Drivers and Barriers to the Competitiveness of Rural Areas in Bulgaria
Drivers and Barriers to the Competitiveness of Rural Areas in Bulgaria

Author(s): Mariya Peneva, Yovka Bankova
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Udruženje ekonomista i menadžera Balkana
Keywords: Index of rural competitiveness; Balance of competitiveness and sustainability; Rural sustainable development
Summary/Abstract: Rural areas are diverse and they offer specific sets of economic, social, and environmental functions crucial for sustainable development of countries. Based on that, they compete for investments, tourists, and population, leading to regional imbalances. This study is about the multifaceted dynamics of rural competitiveness in Bulgaria, aiming to reveal its complex nature, the key drivers and the barriers to growth. The main goal is to examine the factors influencing the competitiveness of rural areas in Bulgaria in various dimensions. The mixed-methods approach for analysis is applied, and results present comprehensive knowledge for policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers interested in sustainable rural development. The study provides insights into the most and least competitive rural areas in Bulgaria, based on the constructed index of competitiveness, and suggests practical recommendations for informed policy implementation and governance.

• Details
• Contents