Factors affecting foreign entrepreneurs' perception of investment attractiveness of a municipality or a district

Introduction/background: Local governments try to influence the growth of investment attractiveness of municipalities and districts. They may take direct (e.g. a system of concessions and incentives) or indirect (e.g. extension of infrastructure) activities for this purpose. Research has shown that as far as the employees of institutions supporting entrepreneurs and even the officials themselves are concerned, decisions on the location of business activity are influenced primarily by the infrastructure of localities, availability of labour force, labour costs, and land development. By contrast, the level of municipal services or the favourableness of local authorities plays a much less important role. Aim of the paper: The purpose of the article is to specify the elements generating foreign entrepreneur interest in the offer of conducting business activity in a designated location in a given commune or poviat. Materials and methods: The presented advantages of the region have become the starting point for a research conducted among the employees supporting and coordinating investment processes in the Katowice Special Economic Zone and the city with district rights in the Silesian Voivodeship. Results and conclusions: In the successful efforts of municipalities and districts to attract both foreign direct investments and the execution of projects by domestic business, it seems crucial to formulate a coherent offer. Moreover, further promotional activities must be based on an optimally communicated location, included in spatial development plans, free from legal burdens, social problems and free from hidden flaws such as historical pollution