Political, technological, institutional and other reforms of the last decade encouraged communities of cities, regions and states to search for new ways to enhance their competitive advantage in the global marketplace. One of the most popular responses to the fast-changing conditions is their effort to become "smart". Smartness, a feature characterizing, first of all, an individual, nowadays is widely attributed to almost all phenomena of life. Smart regions are considered as one of the essential preconditions for the success of the EU Cohesion policy and development strategies of many EU member states, regions or cities. However, discussions about the content of the "smart region" concept, and, in particular, its qualitative characteristics, still receive very little attention of scholars and practitioners. This paper presents the results of the theoretical research that defines the "smart region" concept in the social sciences context. The authors of the research highlight the main elements of the "smart region" concept as well as its qualitative characteristics. A theoretical model of a smart region is proposed.
Political, technological, institutional and other reforms of the last decade encouraged communities of cities, regions and states to search for new ways to enhance their competitive advantage in the global marketplace. One of the most popular responses to the fast-changing conditions is their effort to become "smart". Smartness, a feature characterizing, first of all, an individual, nowadays is widely attributed to almost all phenomena of life. Smart regions are considered as one of the essential preconditions for the success of the EU Cohesion policy and development strategies of many EU member states, regions or cities. However, discussions about the content of the "smart region" concept, and, in particular, its qualitative characteristics, still receive very little attention of scholars and practitioners. This paper presents the results of the theoretical research that defines the "smart region" concept in the social sciences context. The authors of the research highlight the main elements of the "smart region" concept as well as its qualitative characteristics. A theoretical model of a smart region is proposed.
Political, technological, institutional and other reforms of the last decade encouraged communities of cities, regions and states to search for new ways to enhance their competitive advantage in the global marketplace. One of the most popular responses to the fast-changing conditions is their effort to become "smart". Smartness, a feature characterizing, first of all, an individual, nowadays is widely attributed to almost all phenomena of life. Smart regions are considered as one of the essential preconditions for the success of the EU Cohesion policy and development strategies of many EU member states, regions or cities. However, discussions about the content of the "smart region" concept, and, in particular, its qualitative characteristics, still receive very little attention of scholars and practitioners. This paper presents the results of the theoretical research that defines the "smart region" concept in the social sciences context. The authors of the research highlight the main elements of the "smart region" concept as well as its qualitative characteristics. A theoretical model of a smart region is proposed.
Planned housing developments are a new phenomenon in post-Soviet cities – cities marked since 1989 by the rapid and wholesale transformation of housing markets, from a situation of overwhelmingly state-owned provision to the development of real estate markets. In this article I explore how this type of dwelling transforms urban space, reflecting the new provisions in the period, but also revealing a dual relationship with socialist space. Planned housing developments are characterised by the continuity of the 'soviet', i.e. by modern functionalist urbanism's architectural practices; but in their symbolic dimension such developments are also associated with an inversion of collective housing practices. This symbolic aspect of planned housing developments can be described in terms of privacy and sameness. In this article I argue that these housing practices are naturalised and affirmed as desirable through representations of space, including representations produced within marketing, mass media and the legal system. Drawing on the concepts of police, politics and the political developed by Rancière and Swyngedouw, the article raises the question of whether in post-socialist Vilnius these new developments indicate the consolidation of a post-political condition.
Planned housing developments are a new phenomenon in post-Soviet cities – cities marked since 1989 by the rapid and wholesale transformation of housing markets, from a situation of overwhelmingly state-owned provision to the development of real estate markets. In this article I explore how this type of dwelling transforms urban space, reflecting the new provisions in the period, but also revealing a dual relationship with socialist space. Planned housing developments are characterised by the continuity of the 'soviet', i.e. by modern functionalist urbanism's architectural practices; but in their symbolic dimension such developments are also associated with an inversion of collective housing practices. This symbolic aspect of planned housing developments can be described in terms of privacy and sameness. In this article I argue that these housing practices are naturalised and affirmed as desirable through representations of space, including representations produced within marketing, mass media and the legal system. Drawing on the concepts of police, politics and the political developed by Rancière and Swyngedouw, the article raises the question of whether in post-socialist Vilnius these new developments indicate the consolidation of a post-political condition.
