Regional development and the politics of China-sponsored infrastructure construction in Laos and Myanmar

성공적인 지역발전 모델을 창출하기 위해서는 지역의 공간적 특색을 살릴 수 있는 전략산업 육성이 필요 하다. 지역산업 발전의 선택과 집중사이에서 선정된 전략산업이 지역경제를 이끄는 원동력이 될 것이며 지역경제 활성화에 파급효과를 줄 것은 분명하기 때문이다. 이를 위해 단순히 정책적 과제로만 끝나는 것이 아니라 지속적인 실행에 옮길 수 있도록 지자체의 많은 관심과 역할이 중요하며 장기적으로 지역산업과 관련된 주체의 지속적인 발전이 가능한지를 평가해야 한다. 본 연구에서는 지역산업을 육성하는 정책적 사업의 적정성을 고려하기 위해서 다양한 평가지표가 고려되어야 할 것임에 착안하여 국내외 지역발전 성공사례를 중심으로 지표를 구축하였다. 다음으로 전문가를 대상으로 컨조인트 분석을 실시하여 지표의 가중치를 도출하고, 지속가능한 지역산업이 갖춰야 할 합리적 평가체계 방안을 제시하였다. 그 결과 '지역발전' 부문에서 '지역경제', '인력양성', '지역마케팅' 부문의 속성으로 구분하여 총 9개의 지표를 도출하였고, '산업발전'부문의 '인프라 구축', '기술개발', '기업지원'의 9개 지표를 도출하였다. 본 연구를 통한 시사점을 살펴보면, 첫째, 향후 지역산업 육성정책의 평가 시 다양하고, 구체적인 평가체제를 기본으로 부족 부분을 보완해 나가야 할 것이다. 둘째, 지자체는 전략적으로 산업간 융복합이 가능하고, 광역지역 간 연계가 용이한 전략 산업을 우선적으로 고려해야 할 것이다. 마지막으로 지역산업을 위한 인재와 기업에 대한 원활한 기반마련 및 지원이 이루어 져야 한다. In order to create a successful regional development model, there should be an effort to foster a strategic industry which boosts a geographical features of rural areas. Because, It must be clear that the strategic industry chosen between choice and concentration of the development of the local industry development which boosts the local economy revitalization. The local government should have continual concern and roles to fulfil political subjects and keep estimating about the possibility that there could be the sustainable development by Task Ahead of the local industry. This study's indicators were established for the adequacy evaluation of the industrial policy by focusing on domestic regional development's success example. Next, Conjoint analysis was conducted on the Experts. On the basis of this analysis, the weights of indicators are derived. And this study suggest the reasonable evaluation system to take Sustainable industry plan of regional strategic. Consequently, 'Regional development' sector separate 3 categories which are 'Local economy', 'Human Resource Development', 'local marketing' and 9 indicators were derived. 'Industrial development' sector derived 9 indicators about 'Construction of infrastructure', 'Technical development' and 'business support'. Looking through the implications of this study. First, the problem needed to be supplemented based on the Diversity and concreteness of Evaluation system when government assesses regional industry development policy. Second, local government have to strategically consider the possibility of convergence between industries and easiness of network in a broad region. Finally, Foundation and support of the professional manpower and companies for the regional industries must be established.

