The Role of Cross Border Projects in the Development of the Jesenicko Region

The Master thesis aims to analyse the role of cross border projects in the development of the Jesenicko region. The main research question is whether the cross border projects trigger the development of cross border networks of cooperation as well as whether the projects contribute to the socioeconomic development of the model region. The experience from well- established cross border regions in Western Europe indicates that overcoming "soft barriers" such as trust and prejudice among inhabitants from border areas is problematic but necessary for the overall integration of the region. Therefore, the situation along the Czech and Polish border is to be examined. Methodology of the thesis is framed by the inductive approach and is of an interpretative character. The main research method of the thesis is a multiple case study. The significant advantage of this method is that it allows analysing the collected data within the wider framework of region as well as its exploratory character helps to understand the factors determining the success of the projects. The analytical framework is based on the institutional theories of regional development as well as on the concepts of Czech Human Geography. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the cross border projects help to build the common trust in the studied..