

Little outside economic investment 

Diminishing number of workplaces 

Few appropriate level economic performers 

Human resources, society 

Slow ageing 

Rising unemployment 

Sharp decrease of employees 

Geographical situation, accessibility 

Railway connections atrophied by central 

government 

Heavy transit traffic 

46

Good infrastructure 

Development projects continually 

realised 

Favourable natural properties 

Varied medium height mountainous land 

Large forest areas 

Important Nature Protection Areas 

Remarkable cultural and historic region 


Urban environment, life quality 

Unfavourable urban structure 

Unfavourable state of many self-government 

handled buildings 

Outdated state of industrial constructions 

stretching into living areas 

Massive rust belt (brown zone) 

Natural environment, locality 

Environmental problems 

Degrading countryside 

Unused countryside values 

Traditions 

Mining and industrial traditions Tradition attendance dependant on age group 

The potentials of the town derive mainly from its central functions which are strictly 

connected to its mining and industrial past. The granted role of county seat made it a centre 

not only economically but regarding the social, health, educational and cultural functions, too. 

The significantly concentrated population, the country rank institution system gave a very firm 

long-term basis for the functioning and maintaining the roles of the town. The period of strong 

economy had a fruitful effect on the demographic structure, mainly on the age and 

qualification groups. The high number of births during the given decades was followed by a 

less remarkable population decrease, the social-health-educational and the network 

infrastructures (local transport, convenience flat stock) however had a massive maintaining 

force regarding population with which the leadership of the town has managed well even 

after the heavy decay of the economy. This situation is strengthened further by the significant 

intellectual capital, a part of which is also of economic origin and accumulated not only in the 

experts of the given age groups, but in the remaining performers of the economy, in the 

social, health, educational and cultural institutions ’serving’ the town. The cause of its weak 

points primarily is the significant lack of funds, which happened because of the reduction of 

47

mining and later the industrial sector in connection with the national economic structural 

change, which meant a considerable number of layouts. Secondly, the two decades long 

unilateral economic policy of the central government did not give competitive possibilities for 

the region, so the construction of the new economic structure, the investors of great 

potentials and matching the local resources failed to happen. Thirdly, the central 

governments force the town, together with many other towns, to fulfil the binding functions in 

a lack-of funds mood. Calculating the two sides the strong points side is much more 

dominant than the weak one, the strong points are more lasting, having a greater effect and 

being effective in a longer time-span, whereas the majority of the weak points are short term 

and most of them can be handled parallel to the economic boom by well-planned 

development projects. The demographic, infrastructural, think-tank, landscape and cultural 

traditional components of the strong points mean appropriate pillars to further development 

and to the mining heritage being used as value, which in case it is realised may help solve 

the human resource, landscape, environmental and partly the economic problems, too. 

Naturally, the success of these is grossly influenced by the capability to use the opportunities 

of outside factors. It may be advantageous to this that most of these are connected to the 

strong points of the town; the dangers however depend in many respects on the further 

decay of the region and the inclinations of the central government. 


OPPORTUNITIES THREATS 

Involving the mining heritage into the 

geopark project 

Possibility to establish new tourist 

destinations for the public, e.g. involving 

abandoned mines as geosites into thematic 

tourist projects 

Utilization of large areas of former dumps 

and slag-cones for producing biomass 

because a new power station will be built in 

the region 

Crack water collecting in galleries of former 

coalmines can play greater role as source of 

water supply 

Development of the tourism of region needs 

the utilization of remained buildings, e.g. like 

Utilization of post-mining natural potentials 

Utilization of post-mining cultural potentials 

In certain cases contrary interest of the 

tourism organisations and the authorities of 

the nature conservancy 

After finishing a development project, it will 

not be on-going in the future 

The further is the time of closing of the 

mining activity, the less hope is to utilize the 

48

tourist information centre or small 

exhibition halls 

Building up co-operation with other former 

mining regions for preserve the mining 

heritage, e.g. “old boy” football 

tournaments, choir festivals etc. 


remained infrastructure 

Regional state of development 

Extinction of the miners’ tradition because 

the former active miners are mostly old men 

Young generation has moderate interest for 

being active member of traditional miners’ 

cultural associations and for taking part in 

their activities 

Geopark co-operation to build No activity in the catchment area 

Settling companies in industrial park 

Strengthening local economic performers 

Shaping a new structure of vocational 

training 

Strengthening the activity of civil society 

Better use of transit potential 

Strengthening trans-border connections 

Central funds for housing estate 

rehabilitation 

Maintaining and raising infrastructural 

standards 

Safeguarding integration of natural values 

into urban space 

Economy 

Human resources, society 

Continuing economic decay of region 

Insufficient central assistance 

Long-term failure to invest from outside 

Central restriction of educational structure 

Closing the college 

Geographical situation, accessibility 

Further worsening communal transport 

connection with Budapest 

Urban environment, life quality 

Natural environment 

Unhandled increase of through transit 

transport environment burden 

Failing to tackle environmental problems 

Further degradation of landscape 

49

Creating landscape management 

Further maintenance of traditions 

incorporating it into education 

Compilation of their utilisation 


Traditions 

Decaying traditions 

Because of the low level of regional and local development projects there is no financing 

economy and there is no financing local population to restructure the brown zone and heal 

the environmental wounds. As there weren’t sizeable investments by great companies (and 

the multinational companies also avoided the region), new structural elements as boosting 

factors are not to be found, only the medium and small enterprises can be mentioned as 

positive, even they appeared together with the service sphere. All these are obstacles to 

modernisation and new urban space functions. Breaking-out of crisis however has chances 

from the viewpoints of settlement structure and space structure. 

Paradoxically in the case of Salgótarján, the factors of industrialisation (space situation, 

stream corridor – railway, public road –, population concentration, settlement density) may be 

the bases of emerging after the industrial era. Only exploiting these can it become 

financeable to reconstruct and integrate into the new system the natural-local-cultural values 

having been damaged by heavy industrial activity. 

50


Sylwia Dołzbłasz 

SWOT Wałbrzych 

2.7. SWOT Wałbrzych (POL) 

51

As part of ReSource, one of the elements of the project is the SWOT analysis of post-mining 

areas which consists of analyses of particular regions, including the Wałbrzych commune 

(Poland) [commune is the lowest unit of territorial division in Poland]. The SWOT analysis for 

Wałbrzych was carried out by a team of researchers from the University of Wrocław in June 

2010. In order to identify the post-mining potential, a SWOT analysis was carried out in 

accordance with the Resource project. 

The Wałbrzych commune is situated in the south-western part of Poland in Lower Silesia 

Province. Before 1989 the economy of the town and the whole region depended on mining. 

About 20% of the labour force in Wałbrzych was directly employed in the mining industry. As 

a result of the closure of hard coal mines in the 90s the city had to implement a profound 

restructuring process in many fields. 

Among the strengths of the Wałbrzych commune, location seems to be essential. Its 

mountainous location, which is attractive in terms of natural scenery and tourism, is an 

important potential as it allows to include the post-mining features of the region in the 

development of tourism. Additionally, one needs to mention health resorts and rapidly 

developing top grade tourism. Another important strength of this area is the existence of 

numerous architectural monuments (including the Książ Castle). Moreover, neighbouring 

communes are willing to co-operate in development and promotion of tourism. In this 

context, the vicinity of Czech and German borders and closeness to big cities is a serious 

advantage. All these features, together with identified among „opportunities” development of 

tourism in the whole area of the Sudety region, the growing popularity of active leisure 

pursuits and improving quality of the environment fall into the „realising chances” category. 

However, among obstacles to be overcome in this context (utilization of the “weaknesses” 

category) are the region’s unfavourable image and insufficient tourist accommodation and 

food infrastructure. Insufficient funds for necessary infrastructural investments and low level 

of entrepreneurship of the inhabitants were assessed as belonging to the “avoid risk” 

category. 

As regards the analysis of the actors and their relationships, there are mainly optimistic 

elements, with some weak points which need to be eliminated. Current local authorities of 

the commune are its strong point as they introduce, among other things, integrated plans of 

utilization and development of post-mining areas. Moreover, there is active co-operation with 

The Lower Silesian Regional Development Agency Plc. in Wałbrzych (including Lower 

Silesian Technology Park) and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Wałbrzych. The above, 

combined with the identified economic opportunities, offer optimistic economic prospects. In 


52

the social sphere, however, the weak point is a relatively small number of NGOs and 

inadequate co-operation between the authorities and non-governmental sector. Here, the 

policy of local community activation could bring positive results. 

