SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONS – CASE STUDY OF COUNTIES MUNICIPALITIES IN KURZEME PLANNING REGION
SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONS – CASE STUDY OF COUNTIES MUNICIPALITIES IN KURZEME PLANNING REGION

Summary/Abstract: Sustainable social and economic development is one of the most important issues for countries worldwide. There is always topical question, how to provide development, that influences positive different spheres of life and all members of society. Successful implementation of this goal can be reached only if there is also sustainable development of regions in the country, as results of regions are very closely linked to development of the country, and directly predetermine it. In Latvia, two levels of regions can be stated – planning regions and municipalities (of cities and counties). On the one hand, there can be positive synergy between regions in terms of social and economic development if regions directly or indirectly cooperate in some fields. On the other hand, negative trends in one region can result in undesirable processes in other regions. And, of course, there can be also competition between regions (e.g. for state budget funding, private investment, human resources etc.). Aim of the research – to assess main trends of social and economic development of counties municipalities in Kurzeme planning region. For research, method of comparison, method of ranking, analysis of dynamic and correlation analysis was made. For research, information from Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia and from the reports by State Regional Development Agency “Regional Development in Latvia” about counties in Kurzeme planning region was used. To assess social and economic development trends in counties municipalities of Kurzeme planning region, such indicators as number of population, population density, demographic burden, gross wages and salaries, number of economically active statistical units was analysed.Results of research show that there is correlation between some social and economic indicators that characterizes counties municipalities. Decrease of population number contributes to decrease of economic activity in county and so – to decrease of wages. In long term perspective, these processes reinforce each other and can create situation with plenty other serious development problems.

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