ECONOMIC ACTIVITY ZONES AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR SHAPING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

The aim of the article is to identify and assess the mechanisms of the impact of economic activity zones (SAG) on local development. The article presents an interdisciplinary approach to the issue of local development, taking into account both endogenous and exogenous conditions, as well as the role of local government in shaping local development policy. Based on the analysis of the literature on the subject and empirical data, the impact of this zone on selected dimensions of local development was assessed - economic, social, environmental, spatial and infrastructural. The results confirmed that SAG can act as an effective tool of local policy, contributing to economic activation, increased investment attractiveness and implementation of innovations. The article fills the research gap regarding local development mechanisms based on economic activity zones, especially in the context of rural and urban-rural areas. Recommendations for local authorities regarding effective planning and management of zones as an element of the local development strategy were also presented.