Tourism is becoming an ever more important part of the national economy. In advanced economies, the majority of inhabitants are employed in the services sector, which includes tourism. Currently tourism is at the peak of its development in the Czech Republic. A new, modern infrastructure is being built to connect up the natural and cultural treasures. My personal judgement is that it is primarily the finances from European funds, which have been streaming into the country for several years now, that have a large influence in this development. I see the market deficit in the CR to be poor communications between individual stakeholders. The comprehensive interconnection of services, information systems and tourist destinations. The aim of my work is to propose possible future cooperation for individual original, attractive stakeholders in experiential tourism within the territories of the Czech Republic, above all the Jindřichův Hradec district with its overlap into Lower Austria (Waldviertel). These stakeholders will then jointly form an area where both marketing and the professions are connected; this is known in the EU under the title of a tourism learning area (TLA). They can also be understood as destinations where individual stakeholders involved in experiential tourism are interconnected. The basic idea of the TLA seems relatively simple, however its implementation requires precise coordination and multilateral cooperation, and it is this that I want to achieve within this thesis.

Ce travail de thèse a pour objectif d’étudier l’évolution de l’« Europe des régions » au sein du Conseil de l’Europe de 1957 à 2010. L’histoire du fait régional au sein de l’Organisation de Strasbourg est caractérisée par trois périodes clés. La première période débute en janvier 1957, avec la première réunion de la Conférence européenne des pouvoirs locaux (CPL) et dure jusqu’en 1975, quand elle devient un organe permanent du Conseil de l’Europe et reconnaît officiellement lesrégions en son sein. Une deuxième période se dessine ensuite de 1975 jusqu’en 1994, date de la création du Congrès des pouvoirs locaux et régionaux d’Europe (CPLRE). Le Congrès a un nouveau rôle politique et une place bien déterminés dans l’architecture institutionnelle du Conseil, et il dispose de deux Chambres, à savoir une Chambre des régions et une Chambre des pouvoirs locaux. Une dernière période s’étale enfin de 1994 à 2010. Il s’agit pour les régions et le Congrès de contribuer à la stabilité démocratique du continent européen par les activités de suivi de la démocratie locale etrégionale, des élections et de la réalisation de plusieurs programmes de coopération. / This research studies the evolution of the “Europe of the regions” in the Council of Europe from 1957 to 2010. The history of regions in the Council of Europe can be divided in three key periods. The first one starts in January 1957, with the first meeting of the European Conference of Local Authorities (ECLA) and ends in 1975, when it becomes a permanent organ of the Council of Europe and recognizes officially the regions. The second period starts in 1975 and ends in 1994, when theCongress of Local and Regional Authorities is created. The Congress has a new political role and status within the institutional architecture of the Council of Europe. Two Chambers are created within the Congress, one for regional authorities and another one for local authorities. The last period spreads from 1994 until 2010. From 1994, the regions and the Congress work to achieve the new statutory role, which is contributing to the democratic stability of the European continent by monitoring local and regional democracy, observing local and regional elections and implementing new cooperation programs.

L’oggetto della ricerca è costituito dalla cooperazione territoriale tra regioni confinanti e geograficamente non contigue che appartengono a Stati diversi nell’ambito dell’Unione europea. La tematica è studiata come caso specifico dell’internazionalizzazione delle regioni attraverso alcuni approcci disciplinari tipici degli studi europei, la multi-level governance, i policy networks e l’europeizzazione. L’analisi ripercorre le tappe principali dell’evoluzione della cooperazione territoriale in Europa, evidenziando l’impatto sulla stessa dei contesti giuridico-costituzionali nazionali e delle politiche delle istituzioni sopranazionali (Consiglio d’Europa e Unione europea). Lo studio è particolarmente incentrato sul ruolo giocato dalle caratteristiche delle singole regioni nella determinazione delle scelte e delle strategie in materia di cooperazione territoriale. A livello empirico, viene effettuata una comparazione tra le quattro regioni italiane del nord a Statuto ordinario. / Object of the research is the territorial cooperation among regions belonging to different States in the context of the European Union. With the term “territorial cooperation”, we refer to both cross-border and interregional cooperation. We deal with the topic as a specific case of the internationalization of the regions from a European studies’ perspective (multi-level governance, policy networks, Europeanization). The analysis is focused on the main stages of the evolution of the territorial cooperation in Europe, highlighting the impact on the issue of the heterogeneous national constitutional contexts and the supranational institutions’ policies (Council of Europe and European Union). In particular, we concentrate on the role of the regions’ features on their choices and strategies about territorial cooperation. The case-study is the comparison of the four Italian regions with ordinary statues.

