An Integrated Policy Framework for Sustainable National Land Development and Regional SME Ecosystems: Focusing on Japan’s Spatial and Economic Strategies

This study explores the structural integration between national land development and regional economic revitalization in the context of Korea's demographic decline and spatial imbalance. It identifies the disconnection between national spatial planning and regional small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) as a critical weakness in ensuring sustainable territorial management. Focusing on Japan’s National Spatial Strategy and regional SME policies, the study examines how spatial and economic policies can be institutionally and functionally integrated. The Japanese case offers key insights into localized ecosystem-building through flexible spatial zoning, public land utilization, and legal frameworks linking innovation and community development. Based on this analysis, the paper proposes legal and institutional reforms in Korea: (1) formalizing SME participation in spatial planning processes, (2) creating cross-sectoral legal provisions connecting SME and land-use laws, (3) expanding SME access to idle public assets, and (4) designing integrated spatial-economic governance. Ultimately, this study reframes national land development as a strategic design for sustaining regional economies and communities, and repositions SMEs as essential actors in spatial resilience.