Planned housing developments are a new phenomenon in post-Soviet cities – cities marked since 1989 by the rapid and wholesale transformation of housing markets, from a situation of overwhelmingly state-owned provision to the development of real estate markets. In this article I explore how this type of dwelling transforms urban space, reflecting the new provisions in the period, but also revealing a dual relationship with socialist space. Planned housing developments are characterised by the continuity of the 'soviet', i.e. by modern functionalist urbanism's architectural practices; but in their symbolic dimension such developments are also associated with an inversion of collective housing practices. This symbolic aspect of planned housing developments can be described in terms of privacy and sameness. In this article I argue that these housing practices are naturalised and affirmed as desirable through representations of space, including representations produced within marketing, mass media and the legal system. Drawing on the concepts of police, politics and the political developed by Rancière and Swyngedouw, the article raises the question of whether in post-socialist Vilnius these new developments indicate the consolidation of a post-political condition.
Planned housing developments are a new phenomenon in post-Soviet cities – cities marked since 1989 by the rapid and wholesale transformation of housing markets, from a situation of overwhelmingly state-owned provision to the development of real estate markets. In this article I explore how this type of dwelling transforms urban space, reflecting the new provisions in the period, but also revealing a dual relationship with socialist space. Planned housing developments are characterised by the continuity of the 'soviet', i.e. by modern functionalist urbanism's architectural practices; but in their symbolic dimension such developments are also associated with an inversion of collective housing practices. This symbolic aspect of planned housing developments can be described in terms of privacy and sameness. In this article I argue that these housing practices are naturalised and affirmed as desirable through representations of space, including representations produced within marketing, mass media and the legal system. Drawing on the concepts of police, politics and the political developed by Rancière and Swyngedouw, the article raises the question of whether in post-socialist Vilnius these new developments indicate the consolidation of a post-political condition.
The author analyses the use of media in foreign languages, mostly Russian and English, among Lithuanians living in the main cities of Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda). The analysis is based on data of a representative survey on the knowledge of languages and their use in these cities, performed within the research project "Cities and Languages" by Vilnius Universit). The use of media in foreign languages is important in several respects, which are discussed in the article. First, it can be regarded as a source of cultural and linguistic influence within the context of cultural and linguistic globalisation. In Lithuania and in other former Soviet Union states, media in Russian are also treated as a potential source of political influence. Second, it is important in respect of media market, since foreign media can be regarded as a source of a wider content choice for media consumer. Results of the analysis have shown that a significant part of Lithuanians (up to 40 per cent) frequently use media in foreign languages, although the number of frequent users still lags behind the amount of those who use the media in Lithuanian. The data show a wider knowledge of Russian and generally a wider use of mass media in Russian. Russian is used more often than English as a language for listening radio and watching TV; the use of printed media (books and periodicals) in Russian is higher, but close to that in English; English is much wider used as a language of the internet use. The trends are clearly more positive for English, since it is more popular among young people, even among those who know Russian as well. The article includes a further analysis of media choices among those who know the languages in question, these choices among the age groups, and the frequency of media use in foreign languages in comparison to the use of those languages in other domains.
The author analyses the use of media in foreign languages, mostly Russian and English, among Lithuanians living in the main cities of Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda). The analysis is based on data of a representative survey on the knowledge of languages and their use in these cities, performed within the research project "Cities and Languages" by Vilnius Universit). The use of media in foreign languages is important in several respects, which are discussed in the article. First, it can be regarded as a source of cultural and linguistic influence within the context of cultural and linguistic globalisation. In Lithuania and in other former Soviet Union states, media in Russian are also treated as a potential source of political influence. Second, it is important in respect of media market, since foreign media can be regarded as a source of a wider content choice for media consumer. Results of the analysis have shown that a significant part of Lithuanians (up to 40 per cent) frequently use media in foreign languages, although the number of frequent users still lags behind the amount of those who use the media in Lithuanian. The data show a wider knowledge of Russian and generally a wider use of mass media in Russian. Russian is used more often than English as a language for listening radio and watching TV; the use of printed media (books and periodicals) in Russian is higher, but close to that in English; English is much wider used as a language of the internet use. The trends are clearly more positive for English, since it is more popular among young people, even among those who know Russian as well. The article includes a further analysis of media choices among those who know the languages in question, these choices among the age groups, and the frequency of media use in foreign languages in comparison to the use of those languages in other domains.
