IDENTIFYING DRIVERS OF GROWTH IN SMALL URBAN SETTLEMENTS

In the current economic conditions, the study of the formation of an approach to identifying the drivers of growth in small urban settlements is relevant, as it is an important aspect of the need to stimulate economic and social development in territories. Small urban settlements play an important role in the spatial development of our country, ensuring its territorial integrity. Determination of key drivers (poles) of growth in small urban settlements is valuable for justifying an approach to their identification. The object of research is a group of factors that, when combined, allow for the creation of a tool for assessing development priorities, such as a matrix of priority measures for the development of a small city. The subject of this scientific article is the process of determining the features of the approach to identifying drivers (poles) of growth in small urban settlements. The study revealed the groups of factors that enable small cities to stimulate economic growth through the development of new industry sectors with innovative potential, which are associated with the introduction of modern digital, technical, and engineering solutions into the urban environment and are formed through the development of the triad of science, business, and innovative technologies, i.e., through the application of the principles of “smart specialization”; they are social, industry, infrastructure, economic, environmental, and digital factors. Based on the analysis of indicators for assessing the factors of a small city development, it is possible to construct a matrix of priority measures for the development of a small city. The presented matrix type is characterized by advantageous positions and is aimed at systematizing and visualizing the algorithm of economic development. By creating conditions for incorporating digital technologies into the management of territories, the Spatial Development Strategy allows for the optimization of processes, the definition of mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of plans, and the support of innovative solutions and technologies, which can increase the competitiveness of regions. It is the core settlements that serve as promising centers for economic growth.

spatial development, core settlements, small urban settlements, pole of growth, growth factors, assessment methodology, priority matrix, regional development, smart specialization, urban systems

Seleznev P. S., Vuymenkov S. A., Torik N. Yu. Identifying drivers of growth in small urban settlements. Biznes. Obrazovanie. Pravo = Business. Education. Law. 2025;4(73):65—73. DOI: 10.25683/VOLBI.2025.73.1419.