Leveraging innovations in social networks and the process of regional development - Silesia case study

Abstract

Theories of regional development, scientific considerations about innovations and networking go together with described research. Considerations on leveraging innovations in social networks and the process of regional development amount to a quite important conclusion that all the most important regional actors are aware of the importance of these factors. Most of the respondents noticed changes and emphasise the importance of networking in the context of innovations. Unfortunately, their contacts are still based on personal relationships, not on formal procedures of cooperation. Nevertheless, the first effects of the exchange of ideas and technology can be observed. The most important research conclusions boil down to a few basic comments: 1. The Silesian voivodeship is a region with the greatest potential in Poland. Although it is still insufficiently integrated and the cooperation could be better, all respondents agreed that it has a huge human capital to be used. 2. The most important factor seems to be networking and knowledge. Caring for the preservation of know-how is a major obstacle in developing new contacts. 3. Cooperation is always associated with the prospect of profit. There are lots of objections to cooperation between business and science. There is room for improvement. 4. Respondents represented positive attitude to innovations but kept complaining about the quality of formal cooperation between all actors. They definitely preferred personal networking. It should be allowed to develop legally different levels of cooperation. 5. Political factors in regional development should be kept to a minimum. This is not conducive to improvement. Research showed that the most important regional actors interact with their near neighbours. It brings them motivations, fosters social relationships and directs their networking behavior towards innovations. It allowed to achieve profits and finally regional development.