Why Invest in Olomouc.

• a strategic location in the middle of Moravia, the obvious transport and administrative centre of the region, significant transport crossroads
• historical importance, tradition and cultural life of the city connected with the renovation of cultural monuments are the incentive for further development in travel tourism
• high quality of the environment and an attractive landscape connected with sport events are an important precondition for a healthy life and recreation activities
• a good level of education, prominent role of professional training, foreign languages institutions, and university education guarantee a high level education, diversified and skilled workforce
• improvement of conditions for development of new fields and companies, dynamic development of services and trade sector
• long-time tradition of industrial production (food-processing, engineering); an entry of foreign investments into the industrial zones of the city creates a basis for further development of engineering, electrical engineering and printing industry
• dynamic development of entrepreneurial subjects, traditions and background of experienced building companies
• well-prepared industrial zones attract foreign investors and small and medium-sized local enterprises, for which the Science and Technology Park of Palacký University and Business Incubator were developed
• entry of companies in the field of strategic services
• new opportunity – Technology Park Olomouc – Hněvotín on an area of 95 ha

Olomouc City

The City of Olomouc (100 373 inhabitants) is the fifth biggest city in the Czech Republic. Thanks to its history, the ancient university, sophisticated culture and arts, as well as its geographic position in the very centre of Moravia, it has always attracted tourists, businessmen and entrepreneurs. From the economic point of view, the City of Olomouc is an industrial city with developing services. Its growth potential is vast due to its advantageous position, a long tradition of manufacturing and skilled workforce.

On 1 January 2001, the City of Olomouc became the centre of the Olomouc Region and also the seat of the Regional Authority of the Olomouc Region.

Education and Human Resources

Olomouc is a home to one of the most important universities in the Czech Republic – the ancient Palacký University – and to twenty-four secondary schools of different kinds. Founded as early as 1573, the University has currently eight faculties and more than 22 thousand students and represents the largest educational institution in the Central Moravia Region.

In June 2001 the Centre for Innovations and Transfer of Technologies was opened. In 2006 the Business Incubator aiming at helping newly established companies focused on biotechnology, nanotechnology and optoelectronics was established. Currently, the University has further important development projects in pipeline.

A regional level of education is above a national average, which makes a promising outlook for the future development of the Region. A high-quality language education, for which Olomouc is renown, is another competitive advantage of the city.

Established in 2005, a new private college – the Moravian College of Olomouc (MVŠO) – is in charge of the launching of a regional centre of innovation. MVŠO offers three-year bachelor curricula of economy and management in three branches: Economy and management of private enterprises, Economy and management in the public sector and Company information systems.

Traditions, Culture

The first written document mentioning Olomouc dates from 1055. As for its history and importance in the past, Olomouc can be compared only to Prague. It is the best-preserved historical city of Moravia, having the second largest urban reservation area, next to Prague. A well-preserved pattern of medieval streets is protected, too. The city centre boasts a unique piece of monumental baroque sculpture and architecture – the Holy Trinity Column. In 2000, the Column appeared on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, being the tenth Czech monument to be honoured this way.

The impact of the Roman-Catholic Church on the city life and its spiritual, political and economic development has always been immense. The Bishopric of Olomouc was founded as early as 1063 and the importance of the city grew after it was promoted to the Archbishopric in the 18th century. Numerous church buildings and monuments are a proof of this fact.

Olomouc has always been an important centre of learning and culture in the entire Moravia. Beside, Olomouc is a home of the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra, Museum of Regional History, Musical Theatre, Arts Theatre, Museum of Arts, numerous choirs, chamber orchestras and bands, and many small galleries. An Archdiocese Museum was opened in 2006.

Employment Market

The Olomouc Region has long suffered from a higher-than-average unemployment rate – indeed, one of higher in the Czech Republic.

Average wages are by far lower in the Olomouc Region than on the national level. As for the District of Olomouc, though well above the regional average, wages still remain below the national average.