APPLICATION OF STRATEGIC PLANNING IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF POLAND FOR UKRAINE

Abstract

The paper presents theoretical, methodological and practical principles for creating a coherent system of strategic planning, taking into account European experience in organising this process. The characteristics of the Ukraine 2020 Sustainable Development Strategy and the rural development strategy are outlined. The methodology of strategic planning is examined, analysing the system and hierarchical construction of development strategies. A general logical sequence of procedures for developing and implementing development strategies at different levels is formulated. Approaches to strategic planning for rural development are also analysed, emphasising the importance of rural development in European Union Member States and outlining sources of agricultural funding. It is noted that in the current economic conditions European countries are shifting from subsidy strategies to grant strategies for specific agricultural development programmes. The situation of strategic planning in Ukraine is presented in comparison with the Polish system, highlighting its development stages and strategic planning principles. Special attention is given to the Polish experience in multifunctional rural development planning. The aim of the paper is to study the peculiarities of the use of strategic planning for rural development in Ukraine and Poland. The research is based on the analysis of statistical data, scientific literature and strategic documents, using dialectical methods for understanding the impact of economic laws, systematic approaches to studying economic phenomena, as well as monographic, abstract-logical and abstract methods. The research findings propose recommendations for further effective planning in Ukraine based on the Polish experience. Ukraine is in the early stages of strategic planning, and monitoring and evaluation of strategies are still of a recommendatory nature. Comprehensive evaluations have not yet been included in academic publications. In this context, it would be particularly important to incorporate insights and content guidelines from Polish strategic documents in order to better conceptualise and subsequently implement new strategy editions more effectively. The research led to the development of a comprehensive and logical sequence of procedures for preparing and implementing rural development strategies at different territorial levels. The paper emphasises the priority of rural development in EU Member States. The state of strategic planning in Ukraine is compared with Poland, taking into account both stages and principles. The paper highlights the Polish experience in multifunctional rural development planning, covering three planning perspectives: 2004-2005, 2007-2013 and 2014-2020.