Classification of Rural Areas in Serbia: Framework and Implications for Spatial Planning

Aleksandra Gajić, Nikola Krunić and Branko Protić
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Aleksandra Gajić: Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning of Serbia, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/II, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Nikola Krunić: Institute of Architecture and Urban & Spatial Planning of Serbia, Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 73/II, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Branko Protić: Department of Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3/III, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: The classification of rural and urban areas presents an important topic both in scientific research and in the practice of spatial planning, regional policy making, and territorial governance. Taking into account the multidimensionality of these areas, this paper aims to provide a classification framework design for rural areas in Serbia. After selecting the relevant indicators, which were included to reflect the main demographic, economic, and physio-geographical characteristics of the Serbian rural areas, multivariate analysis (principal component method and factor analysis) was used to determine the main factors in the delimitation and classification of rural and urban areas. The last step of the conducted methodology used cluster analysis (CA) that identified six types of areas with similar characteristics. The results of this study and applied methodology can improve the existing rural–urban classifications and help planners and policy makers in the adaptation of strategic development documents.

Keywords: rural and urban areas; classification; multivariate analysis; framework; local level; spatial planning; Serbia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:4:p:1596-:d:492093

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