REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION NETWORKS: A CASE STUDY OF WESTERN UKRAINE.

Motives: Communication is the basis of existence of modern civilization. Nowadays, communication is part of the most intensive innovation processes. The level of formation of communication networks largely determines both the preconditions and the current development of regions. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the interdependencies between the level of socio-economic development of the examined areas and the formation of communication networks on the example of local territorial units of Western Ukraine. Results: The correlation analysis revealed significant links between communication networks and regional development. It is not always possible to determine the exact cause and effect in a specific case. The results of this study indicate that the socio-economic development of Western Ukraine has a more significant impact on the functioning of communication networks than the communication networks have on the socio-economic development. Like other natural and socio-economic resources, the presence of communication networks is a prerequisite for the development of the region. The emergence, perception and widespread use of new communications depend on several factors, one of which is the socio-economic development of a given area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]