The purpose of this article is to reveal the method of multiple-criteria optimization for the selection of regional sustainable development projects. Projects for regional sustainable development in the strategic planning are currently considered as an important instrument sustaining competitiveness and productive capabilities of the European economy and supporting developing areas, as an aim of the Europe 2020 strategy. Methodology. European countries implement national strategies by using the broad methodology of project management for reaching strategic aims. In such a context, it becomes necessary to provide a generalized method of projects' evaluation and their selection by the corresponding committees, proceeding from the best international practices and effective policy guidelines. Thus, the aim of this paper is to provide multiple-criteria method for the selection of the optimal regional development project out of the number of competing alternatives. Results. This paper reveals the decision-making process behind the expert selection of the most competitive project, based on a set of following criteria: social, economic, ecological and budgetary efficiency. Our method is as follows: we are considering all the available components of efficiency through the lens of integral factor. For each component we propose a set of local indicators that describe its degree of efficiency in comparable values. The projects of Dnipropetrovsk regional state administration of Ukraine are considered as main case of this study. To analyze them we use the methodology of multiple-criteria evaluation of regional sustainable development projects. As a result of this process it becomes possible to choose the optimal project for regional development out of wide array of projects being filed by the applicants. Value/originality. Value and originality of the multiple-criteria optimization method is the capability to provide the selection of regional sustainable development project on the base of clear criteria which precludes the possibility of corruption and unfounded decisions being taken by the authorities during the process of the planning the economic activities. As current method of decision-making is based on quantitative assessments of projects’ value, government and local government representatives are guided by a common vision and subjective impressions on the application. The advantages of the proposed method are methodological simplicity, flexibility and universality, which are crucial in the multiple-criteria decision-making in public administration. One of the advantages of this method is that it allows providing a justification for the results and conclusions of the selection process.

Abstract. The article summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the resource management of the State Fund for Regional Development of Ukraine (Fund). The main purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of resource management of this Fund from the standpoint of improving the effectiveness of state financial support for regional development in Ukraine. Systematization of literature sources and approaches to solving the problem of effective use of state budget funds to finance regional development goals showed that in general there is a positive assessment of the feasibility of the State Fund for Regional development in Ukraine, but there are significant shortcomings and problems in financing regional development measures. The urgency of solving this scientific problem is that being a significant budgetary resource for the implementation of goals and objectives of regional development, the Fund is not used effectively due to improper management. The study of the peculiarities of the resource management of the State Fund for Regional Development of Ukraine in modern challenges was conducted from the standpoint of assessing compliance with national legislation of budgetary discipline, economic and social feasibility and taking into account the following factors: ensuring full compliance with budget legislation of Ukraine; absence of violations of terms of distribution of means of fund; absence of violations in planning, selection and approval of investment programs and regional development projects; directing the established share of Funds resources to the economic development of the regions; timely and full development of resources at the planned facilities; an effective system of internal control over the effective use of budget funds; based on the results of the study, conclusions were prepared. The methodological tools of the study were the methods of economic and statistical analysis, grouping, comparisons, index analysis and factor analysis. The research period is 2016—2020. The article presents the results of the empirical analysis, which showed that there are systemic problems in the organization of resource management of the State Fund for Regional Development. The study empirically confirms and theoretically proves that it is necessary to update the provisions of Article 241 of the Budget Code of Ukraine to determine the resources of this Fund in the amount of at least one percent of the total fund of the State Budget of Ukraine; the distribution of the fund’s funds should take into account territorial differentiation according to the regional human development index; identification of additional criteria for selection of regional development projects that will ensure the achievement of positive economic changes in the regions; organize an effective system of internal control and internal audit. The results of the study can be useful for use in research and in the activities of state, regional and local governments in terms of taking into account the peculiarities of the management of the State Fund for Regional Development in Ukraine. Keywords: state budget, state fund for regional development, management efficiency, investment programs and projects, regional development, financial support. Formulas: 0; fig.: 1; tabl.: 2; bibl.: 22.

