SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE INTERCONNECTION BETWEEN POPULATION DENSITY AND THE LOCATION OF INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between population density and the spatial distribution of industrial facilities, particularly in rural areas. The study analyzes key factors influencing the economic feasibility of industrial development in different territories, including infrastructure availability, market access, and labor resources. While rural areas often offer lower land costs and cheaper labor, they face significant challenges such as poor road conditions, limited access to high-capacity power grids, and inadequate high-speed internet connectivity. The study identifies a strong correlation between population density and the concentration of industrial enterprises. Regions with a high density of urban settlements tend to create more favorable conditions for industrial development due to their well-developed infrastructure, availability of skilled labor, and proximity to consumer markets. Additionally, historical data indicate that densely populated regions had already developed urban centers before the Industrial Revolution, suggesting that spatial structure plays a critical role in long-term economic growth. The study further examines the spatial distribution of cities and industrial facilities across Europe, utilizing geoinformation analysis through QGIS. The results confirm that industrial facilities are more likely to be located in areas with a high concentration of urban settlements. For Ukraine, where rural areas have a lower population density compared to many European countries, attracting industrial investments poses additional challenges. Despite lower costs of land and labor, the limited availability of infrastructure and human resources may hinder industrial expansion in rural regions. The findings of this study contribute to the broader understanding of spatial economics and provide insights for policymakers and investors in determining optimal locations for industrial enterprises. Strategic planning for industrial development should take into account population density, infrastructure accessibility, and urbanization levels to ensure sustainable economic growth in both urban and rural areas.