INNOVATION-BASED BROWNFIELDS, GEOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHERS IN CEE COUNTRIES - HOLISTIC APPROACH

Abstract

The occurrence of brownfields areas is related to fast development within industrial activity. Conventional labour-intense industrial activities were losing their significance and new highly-productive activities, based on educated labour force and higher added value, developed. De-industrialisation occurred. The external signs of negative de-industrialisation are mostly degradation of space, unemployment, social endangerment, increase of crime and marginalisation of the population in the affected areas. Based on the experience gained working on an international project ReTInA - Revitalization of Traditional Industrial Areas in South East Europe we came to the conclusion that the role of Geography and geographers is too inconsiderable and not in accordance with global trends of interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. We see the problem in an inadequate approach to solving revitalisations from top to bottom as well as in the ill-defined role of Geography and geographers. Findings, gained through multiyear work on the project are the following: the place and role of Geography and geographers solving the problem of brownfields need to be defined anew.