Measuring Local Development in Serbia: Methodological Analysis and Lessons for Policy Design

This paper conceptualizes the measurement of local development as a key prerequisite for effective regional policy design and therefore provides a comprehensive comparative examination of the official methodologies used to assess the development level of local self-government units (LSGUs) in Serbia. It reviews legislative frameworks, strategic development documents, and statistical procedures, demonstrating how differences in indicator selection, weighting schemes, and classification thresholds shape both the diagnosis and interpretation of regional disparities. The analysis further traces temporal changes in LSGU development categories to evaluate whether territorial inequalities are diminishing, persisting, or intensifying. By integrating methodological critique with policy relevance, the paper offers evidence-based guidance for support decision-makers and public policy designers in seeking to formulate more targeted, effective, and context-sensitive measures aimed at achieving balanced regional development.