Territorial Resilience and Export in Romania at County Level

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between territorial resilience and export performance at the county level in Romania, aiming to assess how external trade contributes to regional economic stability and adaptive capacity in times of crisis. Territorial resilience is analyzed through the GDP indicator as a key indicator that shows the economic robustness and development, while export performance is evaluated using export volume. The study uses quantitative methods, including correlation and regression analysis, in order to identify patterns and disparities across Romanian counties and the capital over the period 2011–2023. Findings suggest that counties with higher export intensity diversified trade structures and a stronger integration into international markets tend to exhibit stronger resilience to external shocks. Additionally, the research highlights the territorial inequalities, with the resilience being concentrated in a handful of economically advanced and exportoriented counties. These disparities raise important questions about balanced regional development and the long-term sustainability of resilience across all territories. In response, the paper offers a set of policy recommendations aimed at strengthening resilience in underperforming regions. These include the development of tailored export strategies, increased investment in physical and digital infrastructure, and the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) internationalization through targeted support programs. The study contributes to the broader discourse on resiliencebuilding in peripheral economies facing systemic vulnerabilities. UDC: 339.564(498); JEL: C12, R11, R58