THE ROLE OF PARTNERSHIPS IN CONTEMPORARY DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS

Article discusses the issues of partnerships and their role in management of regional development and rural space; partnership must be taken into account as one of the acting bodies in regional interests. Partnerships are expected to be the perspective forms of the subjects that may remarkably support regional development in the regional management. Opinions of the selected group of regional acting bodies (small and medium size enterprises) in two Slovak regions on the relevant issues are also presented in the paper. Results showed that the relationship of SMEs to partnership is different. In Trenčí n region is a greater willingness to form partnerships, as well as willingness to work actively. In contrast Prešov region is willing to enter into partnerships lower, activity in the partnership is also lower. This proves a different perception of partnerships in different regions of Slovakia.