Enhancing Regional Development in Georgia: Integrating Functional Spatial Planning and Land Use Modeling for Sustainable Economic Growth
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Regional development represents a fundamental pillar of economic growth, territorial cohesion, and sustainable resource management. As Georgia continues to navigate economic and political transitions, spatial-territorial planning emerges as a strategic tool for fostering balanced regional development and minimizing socio-economic disparities. This study examines the role of functional spatial planning in regional economic sustainability by conducting a comparative analysis of planning methodologies implemented in four EU member states—Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The research explores the theoretical underpinnings of spatial zoning, evaluates the effectiveness of various land-use planning strategies, and assesses economic incentives for regional development. Additionally, the study integrates qualitative methods, including expert interviews and stakeholder surveys, to provide policy recommendations tailored to Georgia’s specific development context. The findings suggest that adopting an integrated spatial planning framework, leveraging data-driven land-use modeling, and implementing sustainability-oriented economic incentives can significantly enhance Georgia’s regional economic resilience. This research was supported by Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG) [grant number: YS-24-308]
Author: Mariam Jibuti
Institution: Tbilisi State University
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4410622150
