SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL TOWNS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

The aim of this paper is to get insight into the concept of sustainable development of small towns and identify the implementation of sustainable development into the Croatian urban space by explaining the structure of small towns. The aim of this paper is to consider the factors (financial, economic, technological, sociological, transport) that affect the sustainability of small towns, highlighting the challenges that small towns face in introducing, maintaining and developing the concept of sustainability. The analysis of the current situation in Croatia and in the world will highlight examples of successful and sustainable towns in Croatia and the world and give an overview of the future of sustainable development of small towns. The research uses qualitative methodology (content analysis) of small towns in Croatia related to sustainable development. The quantitative method, which was used in the questionnaire survey, consisted of several sets of questions, which allowed the assessment of the subjective perception of sustainable development of small towns. The total sample consisted of an intentionally chosen sample of actors from the administration of small towns. Descriptive analysis will be used for interpreting quantitative data to determine differences in the sample. Based on the perception of actors from the administration of small towns, possible solutions and recommendations for the successful implementation of the concept of sustainability in small towns will be highlighted. Along with concrete proposals, the paper will present the theoretical contribution to the importance of applying the concept of sustainable development in small towns of the Republic of Croatia.