Course Details

Regional economy and policy

Academic Year 2023/24

NVA073 course is part of 1 study plan

NPC-ARS / ARP Winter Semester 2nd year

Regional economy is an applied economic discipline which is as such an offshoot from the knowledge base of general economic theory. The gained knowledge is made more precise and modified with regards to the specifics which are related to the character of the object of interest of this discipline, i.e. a region or space in its socioeconomic conception. The completion of this subject creates a good starting point for the understanding of the structure and contents of regional policies.

Course Guarantor

Institute

Objective

The aim of the subject is for students to understand the meaning of localization theories, to be able to use simple methods of localization analysis and be capable of interpreting their results, understand the position of a natural monopoly on a regional market and the necessity of its regulation. After completion of the subject they will be able to explain the question of spatial concentration or dispersion and the agglomeration effects which are related to this, they will have encountered the theory of polarized development as a typical example of growth theory, including its practical implementation, and they will be able to evaluate its practical importance themselves. Furthermore, they will be able to define the term ‘region’, they’ll penetrate the problematics of regionalization of a territory, they will have gained an overview of the matter of evaluation of regional differences, and the appearance of inter-regional inequalities and the possibility of influencing them. They will also grasp the problematics of the regional policy of the Czech Republic; they will understand the connection of Czech regional policies to those of Europe. They will be acquainted with the regional policy documents of the Czech Republic and with the conditions of regional support programmes.

Knowledge

The ability to explain the question of spatial concentration or dispersion and agglomeration effects related to it, knowledge of the theory of polarized development as a typical example of growth theory, including its practical implementation. Understanding of the term ‘region’, the issue of regionalization of a territory, overview of the question of evaluation of regional differences, the appearance of inter-regional inequalities and possibilities of influencing them. Penetration into regional policy issues in the Czech Republic. Familiarisation with the regional policy documents of the Czech Republic and with the conditions of regional support programmes.

Syllabus

1. Introduction to regional economy. Spatial economic systems. Theoretical approaches to their explanation.
2. Localization theories – agriculture (von Thünen), industry (Schäffle, Fischer, Weber).
3. Localization theories of the 1920s and 1950s.
4. Agglomeration effects, spatial concentration or dispersion.
5. Regions and regionalization, homogeneous and heterogeneous regions.
6. Regional dimensions of the market of factors of production – job market, immovable property market.
7. Regional development and growth theories – theory of polarized development, export base theory etc.
8. Economic level of regions – main influencing factors.
9. Evaluation of the economic level – microeconomic and macroeconomic, quantitative and qualitative indicators.
10. Regional policy – inter-regional differences, regional policy conception according to the main economic schools.
11. Regional policy in the Czech Republic – principles, tools, regions with concentrated support from the state.
12. Regional policy of the Czech Republic in the period 2007 – 2013, 2014-2020.
13. Regional development strategy of the Czech Republic and other regional policy documents of the Czech Republic.

Prerequisites

General knowledge within the scope of the bachelor’s level of architectural studies.

Language of instruction

Czech

Credits

3 credits

Semester

winter

Forms and criteria of assessment

course-unit credit and examination

Specification of controlled instruction, the form of instruction, and the form of compensation of the absences

Extent and forms are specified by guarantor’s regulation updated for every academic year.

Offered to foreign students

Not to offer

Course on BUT site

Lecture

13 weeks, 2 hours/week, elective

Syllabus

1. Introduction to regional economy. Spatial economic systems. Theoretical approaches to their explanation.

2. Localization theories – agriculture (von Thünen), industry (Schäffle, Fischer, Weber).

3. Localization theories of the 1920s and 1950s.

4. Agglomeration effects, spatial concentration or dispersion.

5. Regions and regionalization, homogeneous and heterogeneous regions.

6. Regional dimensions of the market of factors of production – job market, immovable property market.

7. Regional development and growth theories – theory of polarized development, export base theory etc.

8. Economic level of regions – main influencing factors.

9. Evaluation of the economic level – microeconomic and macroeconomic, quantitative and qualitative indicators.

10. Regional policy – inter-regional differences, regional policy conception according to the main economic schools.

11. Regional policy in the Czech Republic – principles, tools, regions with concentrated support from the state.

12. Regional policy of the Czech Republic in the period 2007 – 2013, 2014-2020.

13. Regional development strategy of the Czech Republic and other regional policy documents of the Czech Republic.

Exercise

13 weeks, 1 hours/week, compulsory

Syllabus

1.Program of teaching, instruction and guidance, requirements for award a credit. S.W.O.T. analysis. Case Study SWOT analysis - field Position of the region and geographical conditions and the assignment of an individual project for this field.

2.Case Study SWOT analysis - field Socio-economic conditions and the assignment of an individual project for this field. Public presentation of the first part of analysis by each group.

3.Case Study SWOT analysis - field Transport and the assignment of an individual project for this field. Public presentation of the second part of analysis by each group.

4.Case Study SWOT analysis - field Infrastructure and the assignment of an individual project for this field. Public presentation of the third part of analysis by each group.

5.Case Study SWOT analysis - field Landscape and environment and the assignment of an individual project for this field. Public presentation of the fourth part of analysis by each group.

6.Case Study SWOT analysis – completion, correction. Public presentation of the fifth part of analysis by each group.

7.A comprehensive summary of the case study. Submission of complex swot analysis in both print and electronic versions. Credit.