Naslov
Smart Villages, the future of rural areas in the EU

Autori
Ježić, Zoran ; Kardum, Benjamin ; Bago, Petar

Izvornik
Et2er - ekonomija, turizam, telekomunikacje i računarstvo (2670-8930) 3 (2021), 2; 24-35

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, pregledni rad, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
circular economy, rural areas, smart governance, Smart Villages, territorial cohesion

Sažetak
Transition, unpredictability, and dynamics in the economic and political context leave considerable traces and have a significant global impact. Effects of globalization on society have begun to affect less developed towns, villages and other areas that are not territorially defined as urban centres. Diminished development level of rural areas in the European Union is a consequence of the intensive economic and cultural expansion of urban and industrial areas that happened in the middle of the last century. Given that rural areas cover about 80% of EU area and are home to almost 30% of the EU’s total population, EU is making significant efforts to develop and shape rural development policy and instruments. The aim of this paper is to define the key components and measures of the Smart Villages concept that contribute to convergence of rural areas. By applying the method of description, compilation, comparison, case study and desk research, the paper proves that the implementation of the Smart Villages concept and “bottom-up” approach in decision-making leads to revitalization and better quality of life in rural areas. The paper contributes to the professional and general public in defining activities and measures in policymaking and implementation of the Smart Villages concept, which aims to reduce economic, territorial and social disparities in rural areas.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Ekonomija

POVEZANOST RADA