Requirements for the Sustainable Development of Industrial Areas

Abstract

The article deals with a new phenomenon of a sustainable industrial area. Within the paradigm of sustainable development, some companies have already used the corporate social responsibility concept. As far as the whole industrial areas are concerned, there existed no similar concepts. The article outlines theoretical foundations for the concept of a sustainable industrial area. In particular, we are referring to the three dimensions of sustainable development. This approach offers great opportunities for mutually-beneficial cooperation between enterprises, especially for small and medium-sized ones. As part of this concept, together they can make a significant contribution to sustainable development, which they could not make individually. A case study of Germany shows approaches to designing a sustainable industrial area. We also present a new concept of the stability triangle that allows approaching this issue in a consistent manner.