The article discusses the essence of the category of «stakeholder» and the development of approaches to determining the influence of stakeholders on the implementation of regional development projects. The process of organizing regional development with the involvement of stakeholders, the development of the interpretation of the category of «stakeholder» and their role, as well as approaches to determining the degree of their influence on the implementation of regional development projects are analyzed. It is defined that regional development projects have separate characteristics that vary depending on their directedness, direction, implementation period and level, and are designed to address a number of issues related to the development of a particular territory. It is defined that stakeholders are a dynamic category and, according to their role in the process of implementing regional development projects, can change over time or depending on various factors. According to the role and interests of stakeholders in the processes of formation, planning and implementation of development projects, they can be divided into separate groups, namely: local, economic, social, environmental, and international groups. Each individual group of regional development stakeholders performs a certain unique function in the process of implementing regional development projects, which is aimed at their implementation and achievement of the set goals, as well as the realization of the stakeholders’ own interests. Taking into account the specifics of different groups of stakeholders, a scheme of roles of specific groups of stakeholders in the context of regional development was built, which in the future will allow to provide a more open and comprehensive approach to planning and implementing regional development projects. The influence of stakeholders on the process of implementing a regional development project is constantly changing and is measured by three main attributes, namely: power, interest, and dynamics. The role of stakeholders in the regional development process is to ensure a broader and more diverse approach to the planning and implementation of regional development projects. This is an important aspect, as taking into account the different voices, proposals and needs of stakeholders contributes to the successful achievement of the set goal. Thus, it will allow adapting the entire process of implementing regional development projects in accordance with new circumstances and challenges, which will contribute to the achievement of the goal.

In Hungary, the elaboration of regional development policy started in the 1960s. The 30 years of regional development policy are evaluated in the most extreme ways; There are some who find this activity fundamentally successful, as has it reached its most important goal, the moderation of regional-aconomic-social differences. Others question whether regional development policy had any influence whatsoever on the regional changes of the socio-economic processes. However, neither the affirmative nor the doubting opinions deny that the regional development policy was the product of the socialist economic system between 1961 and 1989, and that this system was characterized by both the general socialist and the specific Hungarian features. Consequently, its success and failures can be explained exactly with these characteristics.

The article is devoted to the study of certain issues of material and financial support of regional development in Ukraine. The directions and methods of stimulating the development of the regions of Ukraine in the war and post-war periods have been studied. Based on the current legislation, as well as on the scientific works of leading Ukrainian scientists, the directions of state regional policy are highlighted. Based on the set purpose, emphasis is placed on the key principles of such a policy, on those goals and tasks that must be set and fulfilled as a matter of priority. It has been proven that the main role in this is given to the financial and material independence of the united territorial communities and regions of Ukraine. Ways of improving the current normative and legal framework of Ukraine in the context of state regional policy, budget legislation, issues of preparation, assessment and selection of investment programs and regional development projects that can be implemented at the expense of the state regional development fund have been studied. It was emphasized that this is extremely important, especially given the fact that bringing the Ukrainian legal base to a proper state is the key to stable regional development. Emphasis is placed on the need to overcome conflicts between the provisions of the Model provisions on the regional commission for evaluation and preliminary competitive selection of investment programs and regional development projects, which can be implemented at the expense of the state fund for regional development, and the Order of the Ministry of community and territorial development of Ukraine «Issues of preparation, evaluation and the selection of investment programs and regional development projects that can be implemented at the expense of the funds of the state regional development fund». Based on the results of the research, conclusions were drawn. The provisions outlined in the work can be used by Ukrainian scientists in further scientific developments.

