PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF GREEN TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

The article substantiates theoretical and methodological principles and practical recommendations for implementing project management in the development of territorial communities under green transformation, with emphasis on social cohesion and design thinking. The study’s relevance is shaped by the increasing role of local communities in achieving climate neutrality, implementing the European Green Deal, and ensuring inclusive and socially just transitions, particularly in the context of decentralization and post-war recovery in Ukraine. The research is based on systemic and comparative analysis of scientific literature and international experience. The theoretical framework integrates sustainable project management, design thinking, social cohesion and circular economy concepts. The empirical basis includes data from the EU, IEA, CSIS, UNDP, Bertelsmann Stiftung, and peer reviewed publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Green transformation at the community level is defined as a systemic and irreversible shift to a low carbon, resource efficient and socially equitable development model. The article demonstrates that green transition goes beyond technological modernization and requires changes in governance practices, stakeholder interaction and social relations. Design thinking is justified as a human centred complement to classical project management, enabling deeper understanding of community needs, co creation of solutions and mitigation of social resistance. Social cohesion is interpreted both as a prerequisite and an outcome of successful green projects. An original five phase project cycle is proposed, including green audit, SDG aligned goal setting, blended financing, Agile implementation with social cohesion KPIs, and evaluation via an SDG based digital dashboard. A five block management toolkit covering strategic planning, institutional capacity, financial instruments, knowledge management and monitoring is developed. Analysis of the German Energiewende and EU sustainability instruments confirms the applicability of the approach. The results are particularly relevant for Ukrainian communities facing reconstruction, energy security and European integration challenges. Future research should focus on measuring social cohesion and testing the framework through community level case studies.