스페인의 지역소멸 대응과 제4섹터의 역할: 아스투리아스와 카스티야 라만차 지역 사례를 중심으로 = The Fourth Sector's Role in Combating Regional Decline: A Comparative Study of Asturias and Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study examines the phenomenon of regional decline in Spain, focusing on the role of the fourth sector in addressing this issue. Spain faces significant challenges of regional decline, particularly evident in rural depopulation and aging. Despite policy initiatives by central and local governments, as well as the European Union, substantial challenges persist. A comparative analysis of response strategies in Langreo and Avilés (Asturias) and Castilla-La Mancha reveals divergent outcomes. Avilés' integrated approach, based on stakeholder consensus, proved effective, whereas Langreo's re-industrialization strategy showed limitations. The fourth sector played a crucial role in these differing outcomes. In May 2021, Castilla-La Mancha enacted pioneering legislation to address regional decline, institutionalizing stakeholder participation and introducing a network governance model emphasizing inter-regional cooperation. The establishment of the 'Regional Council for the Development of the Rural Environment and against Depopulation' formalized cooperation between regions and sectors. This case demonstrates that codifying network governance can enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of regional development efforts. Fourth sector organizations facilitated connections among diverse stakeholders and proposed innovative solutions, underscoring the importance of multi-stakeholder participation in addressing regional decline. This research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of regional decline and highlights the potential of adaptive, context-specific strategies leveraging the strengths of diverse actors, including the emerging fourth sector, to tackle these multifaceted challenges.