A Multi-Dimensional Policy Recommendation Framework for Sustainable Regional Development in Georgia: Integrating Functional Planning, Land Use Modeling, and Stakeholder Perspectives

Regional disparities remain one of the major challenges to balanced economic development in Georgia, despite ongoing regional development initiatives. The effectiveness of existing regional policies is constrained by limited integration of functional spatial planning, sustainable land-use management, and evidence-based decision-making. This study presents a comprehensive framework for developing scientifically grounded policy recommendations aimed at improving regional development policy in Georgia.The proposed framework builds upon the findings of previous research phases examining functional territorial planning, sustainable regional development, and land-use optimization. A customized multi-dimensional policy recommendation matrix is developed to support strategic decision-making and policy prioritization. The matrix integrates quantitative and qualitative evidence through a systematic process including the identification of policy objectives, stakeholder analysis, criteria development, generation of policy alternatives, multi-criteria evaluation, scoring and ranking of alternatives, and formulation of evidence-based recommendations.The research adopts an interdisciplinary approach combining regional economics, spatial planning, sustainable development, and management sciences. Multiple stakeholder groups?including policymakers, researchers, local governments, experts, and civil society representatives?are incorporated into the evaluation process to ensure the practical relevance and applicability of the proposed recommendations. Particular emphasis is placed on balancing economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and social well-being within regional development strategies.The study contributes to the growing literature on evidence-based regional policy by demonstrating how structured decision-support tools can improve the transparency, consistency, and effectiveness of regional planning. The proposed policy recommendation framework offers practical guidance for integrating functional territorial planning and sustainable land-use considerations into Georgia's regional development policy and may serve as a transferable model for other developing and transition economies pursuing sustainable territorial development.