DISPARITIES IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Maria COJOCARU Universitatea de Stat din Moldova

Abstract

The events that have occurred in the last three decades have led to imbalances in economic and social development in territorial profile. At present the causes of disparity in territorial aspect are widely analyzed and explained by researchers, being tackled in regional theories. Regional theories are tackled with interest due to the increase and emphasize of some economic phenomena with global impact that are being felt at the regional level. The attenuation of the regional disparities is a challenge for researchers and for those who accomplish regional development policies into practice. Disparities in region development occur as a result of structural failures of the economic and social system. Economic polarization as a result of unequal economic development is directly related to social polarization. Disparities are a potential source of instability and demographic decline. Keywords: regional development, regional disparities, theories of regional development.