Investments in agricultural technologies, capacity building and policy harmonization are needed to support sustainable development across Africa. Regional development projects can facilitate the adoption of agricultural technologies and innovations across nation‐state borders and generate benefits for shared prosperity. This paper uses panel data from 1,160 smallholder households including beneficiaries and non‐beneficiaries from five countries in East Africa ‐ Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. From a pool of over 90 projects implemented over a span of 15 years, 23 regional projects are included in this study. The major economic benefits to smallholder participants are higher crop productivity and income, access to adaptable technologies, access to markets, higher livestock and milk production, gender equality, enhanced food security, resilience and capacity building for uptake and scaling up of future innovation platforms. For example, the adoption of low‐cost tissue culture banana by the beneficiaries increased their incomes by 15% in Rwanda while the adoption of appropriate land and water management technologies increased the potato yields from 2.8 tons (USD 2,840/ha) to over 7.5 tons (USD 7,410/ha) in Kenya. The beneficiaries ensured value added to commodities like bananas (for export) and orange‐fleshed sweet potatoes (a nutrition‐sensitive intervention for enhancing domestic intake of vitamin A) in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Additionally, milk production increased from 6 to 11 L per cow per day in Uganda and from 6 to 8 L per cow per day in Tanzania, with increases in sales generating USD 115 per cow per month above the non‐beneficiaries. These results are supported by previous studies on technology adoption, investments in agriculture and well‐being outcomes. Our findings with the higher farm income Difference‐in‐Differences (DiD) estimator for the female beneficiaries compared to male beneficiaries might have important implications for investing in regional development projects that will close the gender gap in agricultural productivity in Africa. Regional projects can also support post‐conflict development efforts for food security and peace in fragile contexts such as in Burundi. Our findings might serve as an input to the African Union's Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme, localization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to food security and agriculture in Africa and an input to monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The region plays a key role in the site selection process for a geological repository (Sperfeld et al. 2023; Drögemüller, 2018). This importance is recognised in the siting procedure through the tasks of the regional conferences in supporting the socio-economic potential analyses (SÖPA), the preparation of regional development concepts and participation in a siting agreement (Kelly et al. 2024; Smeddinck et al., 2025). The design of these processes presumably has a major influence on whether the process and the results are assessed as appropriate and fair in the region and whether positive development opportunities can be realised in the siting region with the siting of a repository (Kommission Lagerung hochradioaktiver Abfallstoffe, 2016). This contribution focuses on conceptual considerations regarding the delineation of a region, the identification of its endogenous potentials and possible methods and institutions for regional development. Regions are ‘historically evolved units, culturally and economically intertwined geographical areas that develop and endure independently of state, district and city boundaries’ (Tretter, 2017: 23). Functional regions resulting from economic or social interdependencies often do not correspond to the administrative boundaries of political units (UVEK & BFE, 2022).In the literature on regional development, a paradigm shift can be seen from a strongly economy-centred approach to a holistic view of regions, which also includes regionally existing talents and characteristics as well as approaches to sustainable development (Chilla et al, 2015). This is based on a broader understanding of the attractiveness of a region and the attachment of people to it (OECD, 2022, Mbah & Kuppler 2024). There is no clear evidence of a standardised methodological approach to analysing development potential and creating regional development concepts, either in the literature or in practice. Rather, development processes are primarily controlled via regionally specific institutional arrangements for the initiation of pilot projects. This results in a range of possible development instruments that can only be presented schematically.The selected case studies will be used to illustrate different methods and instruments of regional development. The first example is the Asse salt mine, which was used as a repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste before it was decided to close it down and retrieve the waste (Hocke et al. 2016). A future fund was set up for regional development projects. The second example relates to the sectoral plan procedure for a deep geological repository (SGT) in Switzerland, in which socio-economic-ecological impact studies were used as the basis for the current regional development process. The presentation concludes with preliminary findings on conditions for successful regional development. The presentation is based on a systematic literature review and a case study analysis as part of the KoRegio research project (FKZ 4724F10002) (Sperfeld et al., 2025), which is being conducted on behalf of the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE). The project analyses regional development practices for large infrastructure projects with the aim of developing a solid basis for the corresponding work steps of the regional conferences as part of the site selection process.

