Agglomeration processes and inclusive development: strategic planning and smart approaches

The purpose of this article is to delineate the principal approaches to forming strategies for rural-urban agglomerations, which serve as tools for the inclusive development of territories through innovative approaches, practical synergistic impact, and as a form of multi-purpose cooperation among territorial communities within the agglomeration’s sphere of influence. The article outlines the main approaches to agglomeration formation within the context of state regional policy, including the principles of agglomeration formation exemplified by the Lviv region, considering the approved Strategy for the Lviv Agglomeration until 2027. It identifies the elements of the agglomeration process and analyzes the problems and conditions that underlie the formulation of the Strategy for the Lviv Agglomeration for the period up to 2027. It defines territorial community, agglomeration, urbanization, inclusive development, smart specialization, and intelligent economy as a single comprehensive organizational-institutional and functional approach to territorial development. It determines the main directions for the inclusive development of territorial communities. It formulates a schema for the interconnection of strategic objectives defined in the Strategy for the Lviv Agglomeration with the directions for the inclusive development of territorial communities, including the specifics of rural communities within the context of rural-urban agglomerations. The article characterizes the normative-legal regulation of agglomerations, the peculiarities of infrastructure provision, and the socio-economic benefits arising from the creation of inter-territorial linkages. It considers the key elements of inclusive development and urbanization within regional policy, emphasizing the importance of integrating rural and urban zones. It proposes reviewing strategic goals and measures to ensure sustainable development in various aspects of agglomeration life, from infrastructure initiatives to social investments. Keywords: agglomeration, agglomeration process, territorial community, strategy, inclusive development, smart specialization, regional policy, strategic objectives.