In the field of economics, the main weakness is the closure of many industrial plants (mostly 

connected with the mining industry) and unemployment resulting from it. This problem was 

party solved by the creation of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and other pro-investment 

initiatives of local authorities. In favourable macro-economic conditions, these problems 

might be overcome over a longer period. However, under negative macro-economic 

conditions, they might intensify. The low level of entrepreneurship and lack of own funds for 

investments are a real drawback. On the one hand, pro-investment policy, the creation of 

business incubators, or the adjustment of educational institutions to the demand for the 

labour force and the policy of raising the qualifications of employees could eliminate for 

example unemployment, imbalance between supply and demand for work force. On the 

other hand, however, these opportunities could help use the strengths of the region such as 

active pro-investment activity of self-government authorities, or industrial experience of the 

labour force. 

Most negative features are to be found in the social sphere. Among weaknesses there are 

depopulation processes (especially the outflow of young, educated people), a relatively low 

level of human and social capitals, low level of entrepreneurship, and high level of 

unemployment. At the same time, it needs to be stressed that these indicators have been 

constantly improving in recent years. These weaknesses may be overcome in the future if 

they are balanced by such opportunities as adopting the policy of social mobilization, 

counteracting unemployment etc. and increased absorption of EU funds for human and 

social capitals. With regard to the social sphere, we can indicate the activity of numerous 

cultural institutions in Wałbrzych as a strength of the region, which, in combination with an 

opportunity to develop tourism forms the “realizing chances” category. 

Insufficient utilization of post-mining potentials until now is a weakness of the Wałbrzych 

commune. The majority of post-mining regions are not developed, which leads to ownership 

problems, degradation of the region and damage of post-mining infrastructure. Lack of 

appropriate rehabilitation programmes and special aid projects for post-mining regions can 

also be treated as a weakness. Another drawback is lack of integrated activities so far in this 

aspect. The activity of current local authorities and the realization of a very big and good 

project in the field of utilization of post-mining areas (“Old Colliery” Project) is definitely its 

strength. Assuming the occurrence of opportunities, such as for instance the election of 


53

competent authorities in future elections (at various levels), the development of co-operation 

with other post-mining regions in the country and abroad (transition from competition to co- 

operation resulting in increased influence on „pro-mining” policy at regional as well as 

national level), access to bigger funds for activities in post-mining areas (national and EU 

funds), this weakness could be overcome. However, adverse, unfavourable conditions 

(threats) might hinder the development of post-mining potentials of the Wałbrzych commune. 

When considering innovation in the area of post-mining potentials’ utilization, the realization 

of the “Old Colliery” project is a significant strength of the Wałbrzych commune. This is a 

complex, interdisciplinary project of post-mining area development designed for various 

types of service activities (commercial and non-commercial) and the creation of “vibrant” 

public space in a place which was almost “dead” until now. A positive aspect of this situation 

is co-operation of local, regional and national authorities on this project as well as significant 

support from EU funds (EUR 8,5 m EU allocation). This combined with the above-mentioned 

opportunities can lead to intensification of utilization of post-mining regions, especially in 

good economic climate and reduction of the outflux of young people from the region. Another 

opportunity for better development of post-mining potentials is the development of tourism. 

Elimination of the weakness of inactivity regarding utilization of natural potentials would 

require the appearance of an opportunity such as implementation of the policy of utilization of 

renewable sources of energy at the national level and availability of special funds for such 

projects. 

One opportunity which may positively affect the weaknesses is the development of co- 

operation, both between territorial units as well as various types of actors. The influence of 

co-operating communes and mining/ post-mining poviats at the regional / national level in 

order to introduce advantageous policies / activities / instruments at the regional / national 

level would undoubtedly be more effective than single activities. Similarly, integrated 

activities in the European arena are more effective. The development of co-operation entails 

greater chances of obtaining EU funds for various purposes, and the lack of funds is the 

weakness of the Wałbrzych commune in many aspects. Another opportunity here is also co- 

operation between various types of actors within the commune. Here, we need to mention 

„realising chances” category, e.g. engaging the activity of various actors in the development 

of tourism, including the use of post-mining attractions as well as „utilisation of weaknesses”, 

e.g. co-operation of various actors in order to improve social indicators. 

Utilizations of post-mining potentials in the Wałbrzych commune are still insufficient. Due to 

numerous problems in social and economic areas, the authorities focused on dealing with 


54

urgent problems in these areas. In recent years, however, we could observe a change and 

the beginning of the process of integrated development of post-mining regions of the 

commune. Post-mining heritage is an important issue for Wałbrzych. Years of negligence in 

the management of post-mining areas are largely impossible to make up for (e.g. 

complicated structure of ownership of these regions, degradation of technical infrastructure). 

However, the occurrence of even a fraction of these opportunities identified in the analysis 

would allow to take advantage of unquestionable post-mining potentials for the benefit of 

local development of the Wałbrzych commune. 


55

Combined SWOT results 

56


Jörn Harfst 

Peter Wirth 

Gerd Lintz 

Christoph Bieberstein 


3. COMBINED SWOT ANALYSIS 

57

3.1. Introduction 


opportunities and threats (external factors) of all 7 regions in ReSOURCE. The analysis was 

carried out by the IOERs research team within ReSOURCE in cooperation with all academic 

partners. It is based on the single SWOT I reports of each partner and includes some 

findings from the analysis of the basic data set (see Annex 4.1.). In order to conduct this 

research step all single SWOT items of each single SWOT matrix were analysed and 

common features extracted. As the single SWOT I reports, the combined analysis asks for 

the utilisation of post-mining potentials and general development options, this time across all 

regions. This way the research brings about common strengths, weaknesses, opportunities 

and threats for the 7 mining regions. This result is a first step towards the following outputs 

5.3.1. “Recommendations on strategy development” and 5.3.2. “Transnational 

recommendations on thematic utilisation” in the work package 5. The following text will only 

discuss the main aspects of the combined SWOT analysis. For more detailed results of the 

analysis see the full combined SWOT matrix in annex 4.4. 

3.2. Results 

Strengths 

Identification and use of cultural potentials 

All of the case-study regions in ReSOURCE possess cultural mining potentials, which 

have been recognized and used in different intensities. These potentials are often deeply 

rooted in the regional identity and sustained by different local organisations (miners 

association etc.) with the aim to preserve the historic heritage. Such potentials include mining 

and technical museums (i.e. in Salgótarján, Zasavje, Wałbrzych), mining heritage and 

traditions (“Miners days”, Saint Barbara festivities, parades etc), touristic mining railways 

(Mansfeld-Südharz) and many more. Each region has at least one such feature, often a 

variety of them. What differs across the regions is the intensity in which the potentials are 

used: While some places have integrated the mining heritage into their overall tourism 

strategy (Mansfeld-Südharz, FLOEZ, Steirische Eisenstrasse) and their plans for a future 

development of the region (Sokolov-East) other regions have found it more difficult to 


58

develop an integrated destination marketing, where the mining heritage is included 

(Salgótarján). 

Additional to the touristic potentials of the former mining industries, most mining regions also 

have additional touristic potentials, often connected to the other cultural heritage or the 

natural surroundings of such places. These can be interesting landscapes, nature reserves 

etc., whose potentials can only now, after the end of mining, be fully recognized. Good 

examples are the lake areas in the former open-cast mines in Sokolov-East, the geological 

reserve in Salgótarján or the Sudety Mountains in the surroundings of Wałbrzych. 

Industrial potentials 

Three case-study regions still have an active mining industry in place (Sokolov-East, 

Zasavje and Steirische Eisenstrasse). Although the future prospects of the these industries 

are mixed and phasing-out activities are under way in the Slovenian and Czech cases, the 

mining and connected industries remain, for the time being, an important industrial cluster 

with technical experience and professional skills. Also it has to be taken into account that in 

some regions where excavation has ended, the possibilities of the reprocessing of dump 

sites and heaps for industrial purposes is still an option, depending on the development of 

market prices (Mansfeld-Südharz, Wałbrzych). Overall this indicates that some industrial 

core units remain in almost all the case-study regions. While some of these are connected 

to (former) mining industries (i.e. in Mansfeld-Südharz and Sokolov-East), others are linked 

to state-led interventions to support the regions in the phase of structural change (automotive 

cluster in FLOEZ, Special Economic Zone in Wałbrzych). 

