Entrepreneurship and the Modernization of an Old Industrial Region: The Case of the Katowice Voivodship, Poland

In the last few years the regional community did well in the field of entrepreneurship, though development in this sphere was overshadowed by mammoth extracting and smokestack industries. However, further progress is doubtful. Maybe, majority of those mentally and professionally prepared for entrepreneurship have already engaged themselves in entrepreneurial activities. If this is the case, further extension of small and medium-sized private sector will be contingent on (1) education reform contributing to the improvement of human capital accumulated by the regional community and (2) parallel restructuring of the traditional sector. The latter process would gradually diminish the importance of yet prevailing point of reference, still reinforcing non-entrepreneurial attitudes among substantial faction of the regional community. The former one would empower people with qualifications needed in the emerging market environment. [fragm.]