On some aspects of territorial competitiveness: Smart specialization in the Zlín 2020 strategy

Abstract

Territorial competitiveness is a development concept often cited these days. Currently, smart specialization represents a politically influential concept how to stimulate territorial competitiveness. This article deals with some relations between smart specialization on the one hand and territorial competitiveness on the other. In particular, the main goal of this article is to introduce how these relations were reflected in the case study of the Zlín City Development Strategy for the years 2014-2020. In this regard, the smart specialization concept was used as the leading concept for formulating strategic goals and measures related to economic development and labour market of the city. The article combines findings from both analytical and strategic parts of the document. Overall, some methodological inspiration may be drawn.