One of the main objectives of any economic policy (the regional policy
is one part of it) is to achieve or increase competitiveness of the
country. This goal can also be achieved by the progressive development
of centers (poles, engines), which are mainly represented by the
regions. Just increasing of the competitiveness is not enough.
Objectives defined in this way should be extended to one important
feature - sustainability. Only sustainability - continuously existing -
of competitiveness can guarantee the desired economic growth,
development and citizens' quality of life in each country, and also in
the whole European Union. This monograph Economic Development of Regions
in Context of Sustainability has set these goals: analyses and
characteristics of regions, economic development and forms of
development support - all of them in the context of sustainability. An
obvious objective of regional development, which was enshrine in all
chapters, is to maximize competitiveness using available production
factors, resources and other potential of regions.