Plamen PATARCHANOV1, Emilia PATARCHANOVA*2
* Corresponding author
1 “St. Kliment Ohridski” University, Faculty of Geology and Geography, Department of Social and Economic Geography, Sofia, BULGARIA
2 South-West “Neofit Rilski” University, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Geography and Ecology, Blagoevgrad, BULGARIA
E-mail: p_patarchanov@abv.bg, epatarchanova@abv.bg
Pages: 95-100. URL: https://geografie.ubbcluj.ro/ccau/jssp/arhiva_si3_2014/13JSSPSI032014.pdf
Cite: Patarchanov P., Patarchanova E. (2014), Contemporary Theoretical and Methodological Aspects of Studies and Development Models of Peripheral Areas. Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning, Special Issue 3, 95-100. URL: https://geografie.ubbcluj.ro/ccau/jssp/arhiva_si3_2014/13JSSPSI032014.pdf
Abstract. The regional imbalance in the development of the territory is a major structural feature of many parts of the world and Europe. The enlargement process of the European Union continues to deepen the differences in its geographic area as a whole and in the individual Member States. Constantly increases the number and type of problem areas for which it is necessary to be conducted targeted policy set on adequate to the current situation theoretical scientific basis. A primary task of the regional science becomes the study of imbalances in socio-economic development especially in peripheral areas where they are most pronounced. The implementation of both the classical and the alternative approaches and methods of regional analysis is a guarantee for an objective evaluation of the real picture in these areas. The conduct of comparative regional studies based on integrated indicators, contributes to a differentiated approach to the organization and management of their territory. On this basis, the generation of favourable conditions for better use of local resources in the periphery of the different spatial levels will allow expression of their advantages in implementing structural reforms in these areas and creating working models for their future sustainable development. The better “embed” of the peripheral areas in the organization of national and community territory is an essential element of the implementation of European cohesion policy, by which to permanently change their limited role of resources (raw materials, labour) and a market of products and services of the centre.
K e y w o r d s: peripheral areas, methods of regional analysis, local and regional development, spatial approaches and models, intraregional imbalances and disparities