The Knowledge-Creation Potential of Pécs

Pecs is the fifth largest city in Hungary in terms of population, and the nine active ethnic minority councils indicate the multicultural nature of the region. The status of Pecs, compared to other Hungarian and European cities, is based on three main factors: the health and environmental industries, which have largely replaced previous mining and manufacturing industry; the cultural industry, which is based upon the history of the city; and higher education. Pecs was a European Capital of Culture in 2010, and since then, it has continued to host significant cultural events. The University of Pecs is one of the most important institutions of higher education in the country in terms of student numbers and scientific performance. There is an increasing number of services and industrial sectors that cater for cultural and knowledge-creating activities. The following study shows how the knowledge-creating sector in Pecs is developing and illustrates that there is further potential in the future.