Differences in Slovenian NUTS 3 regions and functional regions by gender

Background: Regions at the level of NUTS 3, which is a system used in the EU for various analyses and statistical reports, can be defined as functional regions in terms of labour markets, education areas, and supply markets. Objectives: This study analyses the functional regions of Slovenia, differentiated by gender, and their correspondence with the statistical regions at the level of NUTS 3. Methods/Approach: Functional regions are analysed as labour market areas, which are modelled according to the CURDS method, and evaluated using the fuzzy set approach. Results: The analysis of functional regions resulted in ten regions for male commuters and fourteen regions for female commuters. Only four of the twelve functional regions for commuters relate to the corresponding statistical regions. Functional region Ljubljana is much larger than the corresponding statistical region, mainly at the expense of neighbouring regions. In recent decades, two new functional regions have been created which are becoming candidates for inclusion in the system of NUTS 3 regions. Conclusions: A detailed analysis showed that functional region Velenje is becoming an important local labour market and should be included in the system of NUTS 3 regions of Slovenia, while the Central Sava Statistical Region should be removed from it.