The Role of education in increasing regional attractiveness for young people: the case of Sūduva region in Lithuania
ENAttracting young people to regions has become an increasingly important policy issue across Europe, especially in rural and peripheral areas facing challenges related to youth emigration. Education is a vital factor in influencing young people’s decisions about where to settle, thereby impacting broader regional development patterns. This paper examines how education can be used to boost the appeal of Lithuania’s Sūduva region for individuals aged 18–35. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines survey data from 171 participants and insights from 12 expert interviews to explore the relationship between education, local labour markets, and quality of life considerations. The findings show that, while education plays a significant role in regional attractiveness, it must be complemented by strong entrepreneurship, job creation, and a vibrant cultural scene to achieve full effectiveness. By providing a focused analysis of Sūduva, this research offers evidence-based recommendations for aligning educational policies with broader regional development strategies. Keywords: Regional Attractiveness, Sūduva Region, Education, Youth Retention, Rural-urban Disparities, Social Infrastructure, Lithuania.
