FORMING THE INDUSTRIAL CULTURE OF INDUSTRIAL REGIONS AS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE REGENERATION OF INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE

Abstract

Relevance of the study: Industrial culture emerges not only as a result of historical industrial development but as an active resource for the future, capable of generating innovation, supporting social cohesion, and contributing to the sustainable development of regions through the preservation, interpretation, and creative reinterpretation of heritage. Subject of the study: The phenomenon of industrial culture as a socio-cultural factor that determines the characteristics of identity formation in industrial regions and influences the processes of industrial heritage regeneration. Purpose of the stude: To reveal the essence and significance of industrial culture as a factor in the regeneration of industrial heritage and the sustainable development of industrial regions. Research methodology: A complex of methods was used: comparative-geographical and systemic-structural analysis, content analysis of scientific sources, generalization of the results of European projects (particularly InduCult2.0), as well as modeling the concept of industrial culture. Research results: The essence of the concept of “industrial culture” and its role in the processes of industrial heritage regeneration in industrial regions are examined. The necessity of reinterpreting industrial culture not only as a set of material artifacts of the past but as a dynamic socio-cultural phenomenon that shapes the identity, values, and innovation potential of territories is substantiated. The author’s three-level model of industrial culture (basic, functional, and semantic levels) is proposed, within which heritage is viewed as the basis for the formation of new forms of activity – revitalization, industrial tourism, creative industries, and event activities. It is proven that the activation of industrial culture contributes to the sustainable development of industrial regions, the strengthening of local identity, social cohesion, and the enhancement of the attractiveness of industrial territories. Scope of application of the results: The obtained results can be used in regional planning, the development of programs for the regeneration of industrial territories, cultural and tourism strategies of communities, as well as in scientific research on industrial heritage and sustainable development. Conclusions: Industrial culture is a dynamic phenomenon and a strategic concept capable of integrating activities in a region and transforming the industrial past into a resource for the future. The formation of industrial culture is a key factor in restoring the social and economic activity of industrial regions. Its development contributes to heritage preservation, strengthening local identity, and forming a positive image of industrial territories.