In mid‑November 2025, the SECPOLYC project—backed by the International Visegrad Fund—converged in Košice, Slovakia for its third meeting and a PhD study tour. The event, organized by the Institute of Geography at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, brought together scholars, doctoral candidates, and regional officials from Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Over three days, the program highlighted the project’s focus on polycentric development models in Central Europe and provided a platform for academic exchange, policy discussion, and practical fieldwork.
SECPOLYC: Advancing Polycentric Development in the Visegrad Region
A Vision for Balanced Territorial Growth
SECPOLYC aims to strengthen regional cohesion by promoting balanced territorial development. The project investigates how secondary city networks can offset the dominance of primary urban centres, thereby enhancing spatial governance and encouraging sustainable growth. By integrating research, policy dialogue, and stakeholder engagement, the initiative seeks to inform planning practices across Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland.
Core Research Themes
- Polycentricity and urban network evolution
- Impacts of spatial governance on economic resilience
- Data‑driven insights for city planning and regional policy
- Cross‑border collaboration mechanisms within the V4
These themes provide a foundation for the discussions that unfolded during the Košice workshop.
Workshop Highlights in Košice
Front‑line researchers presented their latest findings. Géza Salamin of the Corvinus University Institute for Sustainable Development outlined the initial project objectives, noting Hungary’s top‑heavy urban hierarchy and the need for stronger secondary centres. Robert Szmytkie of the University of Wrocław examined Poland’s complex city network, emphasizing the country’s distinctive urban structure compared to the other V4 states.
Stanislav Kraft of the Czech Republic’s South Bohemia University highlighted the role of secondary cities in supporting Prague’s primacy. Ladislav Novotný from Košice’s Institute of Science discussed how Košice itself functions as both the second‑largest city in Slovakia and a key governance hub for Eastern Slovakia. These presentations framed the academic narrative for the workshop.
A dedicated workshop facilitated conversations between scholars and municipal decision‑makers. Participants debated recent research outcomes and explored how they could translate findings into actionable strategies for city and regional planning. The workshop’s outcomes focused on developing data‑based tools, establishing clear development targets, and integrating community feedback into policy frameworks.
To contextualize theoretical discussions, the organizing team arranged field trips across Košice. Attendees toured historic districts, observed the city’s integration of historic architecture with modern infrastructure, and visited key municipal offices. These visits highlighted the city’s evolution from its Hungarian‑influenced past to its current role as a regional economic driver.
The program also offered cultural experiences, including beer tastings and a showcase of local gastronomy. Such activities fostered informal networking and a deeper appreciation of Slovak urban culture.
Benefits for PhD Candidates and the Research Community
Doctoral candidates from Corvinus University participated by presenting their research trajectories and engaging in peer reviews. The exchange of ideas sharpened analytical skills, broadened methodological knowledge, and encouraged interdisciplinary approaches. The event also introduced participants to GIS‑based data sources and spatial analysis tools that could be integrated into future doctoral projects.
More than 50 participants, ranging from academics to city planners, exchanged insights and identified potential collaboration pathways. The collaborative environment laid the groundwork for joint publications, research grants, and shared data repositories. Participants reported increased confidence in translating academic research into municipal planning practice.
Looking Ahead: SECPOLYC’s Closing Conference and Continued Engagement
The project will culminate in a closing event in Budapest from 18 to 20 March 2026. Scholars, stakeholders, and policymakers will reconvene to review SECPOLYC’s impact, share best practices, and chart future research directions. Attendees will also discuss strategies for scaling polycentric models across broader Central European contexts.
Individuals interested in contributing to SECPOLYC may apply for doctoral positions at Corvinus University, join regional planning networks, or collaborate on research projects. The program values both academic depth and practical relevance, welcoming researchers from diverse disciplines who can advance understanding of balanced urban growth.
By fostering cross‑border cooperation and integrating stakeholder perspectives, SECPOLYC demonstrates a viable path toward more resilient and inclusive city systems in Central Europe.
Take Action
Ready to apply the insights from this study tour to your own research or practice? Explore Corvinus PhD programs in International Relations and discover how your doctoral work can align with regional development challenges.
Interested in learning more about SECPOLYC or arranging a consultation? Schedule a free consultation with a project coordinator to discuss potential research collaborations or support.
Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to the next generation of urban policy research. Submit your application today and join a community dedicated to building sustainable and balanced urban networks across Central Europe.
