The Institute of Social and Economic Geography and Spatial Management at the University of Silesia in Katowice is one of the most important research and teaching centers in the field of geography in Poland. The unit originally with the status of Economic Geography Department was established in the 1970s. Over several dozen years, despite relatively small employment, we managed to achieve significant success in the field of scientific research and higher education. As part of the specialization: economic and social geography and spatial management, three full professors and 8 associate professors were promoted during this period; 20 doctor degrees were also awarded. For many years, the main goal of the development policy in the unit has been to strengthen the scientific achievements by publishing articles in journals with high IF and scientific monographs. The Institute and its employees cooperated with many research units and universities mainly in Europe (Germany, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Romania, Italy, Serbia, Ukraine) and the USA. The Institute also develops cooperation with non-academic units – government institutions, research institutes, business and local and regional self-government. The result is joint ventures improving management and governance in many substantive and decision-making dimensions. The Institute’s employees are also involved in work for the benefit of local communities, including activities that cultivate regional identity. The Institute employs people born in 3 different countries, and multiculturalism and tolerance is one of the pillars of good cooperation in our Team.
Description of research:
The Institute of Social and Economic Geography and Spatial Management at the University of Silesia in Katowice continues many years of research in several important scientific issues:
- processes of urbanization and also development of urban agglomerations and metropolises,
- local and regional demographic structures and processes,
- regional and economic development of cities and regions,
- global and regional social and cultural changes,
- spatial management in the current and past approach,
- tourism and spatial heritage, including post-industrialism and transformation issues.