The Significance of Regional Smart Specialisations in Development of Enterprises: The Case of the Podlaskie Voivodeship

Abstract

Goal – The purpose of this article is to analyse the significance of regional smart specialisations for supporting local enterprises, using the case of Podlaskie Voivodeship. In the course of analyses and deliberations, the following research hypothesis was tested: implementing regional smart specialisations plays a crucial role in the growth of enterprises in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Research methodology – In order to achieve the objective and verify the hypothesis, the author applied literature reviews, descriptive and comparative analyses based on publicly available secondary data published by the Central Statistical Office (GUS), as well as reports and documents prepared by the local government authorities of the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Score/results – Without doubt, the shift in the paradigm of regional development based on the theory of learning regions, investing in solutions supportive of entrepreneurship, enhancing competitiveness, and fostering innovation is essential for the economic growth of individual countries. Since it is not possible to be a leader in all spheres of the economy, specialisation is becoming increasingly important. Originality/value – The conducted analysis yielded a positive assessment of the impact of regional specialisations on the development of enterprises in the Podlaskie Voivodeship. Favourable trends have been observed with regards to the number of national economy entities operating in the private sector per 10,000 working-age inhabitants, expenditures on R&D activities in relation to GDP, the share of enterprise expenditures in total R&D expenditures, as well as the share of net revenue from the sale of innovative products in industrial enterprises in total net sales revenue. All values indicate a positive direction of changes in the economic structure of the Podlaskie Voivodeship. In view of the above, the research hypothesis has been validated. The implementation of regional smart specialisations plays an important role in the development of enterprises in the Podlaskie Voivodeship.