The need for the study program arises from the interaction of political and administrative changes in rural and regional development; globally occurring social, economic, technological, and cultural transformations and climate change that influence regional and local decision-making; as well as the continuously increasing complexity of public organizations’ decisions and environmental changes; the necessity of improving the activities of public institutions in regional and rural development. The need for professional rural development administration is based on the provisions of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the European Union (EU) growth strategy "European Green Deal", smart specialization and progress strategies. Global strategies require a just transition to public administration systems at national, regional and local levels, focusing on inclusive territorial development, combining local resources, leaving no one behind. The management of recent processes and activities requires highly competent, proactively acting rural development specialists who assume evidence-based, experience-driven, and knowledge-grounded leadership. They substantiate their decisions through innovative, scientific, and applied research, possess deep theoretical knowledge and specific skills, and are prepared to independently and professionally address various levels of rural region development policy and administration issues. They are capable of strategic thinking, making evidence-based public governance decisions, efficiently utilizing rural area resources, and fostering local development potential.
