Perspektywy rozwoju ośrodków miejskich konurbacji rybnickiej

Abstract

The cities of the Rybnik conurbation used to be regarded as important centers of socio-economic growth. The discovery of coal in the 1950s lead to rapid industrialization, urbanization and, consequently, monofunctional development of the area. At present, a certain duality of demographic and social, as well as economic determinants is noticeable. The cities are facing challenges due to declining population, which is a result of strong migration outflow. On the other hand, the economic situation is relatively favorable, which is conducive to the economic modernization of the area. Coal mining is slowly losing its dominant role and is being followed by diversification of the economy. The study indicates perspectives for the development of urban centers in the Rybnik conurbation based on their potentials identified in strategic documents of the cities.