In quarantine restrictions and active hostilities in most territories of Ukraine, the problems of activating the processes of virtual adaptation of enterprises, organizations, and institutions to new working conditions have become more acute. Moreover, it contributed to the acceleration of digital transformation processes, the transition of a significant part of workers to the remote format, the broader use of means of intellectual work, and the development of various management and remote communication programs. It is worth mentioning that in connection with the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which is currently ongoing, most regional strategies, projects, and programs need to be updated, considering the current data on the economic, social, and ecological state of the territories after the victory, the final assessment of the damage and destruction. The paper considers the process of managing regional development projects in the context of the need for the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The study showed that in the structure of projects financed from the DFRD, most of them are aimed at the development of education (about 50% of all projects), sports (an average of 15%), housing, and communal services (10%), health care (12%), transport and road infrastructure (5%). Only a little share of projects (1.5%) has a creative direction. The principles of regional management are described, which should be transformed into criteria for selecting regional and territorial development projects that will be financed from the state budget, the budgets of territorial communities, and in the form of public-private partnerships. It was emphasized that the government of Ukraine created the Fund for the Restoration of Ukraine, funds to which all those interested in a quick victory and restoration of economic potential can transfer funds. It was determined that the search for additional resources for implementing local projects could become important in reconstructing regions on the ground. It was emphasized that necessary conditions for activating these processes are the creation of conditions for the development of small businesses and the imperative of state guarantees for investors, donors, and financial institutions in financing risky projects. It has been determined that there is a need to improve the qualifications of local authorities, self-government, and businesses regarding the possibilities of attracting various sources of funding for business projects and the requirements for them, as well as improving the skills of project management. Keywords: project, management of regional development projects, post-war reconstruction.

Assessing the impact of the digital economy on sustainable development in the underdeveloped regions of western China

The article explores the financial aspect of managing regional development projects in the context of strategic planning and socio-economic challenges. Particular attention is paid to project financing, their role in investment incentives for regions, infrastructure modernization and human capital development. The object of the study is practical mechanisms for financing projects aimed at the socio-economic development of regions. The authors analyze the main sources of funding, the role of the State Fund for Regional Development (SFRD), and co-financing mechanisms from local budgets. The authors consider the impact of project financing on regional development, taking into account current economic and social circumstances, including military challenges. Particular attention is paid to the strategic management of financial resources, which allows achieving long-term sustainable development of territories and reducing territorial disparities. The model of regional development project management has been improved, reflecting a systematic and strategic approach to the financial support of regional initiatives, with a focus on efficiency, transparency, multichannel financing, risk management, and institutional capacity, which ensures its adaptability to the challenges of modern regional policy. The proposed approaches can be used as a basis for the development of regional development strategies focused on achieving social justice and economic efficiency. Analyzing the research of scholars, it has been found that most of them focus on the need to attract alternative sources of funding. This will increase the financial capacity of local budgets by 20–30% compared to traditional approaches. Some models of interregional financing adapted to the conditions of Ukraine demonstrate a 25% increase in resource efficiency due to the digitalization of infrastructure project management. The article also emphasizes the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and partnerships between the public, private and civil society sectors in project financing. The presented results are of practical importance for local governments, think tanks, and regional development policymakers. In the context of European integration processes, the application of the best European practices in financial management at the regional level is becoming increasingly important. The implementation of innovative financial instruments can enhance the adaptability of regional systems to external shocks. The results of the study can serve as an analytical basis for further scientific developments and implementation of effective state regional policy.

PurposeWhile efficient design in engineering projects is crucial, this paper aims to examine the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) into railway Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The paper provides some key understanding of integrating BIM and ITS to improve the efficiency of railway infrastructure projects.Design/methodology/approachAn in-depth qualitative analysis of three ITS case studies was conducted to understand BIM’s global impact and benefits in railway infrastructure projects. While case study one investigated the Crossrail (UK), the other two case studies were TUC Rail (Belgium) and the Intercity railway network (Norway).FindingsThe findings include the specific benefits of BIM, regarding the railway infrastructure. The result indicated that BIM benefits were consistently the same across all case studies. Although Case study 1 was the only one that boasts a high reduction in waste and reworks, all of the case studies showed less rework and delays due to BIM. The results indicated that the advantages of BIM for such projects are cost optimization, reduction in waste, rework and lessening delays. Subsequently, this leads to the ease and efficiency with which structures and railways can be built. The outcomes can ultimately assist transportation planners in better planning and managing railway projects.Practical implicationsThis study proposes the integration of BIM into railway projects as a part of their ITS. The BIM integration into railway projects as a part of their ITS fits within the overall planning to handover phases. Specifically, the BIM integration improves the design process of typical railway projects. Thus, the most significant advantage of BIM for railway projects is to further improve their design process leading to a higher degree of constructability.Originality/valueRailway infrastructure performs a major role in economic and regional development. The complexity of railway projects continues to increase as the need for more railway infrastructure is on the rise globally. BIM is proving to be an effective tool for improving the efficiency of railway infrastructure projects. As the utilization of BIM is intensifying, the railway industry can further exploit BIM to improve project delivery adeptness by offering greater collaboration leading to efficient design processes. As a result, the understanding of BIM for horizontal projects such as railway infrastructure on a global scale is a substantial exercise that this research aims to respond to.

