INTEGRATED PLANNING AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONS

Borislav Borisov, Evelina Parashkevova²*, Hristo Sirashki³, Mariela Stoyanova⁴

¹Prof. DsC, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics – Svishtov, BULGARIA,

b.borissov@uni-svishtov.bg

²Assoc. Prof. PhD, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics – Svishtov, BULGARIA, e.parashkevova@uni-svishtov.bg

³Assoc. Prof. PhD, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics – Svishtov, BULGARIA,

h.sirashki@uni-svishtov.bg

⁴Assist. Prof. PhD, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics – Svishtov, BULGARIA, m.stoyanova@uni-svishtov.bg

*Corresponding Author

Abstract

The article discusses matters regarding the integrated approach for achieving balanced and sustainable regional development, as part of the support mechanisms of the European Union countries. It intends to address key weaknesses in the effective achievement of the goals of cohesion policy in EU. The current focus of resources on a general principle not only does not lead to cohesion, but also deepens the disparities. The aim of the article is to bring out perspectives and to identify challenges for implementation of integrated planning approach in Bulgaria. The object of research is the integrated territorial investment`s approach, and the subject is its influence on the sustainable regional development. Scientific literature review regarding adoption of integrated territorial investments has been made. Based on identified practical experience, challenges to the planning process in the context of the pan-European regional policy, on the one hand, and the existing planning practice on the other, have been outlined. Issues related to the expected integrated solutions to various regional problems, because of the application of the new, more flexible planning approach, oriented to the common territorial interest, have been studied. Special attention is paid to sustainable development and the role of the planning function for its achievement. The integrated territorial investments are analyzed as a mechanism for integrated local development with the wide participation of the stakeholders and the possibility for effective and efficient implementation within the programming period 2021-2027.

Based on deduction, induction and content analysis of documents, the prospects for the implementation of integrated territorial investments are outlined as a tool for achieving sustainability, balance and growth.

Keywords: planning, integrated territorial investments, sustainable regional development