Theoretical and Methodological Foundations of Strategizing Socio-Economic Development Programs for Regions

Abstract

Strategic planning is increasingly recognized as a vital mechanism for ensuring the sustainable and balanced development of socio-economic systems, particularly at the regional level. In the face of global challenges such as technological transformation, demographic shifts, and environmental uncertainty, regional economies—especially in developing countries like Uzbekistan—must adopt flexible and scientifically grounded approaches to governance. Despite the availability of various regional strategies and accumulated experience, there remains a lack of integrated theoretical and methodological frameworks capable of aligning national priorities with localized capacities under dynamic conditions. This study aims to explore and justify the theoretical and methodological foundations of strategizing socio-economic development programs for regions, focusing on Uzbekistan’s regional policy context. The research offers a comprehensive multilevel classification system for regional development that encompasses target group segmentation, strategy typology, sectoral focus, economic specialization, and strategic growth directions. A unified approach to regional strategizing is proposed to harmonize long-term goals with adaptive planning and stakeholder engagement. The study introduces a systematic structure for regional strategy formulation that integrates social, institutional, and economic dimensions with a strong emphasis on sustainable development, innovation, and monitoring mechanisms. The findings provide a valuable basis for policymakers and planners to design effective regional strategies that are both scientifically justified and context-sensitive, contributing to national cohesion, economic modernization, and improved quality of governance in Uzbekistan.