Identification of Regional Smart Specialisations on the Basis of Aggregate Measures – A Case of the Dolnośląskie Voivodeship

Research background: Strengthening endogenous potentials, enhancing competitive advantage based on research and innovation remains an important component of regional development policy. Over the years this task has been carried out through e.g. the identification and support focused on smart specialisations.

Purpose: The purpose of the assessment was to identify smart specialisations in the Dolnośląskie voivodeship and evaluate their competitiveness against the background of other voivodeships.

Research methodology: The set of diagnostic indicators as well as the dynamics and location measures calculated on their basis, and also linear ordering methods using a weights system (Synthetic Measure of Smart Specialisations – SMSS) were used to identify regional smart specialisations. A statistical analysis was conducted on the basis of data at the level of PKD divisions (Polish Statistical Classification of Economic Activities; NACE is the EU equivalent). The identification was carried out taking into account the period 2012–2017 and focused primarily on 2017.

Results: As a result, 4 RSSs were identified, of which the first two are the mining of non-ferrous metal ores and the production of motor vehicles.

Novelty: The study proposes, based on the example of the Dolnośląskie voivodeship, the possibility of using linear ordering methods in determining the region’s smart specialisations (RSS), i.e. unique regional qualities and assets, which may constitute its competitive advantage, supported by appropriate research and development facilities and essential for the development of modern and innovative sectors of the economy.