Structurally affected regions face a necessary economic transformation, for which the efficiency of public financial support is crucial. Regional innovation systems represent a modern approach to regional and urban development focusing on innovation and research activities. The aim of this study is to assess whether there is a difference in the effect of public R&D funding on the development of a region’s innovation environment between structurally affected and other regions. The beta convergence and the method of calculating the average efficiency of public funds were used to meet the objective of this research. The analysis was conducted on data from 2012 to 2022 in 14 regions of the Czech Republic. The results show that public support for R&D has a positive effect on development of the innovation environment in structurally affected regions in the Czech Republic and that there is a difference in the effect of this support regarding structurally affected regions versus developed regions. These affected regions on average respond better to public financial support for R&D than mature regions. In contrast, the efficiency of public financial support is lower in regions with a strongly developed innovation system.

The aim of this paper is to propose measures leading to overcoming the limits of development of the city of Karviná. Based on the results of the situational analysis supplemented by a questionnaire survey, it can be said that the economic and social pillars of the city are not developing very successfully. On the contrary, the environmental pillar, its landscape condition, and environmental care are developing most successfully. The current problematic factors limiting the development of the city are mainly the insufficient and unattractive local labour market and business activities, the image of the city, and the still low air quality. A strategy of diversification of the economic structure and a programme of support for small and medium-sized enterprises can make a significant contribution to overcoming these problems, achieving successful future development, and fully exploiting the city‘s potential. There is also scope for the use of development projects such as the New Economic Zone initiative and appropriate publicity for the city‘s strengths. A strategy aimed at improving air quality in the region is also a key aspect. There is an opportunity to finance these measures through the European Equitable Transformation Fund, which can greatly facilitate their implementation.

Objective of the study: To compare Ability-related, Benevolence-related, and Integrity-related assessments across five actor categories in the South Moravian regional innovation system, examine variation across the 2023–2025 survey waves, and assess associations with willingness to continue collaboration. Methodology/approach: The study used repeated cross-sectional questionnaire data comprising 491 respondent-wave records and 1,706 actor-specific evaluations. Four-category ordinal responses were analysed using cumulative logit mixed-effects models that accounted for multiple evaluations by the same respondent and adjusted for actor category, survey wave, and respondent type. Originality/Relevance: Research has rarely compared multidimensional trustworthiness assessments across the main actors of a regional innovation system while considering temporal variation and relationship continuity. Main results: Actor category was associated with all three assessments. Support organisations received the most favourable Ability-related and Integrity-related assessments, whereas public administration received the least favourable assessments. Respondents reported the greatest openness to sharing information with support organisations and universities and research organisations, and the least with large firms. Variation across waves was limited, while all three assessments were associated with willingness to continue collaboration. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The study advances an actor-specific, multidimensional perspective on perceived trustworthiness and demonstrates an ordinal mixed-model approach for repeated actor evaluations. Social/managerial contributions: RIS managers should monitor competence, information-sharing openness, and reliability separately by actor category to design targeted measures supporting collaboration.

The purpose of the article is to identify the impact of different types of companies on regional economic performance. It highlights the significant influence of GDP per capita from newly established companies. The study stresses supporting newly established companies, those investing in R&D, and paying higher average monthly wages to foster economic development. The research provides insights for targeted business environment support, aiding regional growth and decision-making.