Elena-Maria Prada (elena.prada@csie.ase.ro)
Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania
Erika Marin (erika.marin@csie.ase.ro)
Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania
Smaranda Cimpoeru (smaranda.cimpoeru@csie.ase.ro)
Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania
Simona Apostu (simona.apostu@csie.ase.ro)
Bucharest University of Economic Studies and Institute of National Economy, Bucharest, Romania
ABSTRACT
Our study explores the integration of spatial analysis methodologies within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the regional level in European Union countries. The application of spatial analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of SDGs progress and obstacles within specific territorial units.
Adopted by the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an all-encompassing framework for tackling global issues in the social, economic, and environmental spheres. Through the examination of geographic data, spatial analysis techniques give a distinct perspective and can provide important insights into regional inequities and localised difficulties. Spatial analysis—which includes spatial autocorrelation tools—provides a visual narrative of regional cohesion and offers a deep understanding of the distribution and connectivity of SDGs accomplishments across various territorial units.
For planners, stakeholders, and politicians, this visual aid is invaluable as it facilitates informed decision-making that leads to more integrated policies.
Furthermore, the application of spatial analysis methods makes it easier to allocate resources efficiently and track progress towards the SDGs. It allows for authorities, decision-makers, and interested parties to plan resources effectively, rank interventions in order of importance, and monitor the effects of programmes locally.
Our study extensively employs available data at the NUTS 3 level, providing a comprehensive measurement of SDGs achievements. Through a close examination of data at the NUTS 3 level, our research offers a comprehensive evaluation of SDGs accomplishments, facilitating an in-depth comprehension of advancements and discrepancies within certain territorial units. Additionally, this strategy is in line with the cohesion process strategically, making it possible to assess these goals’ contributions to fair development and regional cohesion more thoroughly.
Our research emphasises the relationship between achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and regional cohesion by focusing on the cohesion process. This emphasises how important it is to accomplish not just the individual goals but also to promote inclusivity, lessen inequality, and unite people in various geographical contexts.
Thus, our research contributes to a more inclusive and unified approach to sustainable development within the European Union by enhancing our understanding of SDGs progress at a granular level and highlighting the significance of these accomplishments in fostering cohesion. Furthermore, we stress the significance of utilising spatial analytic techniques to improve the execution, observation, and assessment of plans intended to accomplish the SDGs.
Keywords: spatial analysis, SDGs, cohesion,spill-over, NUTS3
JEL Classification: F63, R12, Q01
