ECONOMIC STRUCTURE AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The book main objective was to examine the impact of economic structure on regional development. The study covers three Western Balkan countries: North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia.

The model analyzes the main macroeconomic indicators—GDP and Investments in Fixed Assets—and, in the case of Albania, economic activities (active enterprises). Using the implemented econometric model, the specialization of each sector in each region is identified (classified into four types). The model also reveals the factors influencing the economic performance of sectors, including the economic structure of the region, district or area, and the specific characteristics of each sector’s competitive position.

In addition, the model determines the specialization of regions, districts, or areas for the indicator under analysis (classified into eight regional types).

The results of the econometric model indicate that economic structure was the main driver of economic growth in Serbia, where it was considerably more favorable compared to North Macedonia and Albania.