Cross-border cooperation and development in Czech Borderland =Přeshraniční spolupráce a rozvoj českého pohraničí

Abstract

In 1997, a new network of academically oriented institute workplaces was set with the objective to interlink the ongoing activities, and with a common research project called “Geogrant Pohraničí“ (Borderland Geographical Grant). The content of the research was focused on the position of the borderland m the development of regions in the Czech Republic with special attention to its integration into European structures. Empirical inquiry, oriented towards gaining information about subjective attitudes of the population, has been becoming a more and more important method in borderland research. The character and orientation of the study determine the target group of subjects, which can best provide their subjective views on the situation. In their studies, the researchers in the Czech Republic are mainly interested in selected subjects, which include the border (its character, openness, effects), cross-border activities and cooperation, regional development, Euroregions. There are also other issues that attract comparatively less attention: foreign capital, ecological issues, cooperation between settlements, labour market and “pendlering“ (cross-border commuting) or assessment of the socioeconomic situation