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E-SMART Assessment for Rural Areas (Case Study of Veliko Tarnovo Region, Bulgaria)

Author

Listed:
  • Ilcheva Maria

    (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

  • Tsonkova Vanya

    (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

  • Byanov Ivan

    (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

  • Mateev Iliyan

    (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

  • Byanova Nevena

    (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

  • Dimanov Daniel

    (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

  • Nikolov Yordan

    (St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)

Abstract

The research topic is motivated by the fact that rural areas in Bulgaria are lagging behind in their economic, social and territorial development compared to urban areas, despite European Union support policies for regional development and cohesion. Regardless of the fact that more and more the specialized literature investigating the development of rural areas emphasizes multifaceted factors, including environmental, social and technological aspects, there is a lack of a complex approach to analysis and assessment of their condition. Therefore, the authors set out to develop and demonstrate the application of a comprehensive E-SMART evaluation model based on a combination of 6 groups of factors with a significant impact on the socio-economic development of rural areas. The approbation of the toolkit was carried out in the seven rural municipalities in the Veliko Tarnovo region. The analysis of the results of the groups of factors – economic, social, manufacturing, agriculture, resources and technologies, as well as the complex indicator E-SMART-score, reveals the general and specific problems, as well as the competitive advantages of the rural areas included in the analysis. E-SMART model can be used as a reliable tool to increase the administrative capacity of municipalities when making strategic decisions for the development of the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Ilcheva Maria & Tsonkova Vanya & Byanov Ivan & Mateev Iliyan & Byanova Nevena & Dimanov Daniel & Nikolov Yordan, 2024. "E-SMART Assessment for Rural Areas (Case Study of Veliko Tarnovo Region, Bulgaria)," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 18(1), pages 1912-1928.
    • Handle: RePEc:vrs:poicbe:v:18:y:2024:i:1:p:1912-1928:n:1026
    DOI: 10.2478/picbe-2024-0161
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mia Gray & Linda Lobao & Ron Martin, 2012. "Making space for well-being," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 5(1), pages 3-13.
    2. Chambers, Robert, 1994. "The origins and practice of participatory rural appraisal," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 22(7), pages 953-969, July.
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