The author analyses the use of media in foreign languages, mostly Russian and English, among Lithuanians living in the main cities of Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda). The analysis is based on data of a representative survey on the knowledge of languages and their use in these cities, performed within the research project "Cities and Languages" by Vilnius Universit). The use of media in foreign languages is important in several respects, which are discussed in the article. First, it can be regarded as a source of cultural and linguistic influence within the context of cultural and linguistic globalisation. In Lithuania and in other former Soviet Union states, media in Russian are also treated as a potential source of political influence. Second, it is important in respect of media market, since foreign media can be regarded as a source of a wider content choice for media consumer. Results of the analysis have shown that a significant part of Lithuanians (up to 40 per cent) frequently use media in foreign languages, although the number of frequent users still lags behind the amount of those who use the media in Lithuanian. The data show a wider knowledge of Russian and generally a wider use of mass media in Russian. Russian is used more often than English as a language for listening radio and watching TV; the use of printed media (books and periodicals) in Russian is higher, but close to that in English; English is much wider used as a language of the internet use. The trends are clearly more positive for English, since it is more popular among young people, even among those who know Russian as well. The article includes a further analysis of media choices among those who know the languages in question, these choices among the age groups, and the frequency of media use in foreign languages in comparison to the use of those languages in other domains.
The author analyses the use of media in foreign languages, mostly Russian and English, among Lithuanians living in the main cities of Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda). The analysis is based on data of a representative survey on the knowledge of languages and their use in these cities, performed within the research project "Cities and Languages" by Vilnius Universit). The use of media in foreign languages is important in several respects, which are discussed in the article. First, it can be regarded as a source of cultural and linguistic influence within the context of cultural and linguistic globalisation. In Lithuania and in other former Soviet Union states, media in Russian are also treated as a potential source of political influence. Second, it is important in respect of media market, since foreign media can be regarded as a source of a wider content choice for media consumer. Results of the analysis have shown that a significant part of Lithuanians (up to 40 per cent) frequently use media in foreign languages, although the number of frequent users still lags behind the amount of those who use the media in Lithuanian. The data show a wider knowledge of Russian and generally a wider use of mass media in Russian. Russian is used more often than English as a language for listening radio and watching TV; the use of printed media (books and periodicals) in Russian is higher, but close to that in English; English is much wider used as a language of the internet use. The trends are clearly more positive for English, since it is more popular among young people, even among those who know Russian as well. The article includes a further analysis of media choices among those who know the languages in question, these choices among the age groups, and the frequency of media use in foreign languages in comparison to the use of those languages in other domains.
The author analyses the use of media in foreign languages, mostly Russian and English, among Lithuanians living in the main cities of Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda). The analysis is based on data of a representative survey on the knowledge of languages and their use in these cities, performed within the research project "Cities and Languages" by Vilnius Universit). The use of media in foreign languages is important in several respects, which are discussed in the article. First, it can be regarded as a source of cultural and linguistic influence within the context of cultural and linguistic globalisation. In Lithuania and in other former Soviet Union states, media in Russian are also treated as a potential source of political influence. Second, it is important in respect of media market, since foreign media can be regarded as a source of a wider content choice for media consumer. Results of the analysis have shown that a significant part of Lithuanians (up to 40 per cent) frequently use media in foreign languages, although the number of frequent users still lags behind the amount of those who use the media in Lithuanian. The data show a wider knowledge of Russian and generally a wider use of mass media in Russian. Russian is used more often than English as a language for listening radio and watching TV; the use of printed media (books and periodicals) in Russian is higher, but close to that in English; English is much wider used as a language of the internet use. The trends are clearly more positive for English, since it is more popular among young people, even among those who know Russian as well. The article includes a further analysis of media choices among those who know the languages in question, these choices among the age groups, and the frequency of media use in foreign languages in comparison to the use of those languages in other domains.
