Starting Points for Planning Business Zones in Slovenia in the Post-independence Period

University of Ljubljana, 1000 Zoisova 12, Ljubljana, Slovenia

^* Corresponding author: gregor.cok@fa.uni-lj.si

Abstract

In Slovenia, during the period of transition practically all mechanisms for steering economic and spatial development changed. The planning of business zones is part of this framework; business zones are competitive business environments for the placement of economic activities in the physical space. Over the past 25 years, their design was influenced by various factors: introduction of free market principles, privatisation of social property, and interests of the young state to establish, using proper strategies and financial initiatives, an efficient network of zones as drivers of economic development. Despite the ambitious plans and adopted strategic spatial planning acts at the national level we nowadays find that the zones, in their current spatial and administrative form, are not an efficient enough development mechanism. The focus of the study was to define the starting points as the basis for planning business zones and shaping policies to improve the existing situation. To improve the business competitiveness of the existing zones and their role in the planning and design system, we will have to set up a more efficient data updating system and form a broader approach to their management, promotion, and marketing.