Criteria for Individualization and Delimitation of Cities in the North Development Region

Abstract

The North Region possesses the largest number of small and medium-sized towns among the development regions of the Republic of Moldova, including 3 municipalities and 17 towns. Currently, the urban network of the North Development Region (RD Nord) is characterized by a polycentric structure, in which the municipality of Bălți represents the main polarizing growth center, followed by urban centers with secondary regional functions. The emergence and evolution of these urban centers have been influenced by a series of political, economic, and social factors. Small and medium-sized towns perform economic, social, and administrative functions within the human settlement network. However, in the absence of coherent development strategies and due to the manifestation of unfavorable socio-economic factors, most human settlements in the region face demographic and economic challenges, which have contributed to an accentuated urban decline. The purpose of this study consists of analyzing the criteria for individualizing and delimiting the towns of the North Development Region by evaluating their territorial, social, and economic dynamics, as well as the evolution of urban functions in the context of regional transformations. The research is based on quantitative analysis methods used to identify the causes of urban stagnation, improper management, and the insufficiency of strategic planning. The study's results can contribute to the substantiation of regional and urban development policies, serving as a useful tool for local and regional decision-makers. UDC: UDC:711.43:332.14(478-21); JEL: R11, R12, R58