The multicriteria analysis, a useful tool in classifying counties from a socio-economic point of view and investments made in water management: a case study on Romania

Abstract

The article presents a classification methodology of regional development in Romania (41 counties and Bucharest) using a set of data registered in 2019 by the National Institute of Statistics. Several indicators cover information related to the population (the migration, permanent residence, and education), local investments, private turnover, and investments in water supply and sewerage systems, including waste management. After applying the statistical tests, the separation of the counties was done in three classes, the delimitation indicating a high percentage of 59.5% of regions that have low values of the selected indicators. These regions require major investments that will lead to rising living standards, and the emergence of new jobs, driving down the average age of the population. 21.4% of the regions present an average level of the analyzed indicators while only 19% registered the highest values of the parameters, indicating urban agglomerations and a high level of industrial development.