Cooperation and projects 

Most of the ReSOURCE regions have made experiences with development programmes 

and ways of acquiring funds from outside the region. Such national or European Union 

funding opportunities and projects differ widely in their character and size, but often the 

utilisation of the mining potentials plays an important role. They can deal for example with 

touristic mining trails (Wałbrzych), revitalisation of mining neighbourhoods (Zasavje, 

Steirische Eisenstrasse) or the re-development of old mining buildings for touristic purposes 

(Mansfeld-Südharz, Steirische Eisenstrasse, Wałbrzych). Such projects require some forms 

of institutional cooperation and leadership. Depending on the specific local situation, 

almost all regions possess formal and/or informal actor’s networks, which provide regional 

leadership and foster ideas for future regional development. These arrangements can be 

based on mainly non-governmental initiatives (Mansfeld-Südharz, Steirische Eisenstrasse) or 


59

e rested in more formal state-led structures (FLOEZ, Zasavje). An important tool in these 

cases is the European Union’s LEADER programme. In those regions where applicable, the 

LEADER organisation forms an important forum and facilitator for the development and 

funding of projects, which often includes the utilisation of mining heritage (Mansfeld-Südharz, 

Steirische Eisenstrasse, Sokolov-East). A second important arena to establish forms of a 

functioning regional decision-making network is through cooperation in the tourism sector, 

which in some cases has led to the creation of a regional marketing label (Wałbrzych, 

Steirische Eisenstrasse, Sokolov-East). 


As former centres of industrial production almost all regions have good transport 

connections at least to national standards. Almost all regions are rather easily accessible by 

standard road and train networks, although in some cases infrastructures have suffered from 

decay in the last years. This gives the case-study regions a certain centrality in their national 

context. Some regions are also (part of) important regional/national agglomerations and 

have therefore important higher infrastructures in place (universities, cultural centres, 

hospitals, seats of administration), that could foster growth and development (FLOEZ, 

Wałbrzych, Salgótarján). Some regions also are close to national borders, handing such 

places a heightened importance as logistical nodal points in transnational traffic (Sokolov- 

East, Salgótarján). Also some case-study areas have seen in the recent years positive 

economic development, at least by economic indicators such as unemployment, 

investment rates or innovation index (Wałbrzych, Sokolov-East, Zasavje). 

Weaknesses 

Non-use of natural energy potentials 

Regarding the use of post-mining potentials, the utilisation of natural energy potentials is 

non-existent across the case-study areas. In none of the regions practical projects have 

been implemented, only in some regions pre-investment studies exist (FLOEZ, Zasavje). 

This is even more deplorable as all regions have the potential to foster energy production 

through biomass or geothermal energy utilisation (vast land reserves, brown fields, mine 

shafts etc.). 

Problems of structural change 


60

The end or substantial downsizing of the mining industry in the case-study regions has led to 

a variety of interconnected economic and social problems. The process of structural 

change has marked all regions by high unemployment rates, a low growth environment 

and investment rates. Accordingly all places struggle with social problems, such as social 

disparities and low qualification of the workforce. Also most regions face problems 

regarding their social infrastructures such as public transport, housing and road network due 

to underinvestment (especially valid in Zasavje, Wałbrzych and Salgótarján). As an effect 

from these processes almost all regions show problematic population indicators. The 

areas are considerable affected by processes of negative demographic development, such 

as outmigration of younger and skilled population, depopulation and ageing of the remaining 

inhabitants (especially apparent in Mansfeld-Südharz, FLOEZ, Salgótarján). 

Unclear rehabilitation status 

In most regions the rehabilitation of former mining land remains an open issue. Often 

ownership of brown field sites is unclear and rehabilitation has not taken place at all or 

was insufficient. The existence of often extensive brown field sites, close to population 

centres, hinders development. Unresolved remediation of former mining sites creates an 

unfavourable climate for new investments, as the risks of such, often contaminated sites, 

are not clear for possible investors. Often large scale, derelict industrial sites create and 

sustain a bad, “black” regional image in most of the former mining regions. In addition to 

the aspects named above, this makes the case-study areas weak tourism destinations. 

Although such places are often set in interesting landscapes that would enhance the 

development of tourism, poor image and often insufficient infrastructures hinder a better 

exploitation of such potentials. 

Problems in cooperation and coordination 

Although having stated that all regions have made experiences with projects funded from 

outside and have developed some kind of structures to gain access to such money, this 

should not hide the fact that many regions suffer from insufficient forms of cooperation 

and organisation. Such problems can stem from political disagreement within the mining 

region itself (different visions, rivalries between municipalities, i.e. Mansfeld-Südharz, 

FLOEZ) or from problems between politics and important economic actors (i.e. Mining 

companies), as it is the case in Sokolov-East, Salgótarján and Steirische Eisenstrasse. In 

some regions there is also a profound lack of cooperation between local and 

regional/national actors (i.e. Salgótarján, Wałbrzych). Also a negative effect can have unclear 


61

or changing administrative structures and responsibilities (i.e. Zasavje, Mansfeld-Südharz). 

Such conflicts often lead to a lack of coherent strategic options and hamper the successful 

application for investment funds from other sources (especially relevant in FLOEZ, Zasavje 

and Wałbrzych). 

Opportunities 

Development of natural potentials 

Different aspects could lead to a heightened interest in the utilisation of natural energy 

resources, which are potentially available in all mining regions. Solar energy and wind 

energy plants, as well as biomass and geothermal energy production on former mining lands 

and disused shafts, offer an alternative and ecological friendly way of energy production. 

With a general boom in renewable ways of energy production, technical progress and 

rising energy costs over the last decade, the energetic potentials in mining regions could 

be an option of regional development. The sector will depend on national or EU efforts to 

strengthen such alternative ways of energy production in form of subsidies and research 

activities (as happened in Germany, with the renewable energy legislation) and the support 

of local energy producers. Additionally former mining regions also depend on market prices 

for raw materials (especially valid in the case of the two ore mining regions of Mansfeld- 

Südharz and Steirische Eisenstrasse). A sharp increase of metal prices and technological 

progress in form of better extraction methods (which would make mining viable again) could 

renew interest in mining or the reprocessing of dumps and heaps. 

Development of touristic potentials 

One of the main opportunities identified in almost all of the case-study regions is the 

potential on the inland tourism market. In times of economic instability, rising fuel and 

energy costs, especially the inland tourism market will gain importance. Some regions are 

already linked to important regional tourism areas or exciting landscapes (i.e. FLOEZ/Ore 

Mountains, Steirische Eisenstrasse/Alps), a fact that could help underline existing touristic 

values and could considerably strengthen the overall touristic development of these areas. 

New funding initiatives 

Another opportunity for former mining regions would be a stronger support from national 

government agencies or the European Union in form of special programmes for structural 


62

change/rehabilitation or labour market support. Especially Central and Eastern European 

states (Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Poland) might hope for such financial 

opportunities in the new European funding period from 2013 onwards. Nevertheless for 

countries like Austria and Germany, this option seems unrealistic. 

New forms of cooperation 

Another opportunity can be identified in a close cooperation of mining regions in 

regional, national and European contexts. There is an increased importance in internal 

and external networking between European mining regions, in order to strengthen 

cooperation structures that would help regions to overcome their difficulties stemming from 

the structural changes (i.e. through organisations such as EURACOM, ENMR or MINEC). 

Additional to this exchange of experiences, such strengthening of network structures would 

also enhance the position of mining regions in regard of influencing national and 

European funding agendas by a united lobbying towards more assistance to overcome 

development problems and the realisation of the new funding initiatives already mentioned. 

Threats 

Lack of funding 

A realistic threat to the further development of most mining regions is a future decrease of 

funding for regional development in general. This is especially valid for regions that are 

located in nation states with weak economic indicators, but is also valid for strong economic 

performers (i.e. Germany, Austria) as even there, is a general trend away from active 

redistribution policies for weaker regions such as mining regions. As with the funds of the 

European Union, all mining regions face now, in absence of special programmes, a growing 

competition with other regions (i.e. rural) for money and investment. This puts additional 

pressures on the in many cases already strained resources and capacities of mining regions 

and could lead to the situation, where an unfavourable status-quo remains unchanged. 

Unresolved rehabilitation 

Connected to the threat of a decrease in state support is a further environmental degradation 

in the former mining areas, which did not see a sufficient rehabilitation yet. This could mean 

that environmental problems of such regions could become more severe, making 

rehabilitation of brown field sites more costly and increase the risks for human health. This 


63

would mean a carrying forward of negative structural factors into the future development, 

which would hamper any development initiative and see further degradation of the former 

mining regions. 

Continuing outmigration 

For many case-study regions a continuing outmigration could be a severe threat to the 

future. Resulting from negative consequences of structural change (high unemployment, 

degradation of social infrastructures), as well as national trends towards demographic 

changes and re-urbanisation, could mean a further downturn in local economies and 

increase the trend towards outmigration, which would severely hamper all efforts of such 

regions to invest/utilise its mining potentials and overall regional development options. 

