Thematic villages – social activity and networking in the Warmia and Mazury region

Abstract

The study presents the essence of the thematic village and cooperation network (networking), as well as their significance in the context of development of rural areas of the Warmia and Mazury region. The analysis covered the initiatives of creating thematic villages and their functioning within the network of thematic villages “Places with a soul. Thematic Places of Warmia and Mazury” and “The village with on idea – idea for the countryside”. The current trends in rural areas development in necessitate the need to connect individual subjects, create networks, networked products and various partnerships. Networking is perceived as a way to improve territorial competitiveness and effectively implement process innovations in rural areas.