The "Development Strategy of the Śląskie Voivodeship for years 2000-2020", which came into force on the date of its adoption by the Sejmik of the Śląskie Voivodeship by way of a resolution of 4 July 2005, is one of the most important documents prepared by the voivodeship self-government. The self-government performs a function of a manager of the voiovodeship and by means of its authorities, takes relevant measures to satisfy the needs of the inhabitants of the region, improve the quality of life on a permanent basis and keep the region on the path of lasting and sustainable development. This Strategy records the region community's conscious choices and presents a long-term conception of development oriented to solving key problems and making use of emerging opportunities. Thus, it was not prepared merely on account of obligatory tasks of the voivodeship self-government specified in the Act of 5 June 1998 on voivodeship self-governments. The development of the Strategy is a result of a compromise and efforts made by representatives of various circles. It is also proof of the selfgovernment community's strong sense of responsibility and care for the future of the region.

This document is essential for the voivodeship so that the region could introduce the desired changes and rise to the challenges faced by the economy, society and space. The strategy will make it possible to maximise the absorption and effects of the allocation of the European and national funds.

It is five years since the "Development Strategy of the Śląskie Voivodeship for years 2000-2015" was adopted. Within those years, there have occurred significant transformations both in our region and in the whole country. Poland has joined the European Union, the economic and social conditions have changed and so have the conditions of pursuing the regional policy. The region needs to face new challenges and intensify cooperation and competition not only nationally but also in Europe.

Despite the fact that the Strategy has not functioned long, there has emerged a number of other reasons for its updating. First of all, in the coming programming period 2007-2013, the Integrated Regional Operational Programme is to be replaced by sixteen Regional Operational Programmes managed independently at the level of a voivodeship. On the basis of the conclusions drawn from the evaluation of the hitherto applicable Strategy and the experience related to using the pre-accession and structural funds, we are able to revise the way of pursuing the long-term policy of the voivodeship development, taking into account the growing independence of the voivodeship self-government and multiplied funds for the regional development in the programming period 2007-2013.

The updating process was required also due to the development of a few important documents at the European and national levels, which took place after adopting the hitherto binding Strategy. It was necessary, among other things, to include the stipulations provided for in the Lisbon Strategy at the regional level. In addition, the integration of sectoral policies at the regional level was required.

The workshop tasks for updating the Strategy were carried out with an active participation of social partners. In March 2005, a series of consultation meetings were organised in subregions at which a draft of the Strategy was presented. In this way a wide public debate was initiated - a process of forming a final version of the Strategy, in which all interested representatives of the regional community got involved. The procedure of work on the document was of a participatory nature, which makes it justifiable to assume that the content of the Strategy is commonly accepted and reflects the values and aspirations of the regional community. Thus, they have a real chance of successful implementation.

The updated Strategy was preceded by drawing up four strategic sub-diagnoses covering strengths and weaknesses of the Śląskie Voivodeship as well as external threats and opportunities. The analysis of those factors as well as the extensive social consultations result in the picture of the voivodeship which has to address certain problems, but which also has a great potential capable of developing modern technologies, conducting prodevelopment investments, upgrading and developing the infrastructure as well as improving the state of the environment and the landscape aesthetics, among other things, thanks to effective absorption of the EU funds.

When planning the future of the region, it has to be assumed that our economy connected with the traditional industry branches will still play a significant role, provided that the process of making the production profitable is successful. In parallel, new branches of industry are going to be more and more important, such as automotive, IT and food industry as well as tourism and service market.

The authors of the Strategy do not claim to be infallible in the concepts they present, but rather they are open to comments and opinions of the readers. This document can be further modified or updated.

This guide on the most important issues related to the regional development does not exclude seeking new solutions. In the last year of the 20th century it was difficult to predict all circumstances in which our country and region would develop. Accordingly, it would be an exaggeration to claim that we are able to foresee precisely what Poland and the world will be like in 2020. Nevertheless, the vision of the future of our region is concrete and credible. It is quite feasible for the Śląskie Voivodeship to achieve and maintain the position of one of the civilisation development centres in Poland and Europe, which is friendly to the inhabitants and visitors, satisfying the needs and expectations of investors and entrepreneurs. The Śląskie Voivodeship should be perceived as an area of dynamic and modern economy with more and more significant science, valuable culture and developing tourism.

Providing you with the "Development Strategy of the Śląskie Voivodeship for years 2000-2020", I would like to thank representatives of gmina and poviat self-governments, councillors of the Sejmik of the Śląskie Voivodeship, representatives of the government administration, representatives of scientific and economic circles, non-governmental institutions and organisations, members of the teams in charge of updating the Strategy, employees of the Marshal's Office of the Śląskie Voivodeship as well as all participants in social consultations on the Strategy, for their efforts to create this document.

I am convinced that this Strategy, when implemented, will fulfil its function and turn out to be of use for the inhabitants of the region.

Marshal of the Śląskie Voivodeship

Development Strategy of the Śląskie Voivodeship 2000-2020 (pdf 2,2 MB)