Defris Partners: ÖSTSAM – Regional Development ... - WebNews

The report presented the result of over two-year long work done within the work
package no. 3 (WP3) of Defris project. Having completed the work on package no.1
(devoted to data gathering and exchange of experiences concerning the analysis
methodology) and no. 2 (devoted to the analysis of regional planning systems and the
organisation and competences of the administration in the partner countries and
regions) the data and information gathered were the basis for the execution of
projects of strategic importance for the development of the regions. The projects were
subject to detailed and multi-layer co-operation between the partner-regions. These
were 3 strategic development projects covering the fields of various specifics and
objectives of development which were selected in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship:
1. The Bydgoszcz-Toruń Metropolitan Area as the development zone.
The achieved objective of the project was the diagnosis of socio-economic and
communications preconditions, which was the basis for setting objectives and
directions for further development. The elaboration has been used as an element of
the Plan of development and spatial management of BTMA.
2. Shaping the function of Włocławek as a regional centre.
The project enabled a complex analysis of the function of Włocławek as a
supplementary centre of regional importance along with identifying the spatial
scope and character of interactions between the town and its surrounding area. The
study also resulted in drafting the directions of the city’s development, especially
regarding the improvement of its function as a large service centre.
3. The conception of the economic development of the Noteć River Valley.
The project involved a multi-aspect analysis of a vast and varied south-western part
of the voivodship, aimed at identifying the possibilities of its economic activation on
the basis of its water-related assets – the Noteć River as the water road and tourist
route. The elaboration refers to a similar study on the western part of Noteć River
valley prepared in Wielkopolskie Voivodship.
The elaborations prepared within WP3 are a new experience in regional planning in
Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship. These are first regional studies conducted with such
close and wide co-operation with foreign regions. As many as approximately 20
experts from Kujawsko-Pomorskie Bureau of Spatial and Regional Planning were
involved in the project. About 10 of them participated in the activities of the work
groups (WGM) and international seminars (TNS). The planning methods of the working
team have been enriched by new knowledge, methods, data and information, the
more valuable because they were gathered in regions of varied preconditions, but
representing the features and problems important for the development of Kujawsko-
Pomorskie Voivodship. One of the three strategic projects (“BTMA as the development
zone”) has become an important element of the updated spatial management plan of
the voivodship, so the results of work will have a direct impact on decision making
concerning the development policy. The other subjects (“Shaping the function of
Włocławek as a regional centre” and “The conception of the economic development of
the Noteć River Valley”) enabled a complex diagnosis of the level of development
(combined with identification of problems and suggested directions of activities) and
they make an invaluable material for self-governments of all levels.
Apart from the important advantage resulting from the execution of WP3 in the form
of enriching the potential of the planning services of the voivodship marshal, the
prepared elaborations are a measurable, useful product for conducting the regional
policy, which clearly indicates the importance of continuing similar co-operation
programmes based on inter-regional co-operation in the years to come.
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