It is not a phenomen that cities are shrinking especially in the regions. This process has been observed for a long time in North America, Wester European countries and Lithuania is no exception. Shrinking cities are generally described as phasing out cities. Due to the decreasing populiation, businesses are moving to more densely populated areas, educational institutions are closing down, there is a lack of leisure entertainment, community, and a sense of security. As a result, young families, whose children do not have easy access to education and leisure facilities are forced to move to cities with a higher concentration of populiation. Moreover, young people, whose reduced employment, deteriorating financial situation of the household, may choose to emigrate. Under poor conditions, the city`s economy is slowing down, which leads to stagnation and no progress towards devoloping sustainability. Although there are challenges to sustainability, it cannot be said that a shrinking city can be considered a dead city and certain decisions can be made towards redevelopment. Object of the research. Sustainble development of the shrinking city of Telšiai. Obejective of the research. To study the directions of sustainable development of a shrinking city and to evaluate their development. Main findings and results. Various analysis of scientific literature revealed ambiguous definitions of a shrinking city. The main feature of a shrinking city is the constantly decreasing population. An analysis of literature has shown that there may be a variety of shrinking reasons, which affect city`s demographics, economy, geography and physical conditions. In order to make a city attractive, different directions of development are possible. Sustainability is at the heart of urban development. The aim is to develop cities in an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable way, combining the concept of a smart city and applying the practices of the circular economy. In order to assess a sustainable development of the shrinking city, a real example was chosen the city of Telšiai. The statistical analysis of the city Telšiai shows that the city is shrinking, the population is decreasing every year and a negative increase of the population is observed. Based on the result of the calculated integrated sustainable development index, the city of Telšiai should further improve the ecological and social development. Also, the city government should take into account the needs of the population, their leisure time, the promotion of community spirit, the development of various programs. The expert assessment showed that the specialists believe that the priority of Telšiai city should be the development in improving its material well-being. According to experts, there is a lack of business promotion in Telšiai, which could increase the supply of labor and promote employment in the city. Expert assessment showed that social welfare in the city is poorly developed. Social well-being is is of vital importance, since the community spirit created in the city allows the residents to feel safe, encourages the them to organize community actions or events aimed at beautifying the city, improving the environment. The results of the expert assessment showed that the city of Telšiai develops the well-being of the environment quite well, by increasing the length of bicycle paths and improving children`s playgrounds. According to most experts the pollution prevention, noise level and air quality in the city are mainttaning the required standard of the ecological welfare. Summarizing the results it can be stated that the city of Telšiai should take into account the development of all dimensions. Promoting business would not only promote employment and create additional work opportunities, but would also bring financial benefits to the city. Financial opportunities can improve and develop the environment and social well-being in Telšiai.
It is not a phenomen that cities are shrinking especially in the regions. This process has been observed for a long time in North America, Wester European countries and Lithuania is no exception. Shrinking cities are generally described as phasing out cities. Due to the decreasing populiation, businesses are moving to more densely populated areas, educational institutions are closing down, there is a lack of leisure entertainment, community, and a sense of security. As a result, young families, whose children do not have easy access to education and leisure facilities are forced to move to cities with a higher concentration of populiation. Moreover, young people, whose reduced employment, deteriorating financial situation of the household, may choose to emigrate. Under poor conditions, the city`s economy is slowing down, which leads to stagnation and no progress towards devoloping sustainability. Although there are challenges to sustainability, it cannot be said that a shrinking city can be considered a dead city and certain decisions can be made towards redevelopment. Object of the research. Sustainble development of the shrinking city of Telšiai. Obejective of the research. To study the directions of sustainable development of a shrinking city and to evaluate their development. Main findings and results. Various analysis of scientific literature revealed ambiguous definitions of a shrinking city. The main feature of a shrinking city is the constantly decreasing population. An analysis of literature has shown that there may be a variety of shrinking reasons, which affect city`s demographics, economy, geography and physical conditions. In order to make a city attractive, different directions of development are possible. Sustainability is at the heart of urban development. The aim is to develop cities in an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable way, combining the concept of a smart city and applying the practices of the circular