Introduction of the Approach for Reviving the Sub-Municipal Level as a Spatial Aspect of Decentralization in Serbia

Marija Drobnjaković () and Milena Panić
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Marija Drobnjaković: Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Milena Panić: Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić” Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Djure Jakšića 9, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-20

Abstract: Decentralization is a globally accepted concept of separation, the diversity of structures within the political system, the transfer of resources, activities, and powers in the decision-making process, and the division of tasks from the central government to lower authorities. It is implemented in both developed and developing countries, with different aims and consequences. In Serbia, the urban-centric development model and centralized governance caused rural settlements to become non-viable, and services and opportunities were deprived. This research has been undertaken in order to provide a deeper understanding of the territorial aspect of decentralization in Serbia and how it affects rural areas. It strives to offer a methodological framework for the identification of central settlements in rural areas of Serbia that will serve as a focal point for settlements networking in order to facilitate the spatial integration of rural areas and governance at the local level. This research encompasses (i) the identification of rural nodes as bearers of balanced governance and spatial development; (ii) the delimitation of their gravity sphere; and (iii) the determination of the relationship between settlement organization models and decentralization in Serbia. The research results indicate that identified rural nodes can be valuable to developing a holistic understanding of rural issues, supporting a bottom-up approach and regional disparities mitigation.

Keywords: decentralization; spatial dimension; sub-municipal level; rural settlements; Serbia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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