Rural area sustainable development strategies on the basis of a cluster approach

The study purpose is scientific and methodological substantiation of the effective use of cluster technologies in the strategic planning of sustainable development of rural territorial structures. The conceptual novelty of the research is that it provides an algorithm for clustering the socioeconomic development of rural areas by the critical target indicators based on the evaluating features (30 features) to make homogeneous clusters (four clusters). Also, the study established methodical approaches and guidelines for the use of cluster technologies to assess the prospects for sustainable development of the zone-level system of rural areas as complex socioeconomic structures. The research used general scientific methods such as a monographic method, system and cluster analysis techniques, strategic planning tools, a computational and constructive method, and abstract-logical and graphical methods. A cluster approach should be used when designing strategic plans and programs for the socioeconomic development of rural municipalities. Cluster technologies should be used as a systematic tool for the development and implementation of a strategy for the sustainable development of rural areas. The key findings are based on the multidimensional grouping of rural areas and the formation of homogeneous clusters of rural areas at the zonal level.