economy. In order to assess a sustainable development of the shrinking city, a real example was chosen the city of Telšiai. The statistical analysis of the city Telšiai shows that the city is shrinking, the population is decreasing every year and a negative increase of the population is observed. Based on the result of the calculated integrated sustainable development index, the city of Telšiai should further improve the ecological and social development. Also, the city government should take into account the needs of the population, their leisure time, the promotion of community spirit, the development of various programs. The expert assessment showed that the specialists believe that the priority of Telšiai city should be the development in improving its material well-being. According to experts, there is a lack of business promotion in Telšiai, which could increase the supply of labor and promote employment in the city. Expert assessment showed that social welfare in the city is poorly developed. Social well-being is is of vital importance, since the community spirit created in the city allows the residents to feel safe, encourages the them to organize community actions or events aimed at beautifying the city, improving the environment. The results of the expert assessment showed that the city of Telšiai develops the well-being of the environment quite well, by increasing the length of bicycle paths and improving children`s playgrounds. According to most experts the pollution prevention, noise level and air quality in the city are mainttaning the required standard of the ecological welfare. Summarizing the results it can be stated that the city of Telšiai should take into account the development of all dimensions. Promoting business would not only promote employment and create additional work opportunities, but would also bring financial benefits to the city. Financial opportunities can improve and develop the environment and social well-being in Telšiai.
It is not a phenomen that cities are shrinking especially in the regions. This process has been observed for a long time in North America, Wester European countries and Lithuania is no exception. Shrinking cities are generally described as phasing out cities. Due to the decreasing populiation, businesses are moving to more densely populated areas, educational institutions are closing down, there is a lack of leisure entertainment, community, and a sense of security. As a result, young families, whose children do not have easy access to education and leisure facilities are forced to move to cities with a higher concentration of populiation. Moreover, young people, whose reduced employment, deteriorating financial situation of the household, may choose to emigrate. Under poor conditions, the city`s economy is slowing down, which leads to stagnation and no progress towards devoloping sustainability. Although there are challenges to sustainability, it cannot be said that a shrinking city can be considered a dead city and certain decisions can be made towards redevelopment. Object of the research. Sustainble development of the shrinking city of Telšiai. Obejective of the research. To study the directions of sustainable development of a shrinking city and to evaluate their development. Main findings and results. Various analysis of scientific literature revealed ambiguous definitions of a shrinking city. The main feature of a shrinking city is the constantly decreasing population. An analysis of literature has shown that there may be a variety of shrinking reasons, which affect city`s demographics, economy, geography and physical conditions. In order to make a city attractive, different directions of development are possible. Sustainability is at the heart of urban development. The aim is to develop cities in an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable way, combining the concept of a smart city and applying the practices of the circular economy. In order to assess a sustainable development of the shrinking city, a real example was chosen the city of Telšiai. The statistical analysis of the city Telšiai shows that the city is shrinking, the population is decreasing every year and a negative increase of the population is observed. Based on the result of the calculated integrated sustainable development index, the city of Telšiai should further improve the ecological and social development. Also, the city government should take into account the needs of the population, their leisure time, the promotion of community spirit, the development of various programs. The expert assessment showed that the specialists believe that the priority of Telšiai city should be the development in improving its material well-being. According to experts, there is a lack of business promotion in Telšiai, which could increase the supply of labor and promote employment in the city. Expert assessment showed that social welfare in the city is poorly developed. Social well-being is is of vital importance, since the community spirit created in the city allows the residents to feel safe, encourages the them to organize community actions or events aimed at beautifying the city, improving the environment. The results of the expert assessment showed that the city of Telšiai develops the well-being of the environment quite well, by increasing the length of bicycle paths and improving children`s playgrounds. According to most experts the pollution prevention, noise level and air quality in the city are mainttaning the required standard of the ecological welfare. Summarizing the results it can be stated that the city of Telšiai should take into account the development of all dimensions. Promoting business would not only promote employment and create additional work opportunities, but would also bring financial benefits to the city. Financial opportunities can improve and develop the environment and social well-being in Telšiai.
