Projects / Programmes
Trajnostni regionalni razvoj Slovenije (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2012
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 6.12.00 |
Humanities |
Geography |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 6.05 |
Humanities |
Other humanities |
Researchers (19)
Organisations (1)
Significance for science
The essence of holistic approach in different geographic practices (and follows from the definition of geography as a science of relations between man (society) and its environment), is its comprehensiveness. This includes both natural and social elements and at the end leads to a holistic synthesis on different levels (from the local level (municipality) to the regional and national). Due to the multi-dimensionality of modern problems such an approach enables an understanding of the character of complex interactions and relationships between natural and social phenomena. In practice the holistic approach is often upgraded with problem-based, developmental and planning aspects. The most relevant contribution of our programme to the development of geographical science is that the holistic approach integrates sustainable development dimension at the core of geographic development potentials and constraints. Geographically, the spatial aspect of the sustainable regional development focal oriented towards finding the optimal ratio of regional economic development goals (raising the material well-being), social development and preserving their environmental potential. The attention is increasingly focused on the concept of endogenous regional development as the only model able to survive in the current situation. The overall structure of the research is directed towards the objective to increase the detection rate, activation and use of (endogenous) development potential, which will result in the successful operation of the regional economic circles, thus strengthening the regions while reducing differences between the regions. Publishing of the relevant and up-to-date scientific findings and new methodological approaches in the university study literature contributes to the scientific and professional development. The university textbooks, and academic monographs and scientific papers enable quick transfer of scientific findings to the professional public and directly to the study process. Among the other forms of dissemination of scientific results and visibility of the program team we would like to highlight the importance of the planned presentations of the results at geographical and interdisciplinary scientific conferences in Slovenia and abroad, and of the publishing of selected results on the web. The on-line mode of dissemination is especially important for the accessibility of scientific research results of the general public. Widest possible awareness of the key potentials and possible scenarios for sustainable development of Slovenia is one very important lever to promote sustainable development as political and real-life developmental objective.
Significance for the country
The aim of the proposed research programme Sustainable regional development of Slovenia is to create a strategic definition of social and spatial development through the promotion of rational use of land (space) for settlements, sustainable agriculture, industry, trade and services based on quality and knowledge, protection, development and promotion of natural and cultural heritage and public infrastructure development. This increases the chances of developing innovative jobs, quality of life, preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and increase the spatial, social and human capital of the country. It has an ambition to encourage new development concepts in Slovenia, especially at the regional level, and to contribute to effective, responsible, and comprehensive management of all goods. The direct importance of our research programme for Slovene society and economy is reflected in active participation in thematically very diverse applied research (mainly in the fields of regional rural development, prudent use of land and natural resources, sustainable farming, demographic aspects of development, etc.). The intertwining of the research results from programme group and from basic research projects is, as socially necessary and effective, manifested in the applicability of our work. Applied research (target research projects and other projects for ministries, municipalities, and companies) shows a great need for practical results, in order to implement strategic spatial and development documents as well as to prepare implementing acts, spatial analysis and development strategies of municipalities and regions. Considering its indirect, but socially indispensable effects, our programme contribute significantly to the development of higher education, both through the development of research methods and through the incorporation of new contents into curriculum (not only geographical but also other studies). Additionally, programme group members intend to encourage students to include the topics of our research programme in their works (term papers, MPhil and PhD thesis). Continuous improvement in higher education is of crucial importance, and in the future it should also take greater account of sustainability aspects. Strengthening the links between research and pedagogic work on the one hand and direct users on the other (i.e. applied projects) has in the last years brought about exceptional results in terms of quantity and quality of work done in some fields (e.g. establishment of the first national inventory of brownfield sites in Slovenia, a strategic framework to solve marginal social spaces and their people, identifying problems and development opportunities in the areas of Slovenian minorities in neighboring countries etc.), which contributes to better recognition, broader social applicability, and affirmation of geography in practice. Our survey results are particularly useful in the following areas of development: • in planning of sustainable regional development, particularly rural development (taking into account regional balance of resources); • in the preparation of strategic documents in the field of spatial and social development; • to improve the quality of life, natural and social environment; • to improve the quality of education at different levels of education; • to promote innovation in the field of rational use of local resources.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