3.3. Discussion 

At the beginning of the “SWOT I Analysis” three core questions were formulated, which now, 

after the combined study results, can be reflected upon: 

Status-quo of utilisation of post-mining potentials in defined regions 

Research question: What potentials are currently used in the region? 

One of the most interesting outcomes of the SWOT analysis is the current utilisation of 

mining potentials. While cultural potentials are used across all regions in different 

intensities, the utilisation of natural potentials shows a different picture. Here 

landscape potentials are often realised in various ways, but usage of natural energy 

potentials is non-existent in the case-study regions. The reason why cultural potentials 

are so frequently used is open to speculation: On the one hand, mining heritage is an 

important part of regional identity, with various local groups aiming for the preservation of the 

industrial past (miners associations etc.). Often this internal initiative, which intends to save 

local history through an exhibition or a small-scale museum, is the nucleus for larger projects 

aiming at external tourists. The preserved mining history is then often incorporated into a 

larger tourism strategy, which offers new opportunities for the future development of the 

regions. On the other hand the availability of money from the European Union’s Regional 

Development Fund (ERDF) gives the opportunity to fund investments in former mining 

buildings, establishment of show mines and other activities connected to mining heritage that 

can be easily handled by local actors. Here the combination of regional initiative and 

European funding obviously creates a fruitful field of action. 


64

In the case of natural energy potentials, the non-use of such potentials could be interpreted 

as a lack of innovative capacity in the regions and a lack of funding opportunities on national 

and European level. Such projects usually require larger funding, as they do not fit into the 

European Union’s ERDF programme, which is a well known instrument to most regions. 

Therefore the realisation of such potentials usually requires a broader range of actors from 

different policy levels (regional and national), which might increase the probability of such 

projects to collapse at an early stage. Also the technological and the experimental/pilot 

character of such projects pose a potential risk that might hamper demand for such 

utilisations. Nevertheless given the general framework conditions for alternative energy 

sources in the future, energy production in mining regions could be seen as an important 

feature in order to create a viable and sustainable option for regional development. 

Regional development options in general 

Research question: What are the region’s framework conditions for using such 

potentials? 

In regard to framework conditions the combined “SWOT I analysis” reflects one of the basic 

assumptions of the research approach, namely that mining regions are in many ways 

disadvantaged because of structural changes that have taken place after mine closure or 

downsizing of mining activities. This is underlined by a variety of negative economic and 

social indicators such as unemployment rates; GDP rates; demographic development etc 

(see Annex 4.5.). An additional challenge is the frequently unresolved rehabilitation of 

former mining sites and large inner-city brown field areas, which hamper new investment 

and underline the often unfavourable image of these regions. These issues are especially 

problematic for small and medium-sized cities and regions as such places lack financial and 

organisational capacities to cope with these challenges appropriately. 

Nevertheless, when looking at the strengths that many former mining regions possess, it 

becomes clear that these areas are not as rule sites of a negative growth environment. Even 

here the mining past plays an important role in the future development of such areas. Thanks 

to the former mining and its related industries many of the regions have favourable location 

factors, such as well developed transport connections and good social infrastructures. 

Furthermore these places are still places of industrial knowledge and tradition, where 

some specialised core units survived the structural change of mining industries. Such 

companies, together with remaining industrial skills of the remaining workforce, could form a 


65

possible stepping stone for other industrial sector investments, utilising some remains of the 

region’s former growth path. The end of mining also opens for many regions the chance to 

utilise potentials that could not be realised when mining and connected industries where 

active. This is especially valid for touristic utilisation of landscapes surrounding former 

mining sites. It is also interesting to see that local and regional cooperation in the field of 

tourism is an important arena, where collaboration between local and regional actors can be 

formed and tested. 

Management + innovative strategy development 

Research question: How does the region organise the utilisation of potentials? 

Considering the management and utilisation of post-mining potentials the combined SWOT 

results emphasizes that the persistent processes of structural change pose a heavy burden 

to any future development of mining regions. The findings highlight the importance of an 

internal strategy building by local and regional actors towards new development options. 

Nevertheless taking into account the problems and limited local capacities of such regions 

external help is almost inevitable. A pro-active state support is necessary to mediate the 

most urgent problems of such regions, through legislation regarding rehabilitation, economic 

incentives (subsidises, tax breaks) or special regional development programmes. But 

contrary to this need for concerted action and coherent strategy building, in many regions 

collaboration is obstructed by insufficient forms of cooperation and organisation. Such 

problems can stem from political disagreement within mining regions themselves, as well 

as unclear, changing or conflicting administrative structures, responsibilities and 

interests between different administrational levels. Such conflicts often lead to a lack of 

coherent strategic visions and options, which therefore hamper for example the 

successful application for investment and funds from other sources. Such a prolonged 

political stalemate can be one of the biggest risks for former mining regions, as it hampers 

the establishment of innovative and successful forms of regional management that would 

involve new ways towards the use of post-mining potentials. 


66

Annex 

4. ANNEX 

67

Annex 

68

Annex 

4.1. Annex – “Basic information data set” 

69

Annex 

1. General profile 

Geographical position/data 

o Official name of the region 

o Map of city/region (Political regional map – showing involved communities/cities) 

o General geographical data 

� general location 

� position in administrative structure (county, district, federal state) 

� short geographical classification of surrounding natural landscape 

o Area (km², 31.12.2007) 

o Inhabitants 

Accessibility/Location 

� total number (31.12.2007) 

� Population density (compared to national average) 

� by 3 age groups:

Annex 

Economic character of mining 

o number of Employees in mining companies 

� at peak and before the end of mining 

o connected industries/infrastructures 

State of rehabilitation 

� e.g. steel or coking plants, large railway terminals etc 

o environmental damages/other problems 

� E.g. grade of contamination forms of pollution, impacts on landscapes, radiation, 

geological or geomorphologic problems etc. 

o focus of rehabilitation efforts 

o costs (approx.) 

o funding (EU, nation state, private) 

3. Potentials in consequence of mining 

What kind of potentials can be identified to improve competitiveness and attractiveness? 

o Ecological potentials, e.g.: 

� post-mining landscapes, lakes etc 

� available unused land 

� renewable resources 

� thermal water use 

� others 

o Cultural potentials, e.g.: 

� special buildings/infrastructures 

� local traditions, festivities etc 

� industrial knowledge within the population (e.g. energy-based) 

� others 

4. Strategies and projects 

Existence of local/regional development strategies 

o Are there any such strategies? (Regional development strategy, “Leitbild”, vision or masterplan etc) 

o Importance of mining potentials in these strategies 

o Contents, aims and time scale of such strategies 

Old and current projects, which use or refer to existing potentials 

o Projects using ecological potentials 

� rehabilitation of landscapes for new usages (leisure, energy production) 

� others 

71

Annex 

o Projects using cultural potentials 

� e.g. marketing of mining heritage, museums, show mines, tourism 

� regeneration of unused buildings or infrastructures (office development/leisure 

activities) 

� others 

5. Actors and interplay of change 

Different policy levels 

o (National) Rehabilitation programmes in place? 

o (National) Measures, special regulations for development of mining regions? 

o Steering instruments for region under investigation (e.g. special plans, task force)? 

Key actors on local/regional policy level (constellation of actors) 

o Who are the key actors? Which role do they play? 


� Political actors (e.g. major) 

� Scientific institutions 

� Regional planer 

� Regional development agency 

� Experts (e.g. engineers, architects) 

� Enterprises (e.g. flagships of economy, rehabilitation company) 

� Private initiatives, social groups (e.g. neighbourhood committees, environmental groups) 

� Population 

� Media 

� Other individuals and organisations 

o Regional and/or inter-communal cooperation 

o Vertical cooperation (planning regions, federal states, national level etc.) 

o Cooperation between public and private actors 

o Participation (involvement of citizens 

o Interplay between different policy sectors (e.g. environmental/rehabilitation and economic policy) 

o Organisation/process control (e.g. regional development agency, management authority) 

72

Annex 

4.2. Annex – “SWOT Manual” 

73

1. SWOT - General aims 

Annex 

Output 3.3.1. “SWOT-Analysis I” - Methodology paper – Draft (5) 

A SWOT analysis is a rather easy-to-use tool, to analyse a certain status-quo. In the case of ReSOURCE, the 

utilisation of post-mining potentials is to be analysed. In accordance with the project application, the analysis 

will centre on the following 3 lead aspects: 

o Status-quo of utilisation of post-mining potentials in defined regions 

Question: What potentials are currently used in the region? 

o Management + innovative strategy development 

Question: How does the region organise the utilisation of potentials? 

o Regional development options in general 

Question: What are the region’s framework conditions for using such potentials? 

All three questions should be dealt with in one single matrix. The SWOT I will be based on the data which was 

compiled in the regional profiles and regional opening reports. The gathering of additional information should 

not be necessary. 

