Innovative development of territories based on the integrated use of social, resource and environmental potential

Abstract

This article investigates the interrelationships and interdependencies inherent in the integrated use of the territory’s social, resource, and environmental potential to achieve its sustainable development. The basic hypotheses formulated during this study were as follows: Sustainable development of the territory’s resource and ecological potential cannot be achieved if its social potential is reduced; Sustainable development of the territory’s ecological and social potential can be achieved only if it is economically feasible, that is if it contributes to the sustainable development of the territory’s resource potential; Sustainable development of the territory’s resource and social potential cannot be achieved while its ecological potential deteriorates; Ensured sustainable development of territories in today’s world is only possible with simultaneous integrated use of the territory’s social, resource, and environmental potential. The aim of this research is to investigate the interrelationships among these three components and to determine their impact on the overall development of the regions. A comprehensive multi-stage research project based on the analysis of statistical information and survey results was designed and applied to meet the research objective. Methodologically, the study was based on a quantitative approach, which led to the integrated use of economic-statistical and econometric data processing methods. All these hypotheses were tested and found to be true in the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture of the People’s Republic of China. The results indicate a direct and stable relationship between the development of resource potential, ecological potential, and social potential of the territories. Specifically, regions with high resource potential exhibit better social indicators, while ecological investments contribute to the improvement of public health and quality of life. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive approach to examining the interconnections among resources, social aspects, and ecological sustainability, thereby contributing to the international literature in the field of sustainable development. These results can be of use to state and municipal government experts when planning territorial development, as well as to academic researchers, including to identify promising avenues for later research.