Tanulmányok Budapest Múltjából 30. (2002) – Az ötven éves Nagy-Budapest – előzmények és megvalósulás

Barta Györgyi: Budapest és az agglomeráció gazdasági szerepkörének átalakulása 201-216

Tanulmányok Budapest Múltjából XXX. Györgyi Barta Changes of the Economic Functions of Budapest and the Agglomeration The study aims to analyse the dynamic economic development of Budapest, its structural changes and the opportunities for its assuming new functions and roles. Budapest's economy has always attracted most investments in Hungary. The focus of investments changed spectacularly, generally seeking the highest returns on capital: The modernisation of telecommunications was followed by erecting new shopping malls and office buildings, later the construction of hotels and, at present, housing. (The industrial sector was an exception to the high-rate-of-return rule: After the political changes of 1989, the favourable opportunities provided by privatisation attracted considerable strategic foreign capital). As the financial and human resources required by economic development are concentrated in the capital, the structure of its economy is in a continuous process of modernisation with a strong emphasis on the tertiary sector, as is exemplified by the high proportion of modern business services including banking. These services are also essential for the economic development of the rest of the country. The role of industry is slowly decreasing, but the industrial sector remains an important factor of the capital's economy. The geopolitical position of Budapest, its historical functions and its economic dynamism helped the city, during the past decade of transition, to find the key to further development in its roles as a bridge and a gate. The share of foreign direct investment is remarkably high, tourism is contributing considerably to GDP, and transport and logistical facilities are being expanded continually. As a consequence, Budapest's leading role within the Hungarian economy has been strengthened further. 216