2. Methodology 

SWOT is based on two tiers of analysis, which are conducted separately: 

First step is the analysis of internal factors (local analysis), which contains the discussion of Strength 

and Weaknesses according to the aims of the SWOT. 

Second step is the analysis of external factors (global analysis), which contains the discussion of 

relevant Opportunities and Threats (positive/negative framework conditions - potential chances and 

risks) 

Source: www.businessteacher.org.uk 

74

a) Strength and Weaknesses - Internal factors 

The analysis of the internal factors is generally conducted as a kind of brainstorming, which is based on the key 

components of People, Resources, Innovation, Marketing, Operations and Finance. For the SWOT I in 

ReSOURCE, the analysis of strength and weaknesses should include the aspects People, Resources, Innovation 

and Operations. The information on these aspects can be gathered from the subsections/chapters of the single 

regional profile reports. 

b) External factors 

Annex 

People 

The analysis of external factors, as opportunities and threats, opens the wider field of trends, development 

options and possibilities. Here it is especially important to take into account only such factors that might be 

relevant for the topic of the SWOT, in our case the use of cultural and natural potentials as a way to improve 

regional development options. The following aspects could (but not necessarily have to) be relevant for the 

case-studies. 

3. Further steps/Research options 

� Key actors 

Resources: 

� Regarding the regional framework: 

o Demographic development 

Political, such as: Subsidies; local, regional, national policies; elections; leadership;... 

Economic, such as: Economic trends; public finances; industrial policy;... 

Social, such as: Demography; life styles; migration; consumption;... 

Technological, such as: Innovation; science; energy;... 

Legal, such as: Employment policy; consumer rights; industrial laws;... 

Environmental, such as: Pollution;... 

A SWOT analysis is not a tool of strategy development by itself. It does not contain a prioritisation of the single 

aspects mentioned in the analysis. SWOT can be used as a base for strategy development, especially by linking 

the separate elements: 

Realising chances (Strength in combination with Opportunities) 

Avoid risks (Strength in combination with Threats) 

o Accessibility/Location/Infrastructures 

o Economic status 

� Regarding the potentials: 

o State of rehabilitation 

o Utilised potentials 

Innovation 

� Main Projects 

Operations 

� Interplay of actors 

Utilisation of weaknesses (Weaknesses in combination with Opportunities) 

75

Annex 

Identify risks (Weaknesses in combination with Threats) 

Stages of strategic planning for regional development (Vanhove, altered by IOER) 

4. Concluding remarks 

Make sure you are discussing the real topic of the SWOT! 

A good SWOT is the result of a group discussion! 

Separate analysis of internal and external factors! 

Concentrate on the status-quo; do not think about strategies at this stage! 

In our case the result should be comprehensive and short (max. 5 pages, full text)! 

5. Further reading 

http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/corpstrtgy/general/swot-analysis.htm 

Vanhove, N./Klaasen, L. (1999): Regional policy a European approach, Ashgate 

Charmack T./Kasshanna, B. (2007): The use and misuse of SWOT analysis and implications for HRD 

professionals. Human Resource development International. Vol.10, No 4, p. 383ff 

76

Annex 

4.3. Annex – Regional SWOT Matrices 

77

ReSOURCE SWOT-Analysis I 

Region: Mansfeld-Südharz 


Potentials Potentials 

Cultural potentials are recognized and strategically used natural potentials not yet used 

Broad regional touristic sector (Wine, Luther, Mining) not a strong tourist destination 

Cone dump are landmarks and identification symbols no orderly rehabilitation process (exception: "major ecological 

projects" ) 

Projects 

Integrative projects (LEADER+, ILE) 

Project to mediate demographic change (BMBF project) 

Actors Actors 

Active informal networks rivalry between municipalities 

Actors (LEADER AG and its management) lack of leadership and visions 

Preservation of traditions (miners assoc) lack of common identity in the district 

Marketing Ltd. To be created (some problems have been Lack of strategic development in the district 

identified) 

Politics Politics 

New administrational structures unite the mining region unstable district structures (3-1) 

membership in two regional planning concepts 

Economics Economics 

Some successful spin-offs from the former MSH coalmining No higher infrastructures 

industry 

Some small and medium sized industries no economic clusters 

rapidly developing demographic downturn 

High Unemployment - decrease in skills available 

Location Location 

Location and accessibility (regional centres + Harz mountains) no higher academic infrastructure in the district 

Motorways + train connections Overall peripheral location 


Raw materials + natural resources 

Increasing raw material prices 

Diversification and decentralization of the energy market 

Increasing energy prices 

Touristic trends 

Increasing importance of strong touristic brands 

Increased inland tourism 

Political opportunities Political threats 

Increasing importance of networks Increased importance of a strategic positioning of regions 

political redistribution strategies become less important 

Re-urbanisation tendencies in Eastern Germany 

decreasing of subsidies on state and EU level 

Annex 

78


Region: FLOEZ 


Potentials Potentials 

Natural potentials in place (heaps, mine water, space) Follow-up costs/damages from mining 

Regional label "Erzgebirge" unclear rehabilitation cases 

Saxonian hard coal mine museum Weak demand for brown field sites 

Substance for Mining tourism is there Natural potentials are not used 

Weak tourism destination 

Projects Projects 

slow implementation of common projects 

Actors 

Actors are well organised/network Future of the WiREG is unclear 

Regional Development Concept in place - FLOEZ is highlighted different views on the problems across the municipalities 

- actions outlined 

WiREG as important facilitator for the mining communities 

informal cooperation forms, inter-communal forum 

Leadership (1 major as key actor) 

Economics Economics 

Automotive cluster General low growth and weak financial environment 

Location factors Location factors 

Close connections to important transport infrastructures Bad image of the region 

Zwickau as a central location with the area negative demographic development 

University of applied science 

Part of an agglomeration 


Touristic trends 

UNESCO World Heritage application - Montanregion 

Increasing importance of inland tourism 

Raw materials + natural resources 

Increasing importance of regional + local energy production 

Political opportunities Political threats 

increasing interest of regional policy institutions in 

Restructuring of districts and municipalities in Saxony 

rehabilitation 

Less potential subsidies from Federal state and EU 

Financial weakness of municipalities 

Economic threats 

Crisis in automotive industry 

Annex 

79


Region: Steirische Eisenstraße 


fully developed general infrastructure weaknesses in infrastructure and accessibility 

fully developed road network (esp. southern part) underdeveloped touristic infrastructure 

Montanuniversität Leoben peripheral location of the northern part 

hospitals distorted housing market (esp. northern part) 

schools 

departments 

developed economy (southern part) economical weaknesses 

regional business centre Leoben strong economical disparities 

superregional industrial centre Leoben ownership structure (big landowners) 

relatively low unemployment rate little motivation/participation due social security 

vast natural landscape Natural weaknesses 

water bodies (tourism, water supply) hostile climate (esp. northern part) 

woods (tourism, forestry, hunting, biomass) 

spectacular mountain range (tourism, extreme sports) 

no bigger ecological damages due to mining 

unique silhouette of the Erzberg 

cultural and historical heritage cultural and historical heritage 

mining related events overall disadvantageous image to industrial/mining history 

general traditional events 

spectacular mining rail road "Erzbergbahn" 

mining monuments 

historical village centers 

events and exhibitions in Leoben 

region as a historical symbol for Styrian development 

close social and administrative networks actors and demography 

Association Steirische Eisentraße (int. cultural management) social exclusiveness of mining association/organisations 2 

Montanuniversität Leoben Rival interest groups (mining companies, industries, 

landowners etc.) 

local magistrates low public property (esp. northern part) 

AMS Eisenerz missing of younger key actors 

strong mayors (esp. Trofaiach, Leoben) loss of younger population (esp. northern part) 

integrated cultural management overaged population 

local steering group Steirische Eisenstraße low educational level (comp to nat. average) 

successful reference projects 

Erzberg-Rodeo (international motorcycle event) 

Abenteuer Erzberg (adventure show mine) 

Redesign Eisenerz (overcome unnecessary infrastructure) 

fixed rope climbing routes 

annual exhibitions in Leoben (Art-Hall Leoben) 

active mining 

prospect of active mining >30 years 

processing plant Eisenerz (Pelletieranlage; 150 new jobs) 1 

others 

social security 

training facilities for competitive sports 


raw materials prices and natural resources raw materials prices and economic factors 

rising ore price falling ore price 

rising oil price (tourism, transportation costs) outsourcing of industries 

water scarcity 

climate change 

e-mobility (energy production: water, biomass) 

rising importance of biomass as energy source 

Annex 

80

political opportunities political threats 

stronger environmental protection legislation cuts in social services 

Semmering-tunnel (high speed railway connection with general shortening of regional subsidies (due to financial crisis) 

