STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTIONS OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN AZERBAIJAN'S KARABAKH ECONOMIC REGION: A SURVEY-BASED ASSESSMENT

Abstract

The Karabakh Economic Region of Azerbaijan is undergoing extensive post-conflict reconstruction, resettlement, and institutional reorganization. While sustainability is prioritized in regional planning, its environmental, technological, economic, and cultural dimensions are often addressed through fragmented sectoral programs rather than unified frameworks. Recent academic publications highlight that post-conflict urban recovery requires balancing rapid infrastructure development with long-term ecological and heritage preservation. However, there is a lack of localized research focusing on stakeholder integration and participatory governance models within the specific context of the South Caucasus.. The purpose of the article is to examine whether informed stakeholders prioritize isolated sector-specific development models or favor an integrated, multidimensional approach to sustainable urban development in the Karabakh region. An anonymous 35-item questionnaire was administered through an online survey, yielding 65 valid responses from researchers, university staff, and students. Descriptive analysis was applied to multiple-response questions and five-point Likert scale items. The findings indicate that respondents simultaneously prioritize employment, quality of life, education, healthcare, security, environmental quality, and cultural heritage protection. They also express strong support for adaptable master planning, renewable energy, and socially useful smart technologies Based on the results, the study proposes a place-sensitive framework that links cultural heritage, green energy, smart systems, and local economic development. The practical implementation of this model requires the establishment of participatory governance mechanisms and shared monitoring indicators to ensure balanced and sustainable regional development.