REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA ECONOMIC AND ECOLOGICAL COMPETITIVENESS OF URBAN AGGLOMERATIONS AND CLUSTERING POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The development of economic agglomerations is acknowledged as a key factor in enhancing national competitiveness.This article focuses on examining the distinctive features of economic and ecological competitiveness in urban agglomerations within the Republic of Moldova.It provides an analysis of the conceptual underpinnings of urban agglomerations, encompassing a range of theories and concepts related to the spatial organization of the economy, as well as the underlying logic governing the formation and growth of agglomerations.The study draws upon statistical data, with its methodological framework grounded in general scientific methods of theoretical and empirical inquiry.Findings from the assessment of economic and ecological competitiveness within Moldovan urban agglomerations, alongside an evaluation of sustainable development goals and associated indicators, reveal a lack of alignment with contemporary challenges and standards, posing significant implications for the efficient functioning of urbanized territories.The practical relevance of these findings lies in their potential application for the formulation of regional and national development strategies and programs.