Vienna) 

cuts in education sector 

cuts in health care (3 hospitals in Region) 

touristic trends tourism 

rising adventure tourism close touristic top destinations 

rising ecotourism low potential of mining tourism (low involvement product) 

overall disadvantageous image of region 

other opportunities 

good practice examples of other Styrian regions 3 

developing cultural identity (external perception) 

Comments: 

1 

Due to new extraction and processing methods (Pelletieranlage) the prospect of active mining could be prolonged by 30-40 

more years 

2 

Difficult for external actors to contribute to/change something 

3 

Two southern Styrian regions made a dynamic development due to regional products (wine, food) and ecotouristic offers 

Annex 

81


Region: Zasavje 


collective approach to solving major development problems, 

established co-operation between municipalities and on 

regional level 

relatively high level of local initiatives (mostly by organized 

societies and civil society) 

organized youth which actively co-operate in projects’ 

preparation and implementation, project activity of youth: 

locally, regionally and internationally orientated 

Annex 

municipalities have no long-term development objectives, 

they provide short-term results such as road infrastructure, 

also approach to use of post-mining potentials is thus an adhoc 

new generation of municipal spatial plans still in preparation, 

currently planning is performed by plans from 1984 

no clear distinction between development and planning on the 

local and regional level, thus lack of comprehensive 

territorially-orientated projects, projects initiated by individual 

municipalities rather than by the region which results in a 

patch work of unconnected projects 

old-fashion mining and industrial thinking, people are 

reluctant to changes 

established regional development agency as a major regional 

actor 

network of non-governmental organisations there is no scientific institution which would primarily focus on 

mining and regional development 

tendency towards a social consensus regarding regional 

ecology 

brain drain 

presence of specific knowledge in energy provision and mining the biggest relative decline in jobs of all Slovenian regions for 

engineering 

the period 2002-2004 

well-organized supporting environment, established 

high level of daily migration: number of labour force exceeds 

instruments for development of small and medium enterprises the number of available jobs for 27%, approximately only 50% 

like business incubator, technological centre, voucher 

of the persons in employment work in the same municipality 

consulting, guarantee scheme, also an established support for 

youth business activity 

they live in 

good geographical location of the region, close to other lack of flat area, suitable for development; steep surface – 

centres of higher importance 

average inclination from 12 to 30° - problems of erosion and 

denudation 

potentials for use of biomass, geothermal energy underdeveloped public transport 

mining technical heritage the region is still strongly positioned in the second, i.e. 

industrial sector – 68% of all employed, little initiative in 

technologically more intensive activities and low percentage 

of (newly) established high-profile and well-paid jobs, slow 

establishment of new companies 

part of mining areas, especially in Zagorje, already 

structural imbalance on labour market – lack of qualified 

rehabilitated 

workers in the field of energy, mechanical engineering etc. 

completed analysis of possibilities to use renewable energy unsettled ownership of former mine areas impedes 

resources (geothermal energy, biomass), pilot investments in 

use of renewables 

development 

institutional support for preservation of mining heritage – minor and slower investments in green industries because of 

Zasavje regional museum 

poor regional economic image 

programme of measures, prepared for the process of mine 

closure, financed by the government 

polluted soils (heavy metals), air, vegetation and animals 

large number of regional projects with the focus in social and lack of monitoring and evaluation system, no continuity of 

economic activities 

projects 

projects of revitalisation of former mining neighbourhoods in low municipal capacity to gain EU funds, for pre-investments, 

Hrastnik and Trbovlje (in progress) 

region ranks high on the scale measuring innovativeness in 

companies 

preparation and implementation of projects 


higher level of horizontal and vertical public participation in agricultural land policy – Agricultural Land Act demands return 

decision-making processes, for example better integration of of former mine land to the National Agricultural Land Fund 

NGO’s initiatives and marginal social groups into sustainable 

regional development and/or society; better co-operation 

between regional actors and project initiators 

and not to the municipality 

financial sources for mine closure, guaranteed by the law, decision-making process about future role of the region in 

82

adopted specifically for Zasavje region Slovenian energy policy (mine closure, thermo power plant) 

takes place outside of the region, no or low support for 

regional initiatives and decrease of subsidies for the regional 

development 

use of EU funds no national policy regarding degraded areas, thus no funds or 

programmes to carry out the measures 

support of small businesses with larger potential of growth poor image of region in Slovenia 

preservation of energy function in the region, thus raise in poor national institutional support for EU funding and EU 

regional energy self-sufficiency 

programmes’ implementation 

integration of the region into global informatics processes and exhaustion of companies performed by owners – seeking short 

a wide spread use of internet 

term profit 

projects for increase of public transport smaller dynamic of new companies’ establishment can cause 

employment problems 

development of services for elderly people further negative demographic trends such as aging, brain 

drain, emigration of active population 

regional plan - preparation of comprehensive regional spatial higher cost of labour force can cause lower competitiveness 

development strategy which includes also potentials of postmining 

area 

investments into new economic activities, creation of new – increase of traffic density between regional centres and 

green jobs, new jobs in NGO sector 

employment centres outside of region 

new development area, available after recultivation and undefined ownership of former mine areas 

rehabilitation processes; possible uses - children adventure 

park, concert area etc. 

renewal of old mining and industrial housing land rehabilitation is done only partially, thus it is not 

attractive for new activities 

exchange of good praxis with other regions imbalances of the energy provision market: oscillation in price 

of energy products, long-term contracts for the use of fossil 

fuels which impedes investments in renewables, high initial 

investment in use of renewables, long return period 

competitiveness with other former mining regions which can 

offer larger development areas 

introduction of administrative regions which can lead to 

inclusion of Zasavje region into administration authority of 

Ljubljana region 

Annex 

83


Region: Sokolov-East, Czech Republic 

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES 

Time factor – the mining is presupposed till 2030 High dependency of employment on the largest employer 

SUAS mining company 

Stable population in the Microregion Structural changes in economy followed by unemployment 

Good accessibility and favourable location Unfavourable social and educational structure 

Good collaboration between LAG Sokolovsko and Sokolov-East Lack of cooperation between SUAS and the Microregion 

Microregion 

New reclaimed areas – Microregion and Karlovy Vary Region Bad environmental image 

tries to utilize them for tourism development. 

Existence of natural heritage (protected landscape area Consequences of post-war population exchange 

Slavkovský les in the vicinity) 

Existence of cultural heritage (town Loket) 

Existence of traditional industry 

Favourable demographic structure 

Potential for using of renewable energy sources 

Existence of projects supporting traditional crafts and cultural 

life 


Mining territory as priority area for regional support Increasing unemployment and connected emigration 

Support of local SME Emigration of skilled workers from the region 

Support of employment by Karlovy Vary Region General trend of population aging 

Use of reclaimed area for tourism 

Policies supporting renewable energy sources (biomass, 

geothermal energy…) 

