Katarzyna Przybyła

Quality of Life in the Regional Capitals of Poland

This article defines a measure of the quality of life in the regional capitals of Poland and compares the results. This taxonomic measure is based on a set of diagnostic traits, including housing conditions, state of the natural environment, labor market, personal safety, and range of cultural services available. For this purpose, a set of variables from 2011 was observed for each regional capital. This research is important in defining the difference between our target cities from the standpoint of social development. It also allows us to classify the cities into groups based on the quality of life of their inhabitants.

Special economic zones in Poland - the assumptions and effects

The aim of this study is to explain the principles of the creation, operation and analysis of the effects of special economic zones. Zones are a tool of regional policy, aiming at accelerating the economic development of disadvantaged areas. Attracting capital activates specific areas of the economy, allows beneficial transformations into its structure and allows for the creation of new jobs. One factor that influenced the development of special economic zones in Poland was countrys accession to the European Union. Access to the common market, tax benefits and relatively low labor costs have led investors to undertake activities in the zones. Research which help to understand the impact of special economic zones on socio-economic development is important, useful in deciding whether to continue their functioning or not. Results can also be useful for practitioners of economic when it comes to making a decision about starting new business in the sphere.

The Impact of Global Economic Crisis on the Functioning of Special Economic Zones in Poland

The article attempts to determine the impact exerted by the global economic crisis on the efficiency of selected Special Economic Zones (SEZ) functioning in Poland. The research covered four SEZ functioning in Polish northern and north-southern macro-regions (NTS 1). The article analyses changes in such dimensions as e.g. the number of valid permits to perform economic activities in the discussed zones, investment expenditure incurred by entrepreneurs or employment size. The study covered the period 2005–2015. The conducted research allowed concluding that the phenomena related to global downturn, even though somewhat delayed, were present in the aforementioned zones. More serious symptoms could have been observed in 2008, whereas the years 2009–2012 turned out to be the critical ones. As it seems, starting from 2013 certain symptoms of the situation improvement could be observed, predominantly within the scope of investment expenditure incurred by businesses.

Demand and Financial Constraints in Eliminating Architectural and Technical Barriers for People with Disabilities in Poland

The purpose of the study is to analyse the availability of financial resources for people with disabilities and to assess the needs satisfaction level of the disabled in order to eliminate architectural and technical barriers in Poland. The research conducted among the disabled affected by physical disability indicates that mobility barriers and obstacles remain among the most important problems encountered by people with disabilities. The research has shown that the problem of barriers increases with age. The elimination of architectural barriers requires, each time, higher financial expenditure, whereas the elimination of technical barriers improves the life quality of people with disabilities at low financial outlays. The average funding in Poland amounted to PLN 827.53 in 2016, including the funding of EUR 1453.60 for the elimination of architectural barriers and approx. EUR 582 for the removal of technical barriers. The financial resources allocated for this purpose do not cover the actual needs of the people with disabilities. The analysis revealed that the demand for investment in the elimination of barriers is increasing with age, whereas the expenditure of the Polish state is decreasing.