THE CONCEPT OF SMART RURAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF PETROVAC NA MLAVI

In contemporary society, the concept of smart rural development represents a key element in transforming local communities towards a more sustainable and economically prosperous future. This concept integrates the use of advanced technologies, digitalization, and innovation to improve the quality of life in rural areas, increase the efficiency of agricultural production, and preserve natural resources. Smart rural development enables communities to adapt to the challenges of the modern era, such as demographic changes, migrations, and climate changes, offering sustainable models for economic development that are aligned with the specificities and needs of rural areas. The implementation of this concept can significantly contribute not only to increasing the attractiveness of rural areas for living and working but also to strengthening the local economy through the development of small and medium enterprises, tourism, and alternative sources of income. The realization of smart rural development requires the active participation of all community members, as well as support from national and international policies, which presents a challenge, but also an opportunity for local communities to reshape their future in accordance with the principles of sustainability and innovation. This concept has been successfully implemented in the local community of Petrovac na Mlavi.