Аnalysis of theoretical presentations of the development of territorial communities: theories of regional development

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the prerequisites for the development of territorial communities through the prism of the evolution of theories of regional development. The relevance of the study is due to the need for a systematic generalization of fundamental provisions that can be used in the formation of organizational and economic management mechanisms at the local level in the context of decentralization in Ukraine. A wide range of theoretical concepts has been analyzed, ranging from classical theories of production location ( standarts by I. Thünen , W. Launhardt , A. Weber, central place theory by W. Kristaller , spatial organization by A. Lösch ) and theories of interregional trade and regional specialization (absolute and comparative advantages by A. Smith and D. Ricardo, Heckscher - Ohlin theory ) to new theories of activity location and spatial organization of the economy (diffusion of innovations by T. Hagerstand , regional life cycle by A. Scott, M. Stolper and R. Walker , growth poles by F. Perroux , territorial-production complexes by M. Bandman ), as well as the latest theories (potentials by K. Gauss, clustering by M. Porter, destinations by N. Leiper , sustainable development by G. Daly ). Particular attention is paid to modern concepts that determine the directions of regional policy at the current stage: the theory of self-development (endogenous development) of regions, the concept of the knowledge economy, regional innovation systems, stimulation of regional competitiveness, cluster development and sustainable development. As a result of the study, it is substantiated that the development of territorial communities has a dual nature: on the one hand, it is closely related to organizational issues of local self-government, and on the other hand, it depends on the resource potential and the efficiency of its use, which refers the issue to the sphere of economic research. It is emphasized that the achievement of high socio-economic indicators is largely determined by the quality of management, and not only by the volume of available resources, which makes it necessary to take into account theoretical developments when developing local development strategies. The article is of interest to scientists, practitioners of local self-government and specialists in regional policy, as it offers a systematic review of theoretical approaches that can be used as a methodological basis for substantiating management decisions at the level of territorial communities.