Cross-border cooperation (CBC) influenced the regional development of the border regions. CBC is very much supported by the European Union and its funding policy. Cooperation between border regions is considered as a key to the joined Europe. Since 1989 there is a special programme supporting CBC within the member states of EU. A new programme supporting cross-border cooperation between the member states and the candidates' countries "Phare CBC" was developed in 1993. This paper is focused on selected issues of cross border cooperation of Euroregion Šumava, Pilsner region and South Bohemian region. Euroregion Šumava was established in 1993. It is a voluntary association of cities, villages and other joined organizations intent on the cross border cooperation with similar association on Bavarian and Austrian site of border. These three associations established trilateral Euroregion Šumava{--}Bayericher Wald{--}Mühlviertel. Together they implement the principles of European regional policy. Cross border activities of Euroregion Šumava were analyzed on followed issues: 1. Euroregion budget and its development between 1998{--}2006 2. Projects supported by Small Projects Fund realized by Euroregion 3. Projects realized under the financial support of Small Projects Fund Phare CBC and Interreg IIIA (focusing on the projects´ holders, priority areas and districts) Pilsner and South Bohemian regions were established in 2001 as regional authorities. They provide national and regional service partly financed by their own resources (mainly tax income) and partly by grants received from central authorities. Together they constitute the cohesion region of NUTS 2 "Southwest". Pilsner and South Bohemian regions create joint regional development policy and strategic documents because of implementing Regional operational programme. So far CBC was not part of their common regional policy. Cross border activities are analysed on the projects realised under the Interreg IIIA programme, which was managed by the Secretary of Cohesion region. Special focus is put on the projects´ holders, priority areas and regional aspects. Results of analysis are summarized in graphs, tables and maps.

The theme of my thesis is The Cross-border co-operation Czech Republic and Germany in the framework of programme INTERREG IV in period 2007-2013 Emphasis is placed on analysis, and subsequent comparison of the cooperation between the two countries. The thesis is divided into three main parts. The first part is devoted to the European Union, regional policy in the European Union, cross-border cooperation in general and the history of the European territorial cooperation. In the second part of the thesis is an analysis of crossborder cooperation within the Programme Cross-border Cooperation of Czech Republic and Saxony and analysis of cross-border co-operation within the Programme Cross-border Cooperation of Czech Republic and Bavaria. In the last part of this thesis is the comparison of both operational programs and Euroregions, which are part of a subsequent evaluation of the results and their possible contribution to removing regional disparities.

Bakgrund: Företagens interna innovationsfunktioner minskas samtidigt som företagen i större utsträckning väljer att tillämpa öppen innovation, gränsöverskridande samarbeten. Massor av forskning visar på att öppen innovation innebär en rad fördelar och möjligheter, men även utmaningar. Få studier belyser dock sambandet mellan komplexa innovationsutvecklingsprocesser och tillämpandet av gränsöverskridande samarbeten. Påverkar antalet komplexa beståndsdelar i innovationsutvecklingsprocesser i vilken konstellation företag väljer att samarbete med externa parter? Författarna ställer sig frågande till detta. Syfte: Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka hur komplexiteten i innovationsutvecklingsprocesser påverkar i vilken utsträckning företag väljer att samarbeta med externa parter. Studien ska även undersöka i vilken konstellation företag väljer att samarbeta med externa parter baserat på hur komplexa innovationsutvecklingsprocesserna är. Även Incitament för gränsöverskridande samarbete vid utvecklandet av komplexa innovationer kommer att studeras. Genomförande: Kvalitativ data erhölls genom fem samtalsintervjuer med fyra Innovationsledare och en processansvarig för innovationsutveckling avseende komplexa innovationer inom Ikea. Kvantitativ data erhölls genom en enkätundersökning som besvarades av samtliga Innovationsledare samt deras medarbetare (28 respondenter totalt) Resultat: Studien indikerar på att ju mer komplex en innovationsutvecklingsprocess är, desto större är sannolikheten att externa parter får större inblick i fler beståndsdelar avseende utvecklingsprocessen. Graden av komplexitet i utvecklingsprocessen ökar även sannolikheten för att inifrån-ut innovation tillämpas. / Background: The companys internal innovation functions decreases while companies choose to apply open innovation, cross-border cooperation. Lots of research shows that open innovation involves several benefits and opportunities, but also challenges. Few studies, however, illustrates the connection between complex innovation processes and the application of cross-border cooperation. Does the number of complex components in innovation development processes affect in which constellation companies choose to cooperate with external parties? This is something the authors ask themselves. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the complexity of innovation development processes affects the extent to which companies choose to cooperate with external parties. The study will also investigate what constellation companies choose to collaborate with external parties based on the complexity of innovation development processes. Incentives for cross-border cooperation in the development of complex innovations will also be studied. Implementation: Qualitative data was obtained through five interviews with four Innovation leaders and a process manager for innovation development, regarding complex innovations within Ikea. Quantitative data was obtained through a survey that was answered by all Innovation Leaders and their employees (28 respondents in total). Results: The study indicates that the more complex an innovation development process is, the greater is the likelihood that external parties will gain more insight into more components of the development process. The degree of complexity in the development process also increases the likelihood that inside-out innovation is applied.

