Foreign direct investment risk: a case study of Opole voivodeship

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to assess the investment risks associated with foreign direct investment in the Opole Voivodeship from 1991 to 2024. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology combines quantitative analysis, using statistical data (e.g., GDP growth, inflation, exchange rates, and FDI inflows), with qualitative methods, including case studies of key enterprises with foreign capital in the region. Findings: The research identifies several factors that initially deterred FDI in Opole Voivodeship, including macroeconomic instability, competition from larger agglomerations, and socio-political sensitivities. Research limitations/implications: The study is region-specific, focusing on Opole Voivodeship, which may limit the generalisability of findings to other regions with different socio-economic contexts. Practical implications: The study emphasises the importance of leveraging local diaspora networks and cultural ties to attract capital while diversifying the sources of foreign investment to mitigate risks associated with investor monoculture. Social implications: The research underscores the role of socio-cultural factors, such as historical ties and community acceptance, in shaping investment dynamics. Originality/value: This study contributes to the relatively underexplored field of regional FDI determinants in Poland. Keywords: foreign direct investment, investment risk. Category of the paper: Case study.