“The example of the Banskobystrica region clearly shows the unpredictability of regional development. It is historically one of the most modern industrial areas of Central Europe. […] A region that does not look like a candidate for lagging behind. Despite this, today it […] is nowhere near the national average [in many indicators]. The Banskobystrica region is a clear example of a territory’s sensitivity to external influences and changing circumstances (fall of socialism, globalization), which almost completely wiped out the local industry. However, the advantages on which the region was built in the past have not been lost — they just need to be revived.”

Slightly changed based on “Slovakia catching up regions” document, p. 8