For decades, the peaks of Sharr Mountains had defined the border between two federal units of Former Yugoslavia, but after the political changes in Central and Eastern European Countries this massif became an intersected mountain. In this thesis work I saw of interest to analyze the status change from a massif unit as part of one state, to a cross-border mountain between two states and its affect on spatial development; - was there any cooperation on mountain management in the past; - how is the current mountain management proceeding on both sides; - which were the opportunities of cross-border cooperation in previous European experiences; - what can be expected from independent mountain side management on report to other side without any environmental assessment; and in the end to find and highlight the possible cross-border cooperation opportunities toward sustainability and eco-management of the Sharr Mountains in the future. / Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning DSP - Officer for International Cooperation Prishtina - Kosovo tel: + 381 38 517 712

Town-twinning is a way of international cooperation between self-governments at the local level. The town-twinning is based on regular meetings of town representatives and citizens. The other type of international cooperation is the cross-border cooperation that points at common solution of problems in particular border area. The main aim of the town-twinning is information and experience exchange, arrangement of common cultural and sport events, school cooperation and language skills improvement. Thanks to the involvement of citizens in town-twinning activities, the mutual prejudices are eliminated and relations improved. The diploma thesis analyses the town-twinning between Prague and Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Pilsen and Regensburg, Domažlice and Furth im Wald. Thanks to the partnership, the towns and cities can advance their own interests in foreign policy by methods of public diplomacy and paradiplomacy regardless the relations between country governments. The improvement of international relations thanks to the town-twinning can be represented by the relationship between the Czech Republic and the Free State of Bavaria, where the twin towns were constituted without regard to the official policy of the country or the federal state. These contacts at the governmental level were very influenced by...

The submitted thesis "Reteritorialization of the Austrian-Slovenian-Croatian border as a causal impact of the European integration process" analytically approaches the issue of the reterritorialization process within the state-centric, still valid Westphalian system. The topic of reterritorialization is important especially in the context of considering the spatial or territorial impacts of ongoing European integration. This integration can take the form of establishing so called Euroregions or cross-border cooperation. The territorial framework was chosen on the basis that Slovenia is one of the most typical border and contact social areas in Europe. This assumption was subsequently linked to the time perspective, when the above-mentioned three states joined the European Union at almost the same interval. Appropriate choice of territory and time framework in the work is the basis for the analysis of the impacts of the phenomenon of reterritorialization. The analytical part of the work is organized as a discursive analysis of texts whose authors are researchers from the university environment. As members of academia often have a direct impact on the local implementation of cohesion policy, the analysis is complemented with the interpretation of the results of thematic structured interviews. These...

The purpose of this study is to investigate one of the European Structural Fundprogrammes, Interreg V Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak (ÖKS) and the priority areaTransportation. The programme gives financial support to transportation projectsaiming to develop sustainable (environmentally friendly) transportation alternativesand solutions. Through studies and theories on cross-border collaboration (CBC) and goals forsustainable transportation a major need of joint strategies for solving shared problems,such as environmental concerns has been demonstrated. This approach ofcollaboration projects as a pillar for sustainable development has been the foundationof how the current Interreg programme has been studied and the starting point for thisresearch. The study aims to clarify the relationship between the overall view uponcooperation and joint development programmes (within areas stretching over nationaland administrative borders, such as transportation) and the specific Interregprogramme. A programme which during current period (2014-2020) experienced adrastic decline of number of applicants. In order to further understand the context thecurrent study has trough empirical research defined added values (advantages) of theCBC but also identified the perceived difficulties and barriers (disadvantages). Thefounding’s have further been compared and supplemented with perspectives fromrelevant actors engaged in transportation development. This material has beencollected through qualitative interviews enabling a vital and good understanding ofconcerned actors and their view of advantages and disadvantages with CBC. Theanalysis has also enabled the conclusion that the general view among the actors is thatcollaboration projects are necessary for a sustainable development. However, studiedprogramme with declined number of applicants did not succeed in attracting desiredparticipants. Consequently, the actors were also asked to share their view upon thedecline of applicants for current Interreg period. One identified explanation wasrelated to the administrative burden which was perceived too heavy by the actors. Inaddition, the financial part was perceived to be too low or poorly designed. Theknowledge about the programme was also found to be limited among some of theactors. To be able to involve more participants in the future it has been concluded thatimprovements within the three areas of defined obstacles have to be implemented. This investigation and findings aim to contribute to increased insights andunderstanding of the cross-border cooperation process in order to be able to reach andinvolve relevant actors in the most favourable way for successful future projects anddesired sustainable development.