Transgraniczność jako cecha usług nowofalowych. Przykład pogranicza polsko-białoruskiego

The aim of this article is to examine the development of so-called new-wave services in Poland’s eastern Podlaskie province, in particular their role in boosting international cooperation. According to regional officials, the development of relations with other regions and countries helps Poland’s Podlaskie overcome its development barriers. The article uses the desk research method and the results of surveys carried out among service companies in Poland’s Podlaskie province and neighbouring Belarus. The research shows that companies based in the Polish province show limited openness to foreign cooperation. Meanwhile, the conditions for developing such cooperation seem to be favourable, with many Belarusian companies displaying a high level of readiness to work together, especially in terms of access to resources and the provision of comprehensive services. Other enabling factors include the progressive warming of EU-Belarusian relations and the availability of EU funds for cross-border cooperation. It seems important to make entrepreneurs in Poland’s Podlaskie province aware of the possibilities and benefits of engaging in various forms and types of international activities, and to increase their involvement. The peripheral location of the Polish province and the relatively low level of wealth in Belarusian society will continue to hamper bilateral cooperation in the coming years.