The Potential and Role of Small Towns in the Development of Local Socio-Economic Structures as Illustrated by the Example of Małopolskie Voivodeship
The Potential and Role of Small Towns in the Development of Local Socio-Economic Structures as Illustrated by the Example of Małopolskie Voivodeship

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this study is to define the socio-economic potential and primary function of small towns in Małopolskie Voivodeship and identify their impact on the local environment.For the accomplishment of this aim, synthetic indicators of development were calculated on the basis of selected variables, through the use of a taxonomic method. The accessibility and job market were subject to analysis. Municipal officials have beeninterviewed by phone for the purpose of definition of the functions of analysed towns.The study revealed that the potential of the analysed towns tends to vary, thereare significant differences in terms of accessibility and significant differences related to the potential of their job markets. The function of small towns in Małopolska is primarily that of commercial and recreational centres, although their impact on the local environment seems to be minimal. Towns situated in the periphery, which fail to exploit their full development potential due to, e.g. limited accessibility or poor use of local resources, e.g. environmentalor cultural resources, face the most difficult situation. The role of local authorities is to stimulate cooperation between various entitiesfor a better use of such resources.

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