Higher interest for living in the countryside 

Collaboration with Bavaria and Saxony 

Better use of EU funds 

Annex 

84


Region: Salgótarján 


Regional state of development Regional state of development 

1. Town of county rank – mayor’s office 1. Serious lack of funds 

2. County seat - county administrative office 2. No institution of national or regional rank 

3. Administrative institutions of county level 3. No potentially strong economic performer 

4. Insufficient integration of economic performers into town 

development 

5. Poor interest enforcement of civil sphere 

Post mining potentials Post mining potentials 

Suitability for showing geological and geomorphologic 

specialties for scientific and educational purpose 

Annex 

Lack of capital, as utilization of post-mining natural potentials 

needs at first investment, No detailed calculation yet of such 

projects 

Accessibility of these natural or anthropogenic geosites are 

mostly not too difficult 

As special rarity, suitability for showing pseudo-caves caused 

by collapses having followed the undermining 

A clear intention of the local self-government to raise from the 

dead the mining heritage 

Some former miner colonies as architectural monuments 

survived the change 

Economy Economy 

1. Significant industrial past 1. Break-off of industrial plants 

2. Industrial park 2. Little outside economic investment 

3. Advantageous logistical situation 3. Diminishing number of workplaces 

4. Few appropriate level economic performers 

Human resources, society Human resources, society 

1. Relatively high number of residents 1. Slow ageing 

2. Favourable population structure 2. Rising unemployment 

3. High qualification compared to region 3. Sharp decrease of employees 

4. Remarkable intellectual capital 

5. Easy-to-activate centres of knowledge (’think tanks’) 

Geographical situation, accessibility Geographical situation, accessibility 

1. Near Budapest 1. Railway connections atrophied by central government 

2. Next to border 2. Heavy transit traffic 

Urban environment, life quality Urban environment, life quality 

1. Good infrastructure 1. Unfavourable urban structure 

2. Development projects continually realised 2. Unfavourable state of many self-government handled 

buildings 

3. Outdated state of industrial constructions stretching into 

living areas 

4. Massive rust belt (brown zone) 

Natural environment, locality Natural environment, locality 

1. Favourable natural properties 1. Environmental problems 

2. Varied medium height mountainous land 2. Degrading countryside 

3. Large forest areas 3. Unused countryside values 

4. Important Nature Protection Areas 

5. Remarkable cultural and historic region 

Traditions Traditions 

1. Mining and industrial traditions 1. Tradition attendance dependant on age group 


Regional state of development Regional state of development 

1. Geopark co-operation to build 1. No activity in the catchment area 

2. Continuing economic decay of region 

3. Insufficient central assistance 

Economy Economy 

85

1. Settling companies in industrial park 

2. Strengthening local economic performers 

1. Long-term failure to invest from outside 

Human resources, society Human resources, society 

1. Shaping a new structure of vocational training 1. Central restriction of educational structure 

2. Strengthening the activity of civil society 2. Closing the college 

Geographical situation, accessibility Geographical situation, accessibility 

1. Better use of transit potential 

2. Strengthening trans-border connections 

1. Further worsening communal transport connection with 

Budapest 

Urban environment, life quality Urban environment, life quality 

1. Central funds for housing estate rehabilitation 

2. Maintaining and raising infrastructural standards 

1. Unhandled increase of through transit transport 

environment burden 

Natural environment Natural environment 

1. Safeguarding integration of natural values into urban space 1. Failing to tackle environmental problems 

2. Creating landscape management 2. Further degradation of landscape 

Traditions Traditions 

1. Further maintenance of traditions incorporating it into 

education 

2. Compilation of their utilisation 

1. Decaying traditions 

Post mining potentials Post mining potentials 

Utilization of large areas of former dumps and slag-cones for 

producing biomass because a new power station will be built 

in the region 

Possibility to establish new tourist destinations for the public, 

e.g. involving abandoned mines as geosites into thematic 

tourist projects 

Building up co-operation with other former mining regions for 

preserve the mining heritage, e.g. “old boy” football 

tournaments, choir festivals etc 

Annex 

In certain cases contrary interest of the tourism organisations 

and the authorities of the nature conservancy 

The further is the time of closing of the mining activity, the 

less hope is to utilize the remained infrastructure 

86


Region: Wałbrzych 


PEOPLE 

local self-government authority - in the recent years a definite 

improvement with respect to city management (the 

operational and the strategic levels) 

activity of the Lower Silesian Regional Development Agency 

Plc. in Wałbrzych (including Lower Silesian Technology Park) 

high level of cultural institutions' activity 

RESOURCES 

Location and environment 

location close to important metropolis (Wrocław, Prague, 

Dresden) 

close vicinity to the national borders with the Czech Republic 

and Germany 

Annex 

former local authorities failed to work out a coherent concept 

of the transformation of the city 

no integrated activities for the benefit of local development 

were undertaken in 90' 

the process of the development of the city was postponed by 

several years 

scientific institutions doesn’t play an important role 

low number of NGOs and their activity 

from the point of view of the size of the city and the scale of 

problems, the number of potential actors engaged in the 

issues of local development is relatively low 

the pollution of the natural environment 

significant mining damage (most clearly noticeable in the 

centre of the city) 

interesting surrounding from environmental point of view failure - for now - to fully take advantage of the potential of 

Wałbrzych and its surroundings as a tourist base and a starting 

point 

surrounded by the forest-covered ranges of the Walbrzyskie insufficient tourist infrastructure 

Mountains (part of Sudety Mountains) 

the level of air pollution is decreasing significantly 

vicinity of Natura 2000 areas 

monuments and recreational facilities (including spa) 

high share of green areas within the community 

numerous tourist attraction and tourist trails 

Demography and labour market 

high number of inhabitants in productive age ageing of society 

outflow of young and educated people 

unemployment rate decrease level of unemployment rate higher than national average 

negative natural increase 

distorted social structures 

increasing level of entrepreneurial activity low level of entrepreneurship 

increasing level of social and human capital low level of social and human capital 

increase in number of investments 

Social infrastructure 

accessibility to educational infrastructure (including 3 high 

schools) 

high accessibility to health care institutions 

numerous cultural institutions 

development of new housing areas low quality of housing areas and insufficient number of flats 

Technical infrastructure 

the construction of a ring road has been commenced lack of a ring road 

high density of roads inefficient road infrastructure 

low quality of roads 

accessibilty to sewage, water supply and gas networks 

implementation of revitalization programme high share of city area qualified for revitalization programme 

Economic sphere 

growing number of investments liquidation of industrial enterprises (among them all mines 

87

and connected enterprises) 

functioning of Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone „Invest Park“ insufficient number of new workplaces (especially for young 

Ltd 

people) 

activity of self-regulatory organization (enterprises 

low level of entrepreneurship 

association) 

possibility to acquire raw materials from the existing hillocks poor technical conditions in the old industrial plants 

accessible area limited accessibility because of the existing contamination of 

the terrain, the remaining infrastructure e.g. the remains of 

mining activities 

increasing share of employment in service sector unfavourable economic structure - industry of low and 

medium level of technology (with the exception for 

enterprises in Wałbrzych SEZ) 

experience in employment in the industry sector, technical low qualifications of employees which are unfit for the 

personnel 

requirements of new enterprises 

accessibilty of business environment institutions sector business environment institutions sector not enough 

developed 

tax reductions, assistance of specialised institutions, 

investment offers, advisory and consultancy services, Credit 

Guarantee Fund introduced by the city in order to support 

enterprise 

Potential Utilization 

strong and long-standing mining traditions degraded post-mining areas difficult to rehabilitate 

activity of associations which cultivate local traditions 

Museum of Industry and Technology different ownership of post-mining areas 

Commencement of the “Princess Daisy Route” Project the lack of special programmes for rehabilitation of postmining 

areas 

the lack of special aid projects for the Wałbrzych region 

post-mining areas scattered within municipality 

realization of “Wałbrzych Promotion Strategy for 2008-2013” unfavourable image 

INNOVATION 

"Old Colliery" project implementation lack of projects dealing with biomass and geothermal energy 

OPERATIONS 

local self-government authority and Regional Development 

Agency co-operation 

Annex 

not sufficient co-operation of local self-government 

authorities and NGOs 

local self-government authority and investors co-operation the lack of agreement between the local authorities and the 

Mine Restructuring Company Plc with regard to the way, the 

speed etc. of managing the post-mining property 

co-operation of the communes with respect to the promotion 

of tourist products 

realization of the projects co-funded by EU (mostly dealing relatively low number of EU co-funded projects 

with human and social capital, technical infrastructure) 

cooperation in tourism sphere – between different types of 

actors – municipalities authorities, spa, sport centres, theatre, 

museums, tourism enterprises 


national programmes for post-mining regions 

the election of competent local and regional authorities, 

willing to co-operate with other actors of local, regional, 

national level 

greater incorporation of the development of post-mining 

towns in the regional policy 

development of regional co-operation and interregional 

cooperation 

joint representation of post-mining districts and regions on 

regional and national level for more effective lobbing (e.g. 

the election of incompetent local and regional authorities, 

unwilling to co-operate with other actors of local, regional, 

national level 

marginalization in terms of policies -the lack of incorporation 

of post-mining areas in different policies 

Marginalization in terms of functional-spatial connections (few 

infrastructural routes, limited connections with the 

neighbouring metropolises, eg. Wrocław, Praga, Drezno) 

growing competition of other towns, including post-mining 

ones (in respect of e.g. subsidiaries) 

