The master's thesis examines the impact of various factors on the extent of intermunicipal cooperation in selected municipalities. Demographic changes, financial constraints, and the need for digitalization encourage municipalities to collaborate to optimize resource use and improve services. The thesis analyzes the influence of different factors on intermunicipal cooperation, including geographical proximity, shared interests, financial and human resources, and legislation. The research focuses on four hypotheses, exploring how limited resources, past experiences, geographical location, and the size of municipalities affect cooperation between them.
The research is based on quantitative data analysis gathered from surveys, data on intermunicipal and cross-border projects, and municipal statistical data. Statistical methods, such as comparative analysis and linear models, were used to examine the impact of various factors on intermunicipal cooperation. The results indicate that intermunicipal cooperation is less frequent in municipalities facing limited resources and capacities than initially expected. Municipalities report positive effects from previous collaborations, and they are more likely to engage in further cooperation based on successful past experiences. The findings also reveal that factors such as geographical location, proximity to borders, and municipality size significantly influence their readiness to cooperate.
The thesis contributes to understanding how municipalities can optimize cooperation and how various factors impact the success of these partnerships. The research findings complement existing theoretical concepts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges municipalities face in collaboration. The findings further enrich the theory and offer recommendations for establishing more effective intermunicipal cooperation, which can serve as guidance for future policies and municipal development.
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