Purpose: this study aims to examine the community's decision to migrate between regions in the Jabodetabek area using the KRL Commuterline public transportation and analyse regional criteria based on regional development based on Oriented Development Transit, where these criteria become integration with community movements in migrating to an area.Methods: secondary data is used to fnd the number of people in migrating obtained from pt. Kai Indonesia. While to complete and explain each variable to be studied using primary data with several questions through a questionnaire submitted to 398 people who migrate between regions using logistic regression analysis techniques in their measurements. While to analyze the criteria for regional development in each region using an assessment approach from the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. With qualitative analysis techniques and to assist in this research, a spatial approach is used which is used to display a picture of the distribution of migration.Results: (1) Regional development in each part of the Jabodetabek area is in the silver standard category which indicates that the regional development project has almost met the performance targets that have been conceptualized by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. (2) People in making decisions to migrate between regions will be affected by the variables of distance, travel costs, gender, travel time, migration destination and regional development, while age and transit distance cannot provide a large enough influence on people's movements in migrating.Conclusions and Relevance: the results of the study prove that regional development in the Jabodetabek area tends to be a non-metropolitan area where people who move prefer areas that are integrated with public facilities that lead to the destination rather than towards the metropolitan area, this is evidenced by the standard silver criteria obtained in the area in Jabodetabek.

This paper critically considers the conceptualization of the ‘region’ in regional economic development. It utilizes the Durban Aerotropolis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as a case of reference through which the conceptualization and underpinnings of ‘region’ associated with economic development are understood. This exercise is prompted by the nomenclatural shifts in local government from local economic development to regional economic development which is causing shifts in approaches to the implementation of economic development projects. The findings presented in this paper show that in the conceptualisation of the region in the instance of the Durban Aerotropolis, understanding the function, form and scale of a regional economic development project becomes pertinent to the social construction of the region with consequences for the project focus and implementation. In the discussion, function is examined as the purpose of a regional economic development project, form refers to the kind of economic development mechanism or strategy which could assist in fulfilling that purpose and scale speaks to the extent, reach and magnitude of the project, without which the implications are challenging practical enactment or implementation of regional economic development projects. The social constructions of region outlined in this paper thereby attest to the multiplicity of definitions which are typically based on the context in which the concept is being used and thus shows the ‘region’ inherent in regional economic development as produced through, and for, an assemblage of economic activity in space. From this we understand the region in regional economic development to be a social construct which presents itself as an assemblage of economic activity in space. Although we understand regions as spatially contingent, the theoretical and empirical conceptualisation of regions within regional economic development planning, policy–making and practice must draw on the specifics of contextuality to ensure its utility to economic development.

Actors and areas in rural development- Regional development projects in southwestern Thuringia Local actors in eastern Germany, who used to abide by the German Democratic Republic's centralized planning, now have to take an active part in development projects under the 1998 Federal Regional Planning Act, which explicitly names "projects of regional development" as new tools for local development. Whether subsidized with public or private funds, these projects, drawn up locally, rely on traditional planning authorities. In particular, the region has become the level for coordinating local projects. The switch from the old to the new system of planning has raised several issues. Seeing actors in terms of relations and networks helps us better understand the many complex projects under way, in particular under regional planning in southwestern Thuringia.