88

districts association) 

increase of accessibility to EU funds for revitalization, 

rehabilitation and regional (local) development 

good macroeconomic condtions economic stagnation or crisis on national or global level 

introducing of an intensive methods of social mobilisation lack of intensive methods of social mobilisation 

introducing of an intensive methods of labour force 

lack of intensive methods of labour force mobilisation 

mobilisation 

depopulation processes in Poland 

the national policy of counteracting unemployment and 

creation of new workplaces 

the policy of raising the qualifications of employees and the 

adjustment of educational institutions to the demand for the 

labour force 

the creation of a cluster based on the dominant type of 

business in the special economic zone in Wałbrzych 

establishment of Business Incubator increase in barriers of accessibility to investment funds 

administrative barriers reduction administrative barriers increase 

tax reduction FDI in Poland decrease 

regional self-government policy conducive to economic legal barriers for entrepreneurship development 

development 

tourism development in the whole area of Sudety Mounatins environmental risk 

increase in the interest in a healthy lifestyle and active rest 

industrial tourism popularity 

funds accessibility for technical infrastructure not sufficient funds for roads of district, regional and national 

level 

increased traffic, collapse of public transport 

new technologies development basing on renewable energy 

sources 

creation of conditions preventing further environmental 

degradation and undertaking activities for the 

implementation of new technologies for prevention and 

purification of natural resources 

Annex 

environmental degradation resulting from human activity, 

construction of production plants harmful to the environment 

89

Annex 

90

Annex 

4.4. Annex – Combined SWOT Matrix 

91

Combined SWOT-Matrix Strengths 

Annex 

92

Combined SWOT-Matrix Weaknesses 

Annex 

93

Combined SWOT-Matrix Opportunities 

Annex 

94

Combined SWOT-Matrix Threats 

Annex 

95

Combined SWOT-Matrix Elements 

Annex 

96

Annex 

4.5. Annex – Comparative regional data 

97

Basis: SWOT – „Data template“ 

Introduction 

The ReSOURCE project brings together 7 different mining regions in the Central Europe programme space. The 

academic research group within the project has analysed the basic structural data of all regions involved. This 

was seen as necessary, as the case-study regions do not only come from different national and geographical 

contexts, but also vary considerably in their size, demographic as well as economic structure and mining 

background. The following comparative analysis of these framework conditions helps to understand the shared 

problems, as well as regional distinctions of Central European mining regions in the ReSOURCE project and 

beyond. 

Comparative analysis 

The institutional framework of these cases reaches from administrational structures like districts and 

municipalities to cooperation initiatives on municipal level. The Mansfeld-Südharz region is the only entity to 

represent an entire administrative district. The City of Salgótarján is ranked as a district town, while the regions 

of Steirische Eisenstrasse, FLOEZ, Sokolov-East and Zasavje all represent cooperations between municipalities. 

The Wałbrzych region represents a single municipality. The areas include densely populated urban centres like 

the City of Zwickau, as well as sparsely populated regions like the Steirische Eisenstrasse and the Mansfeld- 

Südharz district. Population data helps to identify 3 urban regions (more than 300 inhabitants per km²; 

Wałbrzych, FLOEZ, Salgótarján), two densely populated areas (around 150 inhabitants/km²; Zasavje, Sokolov- 

East) and two rural regions (around 100 inhabitants/km²; Steirische Eisenstrasse, Mansfeld-Südharz) in the 

research area. 

Fig. I: Inhabitants 2008 

Fig. II: Inhabitants per km², 2008 

Annex 

98

Also the type of mining shows a diverse picture across the case-study areas: The examples include lignite 

mining (underground and open-cast) in Salgótarján, Sokolov and Zasavje, as well as underground hard coal 

mining in the FLOEZ and Wałbrzych region. Additionally copper and iron ore mining are represented by 

Mansfeld-Südharz and the Steirische Eisenstrasse. Some regions saw the active mining ending already 20-30 

years ago. In FLOEZ this happened already at the end of the 1970s, while in Mansfeld-Südharz, Salgótarján, 

Wałbrzych mines were closed at the beginning of the 1990s. The other three regions still have active mining, 

but production has been substantially downsized and a time horizons for the closure of the industry has been 

set in all these regions (2020-2040). 

Nevertheless, the imprint of mining did create some similarities even across such diversely structured places. 

All these regions have experienced a negative demographic development in the last decades, quite contrary to 

the growth rates that these areas have seen when mining was still active (especially valid for example in 

Zasavje and Wałbrzych in the 1980). 

Annex 

99

Fig. III: Population development (total), 1981 - 2008 1 

Fig. IV: Population development (in %), 1981 - 2008 2 

Nevertheless the last two decades show a substantial loss of population across all regions, with the exception 

of Sokolov-East, where the population development has remained stagnant. In the last 20 years the total 

population decrease ranged from 6% in Zasavje to 25% in Mansfeld-Südharz. Additional to the overall loss of 

inhabitants, the regions in focus have also experienced an ageing of the population, in some cases inverting the 

1 Notes: 

1 Time span 1980 - 1990 - 2001 – 2008; ² Time span 1980 - 1991 - 2001 – 2008; ³ Time span 1980 - 1990 - 2000 

– 2008; 4 Due to administrational changes, data before 1990 not available 

2 Notes: 

1 Time span 1980 - 1990, 1990 - 2001, 1990 – 2008; ² Time span 1980 – 1991; ³ Time span 1980 - 1990, 1990 - 

2000, 2000 - 2008, 1990 – 2008; 4 Due to administrational changes, data before 1990 not available 

Annex 

100

numbers of the under 15-years and the over-65 years old: These trends have been very pronounced in 

Mansfeld-Südharz, Salgótarján and the Steirische Eisenstrasse (see Annex?). 

These social developments are the result of a deep and far-reaching transformation of the regional 

economies. All regions have experienced (sometimes rapidly, sometimes gradually) a pronounced down-scaling 

in the number of employees working in the industrial sector over the last 25 years. With the closure or down- 

sizing of mining and its related industries, many jobs were lost, irrespectively to the fact that some regions had 

other industrial or service related sectors in place. Accordingly all regions have faced a shift in working places 

from the industrial to the service sector in the last 30 years. This saw in most regions a reduction of share of 

industrial employment of around 20% (Soloklov-East, Zasavje, Steirische Eisenstrasse, Mansfeld-Südharz), while 

in some regions the shift has been even more severe (Salgótarján) or less well pronounced (FLOEZ, Wałbrzych) 

(Annex X). In most of the regions this trend resulted in a net loss of employment. In the last 25 years only the 

Austrian region managed to create more jobs, than there were lost. 

Fig. V: Change employment per sector in %, 1991-2008 3 

These transformations led to persistently high rates of unemployment above the national averages in all 

regions. All case-study regions are now places with a low GDP rate compared to the national average. 

3 Notes: 

1 Data: Zwickau district, due to administrational changes, data before 1990 not available, time span: 1996/2007; ² 

Due to administrational changes, data before 1990 not available, time span: 1996/2007; ³ Time span: 1981/2007; 

4 Time span: 1981/2008; 5 Data: Sokolov District, time span: 1980/2001, based on residence principle, class "not 

identified" omitted; 6 Time span: 1980/2007, based on residence principle; 7 Time span: 1991/2003 

Annex 

101

Fig. VII Unemployment rates 4 , 2008 

Fig. VIII GDP per capita (€), 2007 5 

Results 

While the data analysis underlines the diverse character of the regions, it also made clear that all regions have 

faced the same problems to overcome the negative effects of the closure or downsizing of mining activities. 

These problems can be named as: High unemployment, low GDP rates, negative demographic development 

(especially outmigration of younger and skilled people). These problems tend to occur in varying degrees, 

interconnected to the different development paths of each region and their specific national and local 

4 

Notes: 

1 4 5 

Data: Zwickau district, 2008; ² 2008; ³ Data: Leoben district, 2008; 2009; 2007 

5 

Notes: 

1 4 5 

Data: Zwickau district; ² Data: NUTS region Walbyrch; ³ 2006; Data: Sokolov district; Data: Nograd 

district; 6 Data: Eastern Upper Styria, 2006 

Annex 

102

framework conditions. While some regions were able to fall back on other industries and/or profited from state 

intervention to help mastering the transformation (FLOEZ, Steirische Eisenstrasse), other regions left struggling 

with the full-force of mine closure or industrial downsizing. 

Interestingly, the examples show regions in different development stages of overcoming their path- 

dependency in regard of the mining industry. An important factor is the ability to create a “visionary” concept 

for the future, a concept for times after mining. For FLOEZ and the Steirische Eisenstraße both encounters have 

taken place and have been mediated by the state. This was accompanied by the phasing out/shrinking and 

specialisation of the industry and the replacement with other industrial branches (car manufacturing) or new 

economic aims (tourism). 

For the regions, which have lost their mining industry in the “shock-therapy”-years of the early 1990, the road 

towards a life without mining is more difficult, as often such issues as the rehabilitation of former mining lands 

remain unresolved. For Wałbrzych, Salgótarján and Mansfeld-Südharz the transformation to a post-mining 

region remains difficult. Only Wałbrzych seems to have developed a way forward by pursuing a strategy of 

reindustrialisation, based on national government tax incentives. 

In Sokolov-East and Zasavje the transformation is still to come. Both regions have the highest rates of industrial 

employment and the end of mining seems to be far away. Nevertheless both regions already have started to 

draw up plans for the times to come. 

Annex 

103

SWOT Report I - Central Europe

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