CALL FOR PAPERS: Innovative Strategies and Effective Management in Urban and Rural Development

Guest Editor: Olha Balynska – Lviv State University of Internal Affairs (Lviv, Ukraine)

 

Europa XXI invites contributions that explore the crucial role of spatial planning in shaping the future of urban and rural areas. In order to promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability, territorial development is critical. Innovative approaches are necessary to develop stronger and harmonious systems that cross these divisions, as areas continue to have notable geographical inconsistencies. Planning methods need to be reconsidered in light of the unequal distribution of opportunities, resources, and infrastructure between urban and rural areas. The creation of balanced regions depends on the integration of cutting-edge technology, long-term sustainable policies, and efficient governance structures to handle these problems.

Spatial problems such as uneven access to services, abuse of resources, and fragmented land use have made it difficult to achieve fair growth in Europe and abroad. These issues frequently lead to rural areas experiencing economic stagnation, population declines, and poor infrastructure, while metropolitan areas struggle with traffic, pollution, and ineffective public services. It is essential to take into account the connections between urban and rural regions as well as the ways in which territorial imbalances might be addressed in order to solve these problems. Decentralising decision-making procedures and introducing specific reforms which allow local communities to handle the particular requirements of their areas are two important alternatives.

In order to address local inequities, this issue highlights how necessary innovation is in spatial planning, governance, and technology implementation. The aim is to expose how inclusive governance and careful design may improve the integration of urban and rural regions by investigating workable solutions to territorial imbalances. The purpose is to discuss how, in various geographic locations, strategic planning may strengthen government structures, manage environmental issues, and improve the distribution of resources.

The use of creative spatial solutions to address regional disparities, whether they be economic, social, or environmental, is given special attention. These solutions aim to promote more social fairness, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience in addition to enhancing infrastructure and service delivery. Understanding how to establish more sustainable and equitable territories requires research on taxes, land management technology and more. These structures need to be flexible enough to accommodate various spatial realities, whether they are found in less developed rural regions or crowded metropolitan areas.

Papers that address the following themes are particularly encouraged, but not limited to:

•    Specificities of land use optimization,

•    Governance models and decentralization for regional cohesion and tailored policies,

•    Technological solutions for enhancing local growth and regional planning,

•    Sustainability and resilience in geographical planning for climate adaptation,

•    Territorial equity and social justice in regional development,

•    Economic and social gaps between urban and rural territories,

•    Green infrastructure for balanced territorial progress and resilience,

•    Fostering cultural heritage preservation in local development,

•    Promoting sustainable tourism through spatial and geographical planning.

This thematic issue aims to expand the discussion on innovative strategies and effective management approaches that promote more balanced and sustainable urban and rural planning. By promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration and the exchange of evidence-based solutions, this issue seeks to shape the future of equitable and sustainable territorial development.

 

Deadline for abstract submission: 15 March 2025 (500 words max, mail to olha_balynska34@ukr.net or Europa.XXI@twarda.pan.pl)

Notification for full paper invitation: 15 April 2025

Deadline for paper submission: 15 September 2025