Keywords
rural community
participation
local identity
strategic culture
institutional resilience
creative industries
digital transformation
How to Cite
Abstract
The development of a resilient model of rural community attractiveness in Ukraine is a relevant response to growing spatial fragmentation, demographic decline, war-related risks, and digital inequality. The proposed model integrates three interdependent components–participation, local identity, and strategic culture–as a framework for enhancing institutional resilience, community cohesion, and adaptive governance capacity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this model in promoting socio-economic and cultural development in rural territorial communities under conditions of multi-level challenges. The methodology is based on a combination of case analysis, spatial and typological modeling, and quantitative assessment of institutional and socio-economic indicators. The study relies on empirical materials from three Ukrainian communities–Baranivka, Pyriatyn, and Slavutych–representing different socio-territorial profiles. Sources include local strategies, public reports, statistical data, and stakeholder interviews. Spatial mapping, digital footprint analysis, and civic engagement data were used to assess the implementation of the model's components. The findings demonstrate positive dynamics in communities where the model is systematically implemented. These include increased citizen participation (up to 52%), enhanced trust in local authorities (41–63%), and a rise in the number of community-led cultural events. Economic outcomes include the emergence of new small and medium enterprises (up to 41), increased investments (up to UAH 24.1 million), and growth in the share of creative industries (up to 8.4%). The study identifies four key barriers–institutional, cultural, economic, and digital–which constrain the full implementation of the model. Addressing these barriers requires regulatory support for participatory instruments, investment in digital infrastructure, and legitimization of cultural policy within strategic planning. The resilient model provides a functional framework for synchronizing values, institutions, and communication systems in rural development. Its implementation strengthens not only socio-economic sustainability and reputational capital, but also governance effectiveness in times of uncertainty. The conclusions of this study can inform strategic planning for rural communities in Ukraine and similar contexts globally.
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