CHANGE IN THE CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS  ACTIVITIES IN THE REGIONS OF BULGARIA

The aim of the article is to bind the changes concerning business activity, foreign direct investment and internal migration of the population. The research period is 15 years. The analysis in a long-term time interval outlines existing trends in the regional economies in the country. The object of analysis is the districts, NUTS 3 level, according to the existing classification of territorial units. Data on foreign direct investment, industry employment of the population and Gross Domestic Product are the subject of analysis in the conducted study. The calculated coefficients, determining the absolute and relative concentration of economic activities in different time intervals, highlight serious challenges and at the same time the need for change in the implemented regional policies. The results of the analysis point to a significant change in business activities in the Bulgarian regions and the absence of regional balance. There is a trend of a deepening decrease in the employed population and investment activity in small districts and, accordingly, internal migration of the employed population to attractive large regional centers, which increases regional inequalities and economic disparities.