Kormosh N. Activating the Competitive Development of Rural Areas

The dissertation is devoted to the clarification of theoretical and methodological aspects and the formation of practical directions for increasing the level of competitiveness of rural areas. The categorical apparatus of the competitive development of rural areas requires systematic clarification, since under the influence of globalization, European integration, decentralization and military risks, the content of key concepts is complicated and expanded. The competitive development of rural areas is justified as a multidimensional synergistic category that combines economic, social, institutional, environmental and spatial components, and therefore requires an interdisciplinary approach and a coordinated hierarchy of definitions. Bibliometric systematization shows that research on the competitive development of rural areas has emerged as a large-scale and dynamic scientific field that combines theoretical and applied approaches. The key role of the institutional capacity of communities as a multiplier of the effect of all financial and economic measures has been proven. Strengthening management capabilities, digitalization of processes and the transition to data-based management significantly increase the return on available resources and ensure the systemic nature of territorial development. It has been established that the intelligent digital platform for increasing the competitiveness of rural areas (Smart Community Platform) acts as a key integrating element of the mechanism, as it ensures the accumulation of various data, their intelligent processing, forecasting the dynamics of indicators and modeling alternative development scenarios. A mechanism for increasing the level of development of the competitiveness of rural areas has been formed, which creates a methodological basis for the transition to a system of continuous monitoring and evaluation of development results, which increases the transparency of management and allows for timely adjustment of strategies. As a result, this ensures a sustainable increase in the competitiveness of territorial communities of the Transcarpathian and Chernivtsi regions, taking into account their regional specifics and long-term strategic priorities. The proposed development strategies for the Transcarpathian and Chernivtsi regions are internally consistent and formally “correct” from the standpoint of the integrated competitiveness model (K). Diversification of the economy, development of local brands, investments in human capital, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and cross-border cooperation systematically increase key components of development or reduce risks, and therefore ensure positive growth (K>0).