Organizacje pozarządowe i społeczności lokalne a skuteczne działanie dla rozwoju lokalnego

The changes which takes place in contemporary economy does not reduce interest in locality. On the contrary, it shows that a spatial unit at the local level is often left to itself in the context of changes and the problems resulting from them. It is at the local level that these changes are felt most. Experiences connected with the role of local authorities in local development confirm their importance in this process. It needs to be mentioned, however, that local authorities are not the only actors of local development. Entrepreneurs, local society, or non-government organizations also influence the direction of local development. Nowadays, there is a great focus on the effects of cooperation between local actors for local development. That is why the paper focuses on the role of other actors of local development. The significance of local actors in the process of local development is discussed in the context of their proximity to entrepreneurial environment and their awareness of the local potential.