Abstract:

Although it was designed and used primarily as a management tool in organizations, SWOT analysis was undertaken and efficiently used for other purposes than for which it was developed in the early 60s. This article aims to consider how SWOT analysis can be useful and effective in studies conducted at regional level in the rural areas. As a case study was selected the North East Region of Romania, because it is one of the poorest regions both at national and European Union level, and acquaintance and highlighting the causes behind this situation is the starting point in developing measures for economic and social development, both medium and long term. Diagnosis of the North East Region of Development from Romania requires consideration for all sizes involved in the rural life: the social dimension, economic dimension, political dimension, technical-scientific dimension and environmental dimension.