Local development has many faces and can be stimulated in many ways. Exploring what it looks like in other countries is a fascinating acitivity. That is why I travel to meet authorities, entrepreneurs and scientists show me how they stimulate local development and what results they get. Such “travels in search of local development and inspirations for local & regional governments” broaden my knowledge. Thanks to this, the works I prepare for Polish local governments are more creative and innovative, as well as the training and lectures more interesting.
One of the benefits I gained thanks to travels is my book entitled “Supra-local perspective of local development strategic governance on the example of small towns“. These trips made me realize how much national, continental and global factors, e.g. technologies, cultures, corporations, energy sources, state authorities, climate change, et al. have an impact on local development. Without these travels, this book would never have been written.
In addition, trips are an opportunity for me to meet unique, interesting people, achieving successes and strongly involved in public affairs. Contact with their energy, knowledge, ideas and experiences is a great value for me and motivates me to work. Sometimes I establish permanent relationships with them, which I use in scientific work.
Examples of my travels and meetings:
City Hall of São Paulo, Brazil
It serves 20 million inhabitants. City authorities use modern strategic governance methods and innovative smart city techniques. Meeting with Director Rubens Rizek Jr. and office staff.
Siyakhana Food Garden, South Africa
This urban garden in Johannesburg constitutes urban agriculture. It gives work and healthy food, supports entrepreneurship and city revitalization, reduces social problems. Meeting with director Prof. M. Rudolph.
Coffee&Cocoa Science Park, Indonesia
This science and technology park conducts research on innovative coffee crops and promotes sustainable agriculture as local development factor. Meeting with prof. Rachmat Hidayat, a researcher of these issues.
Algeti village, Georgia
The commune basing its local development on the production of traditional Georgian food and its roadside sales on the international road E60. Meeting with residents, bread and wine producers.
Kawada Nextage Nagoya, Japan
This company produces robots to work with people in their small, traditional companies – cafes, shops, workshops, etc. Robotization does not have to be an enemy of local development. Meeting with engineers.
Mochi Bazaar Jodhpur, India
A typical Indian bazaar full of local products, local culture and local buyers – creating local development. Never “conquered”, despite attempts, by globalized large-scale trade. Meeting with merchants.
City Hall of Varaždin, Croatia
It is a city of successful, architectural and economic revitalization of its historic center. An example of local development based on the multi-use historic buildings. Meeting with the mayor and councilors.
Hualapai Indian Reserve, USA
The area of many attempts to stimulate local develop- ment, but without good results, apart from tourism. Desert climate, lack of resources, social problems and the law bother. Meeting with local entrepreneurs.
St. Monica Primary School, Tanzania
Primary school – the result of the work of the local community and foreign volunteers. It gives education to children from poor families. Observations of very good lessons, conducted in very difficult conditions.
Biz @ Shaolin Monastery, China
The legend of the Shaolin Monastery used by many companies teaching martial arts on a mass scale. Unsustainable, fast growth of the local economy. Observations of commercialization of local culture.
World Expo 2020, Dubai, UAE
Visits to pavilions of countries promoting the idea of local development as part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Studies of local solutions constituting alternatives to global systems.
Castle Baynard ward, London, UK
Castle Baynard – the financial and historical center of London. Observations of the effects of local socio-urban revitalization and efforts to integrate immigrant communities.
Philharmonic in village, Azores, PT
A visit to the philharmonic in the village of Algarvia, São Miguel island, Atlantic Ocean. It is 145 years old, not targeting tourists & stimulates local human, social, cultural and capital. Research how is it possible.
Abandoned city of Cisco, USA
Cisco is a city in Utah, abandoned by its inhabitants. The last 4 are trying to revive them. Research into the causes of the fall and analysis of opportunities and possible strategies for rebirth.
St. Nicholas Square, Siggiewi, Malta
St. Nicholas Square in the town of Siggiewi, Malta, is (dating back to the Neolith) place of integration and activation of inhabitants, and even their protection in its underground. Visit with the city mayor.
Manisa: satellite of Izmir, Turkey
Manisa is a unique example of an industrial boom thanks to its proximity to Izmir’s international communication infrastructure and the region’s fertile fields. Visiting its business zones.