Digital platforms as a source of weak signals for regional development

The study focuses on the analysis of digital platforms as a source of weak signals that reflect emerging public interests and the possible direction of future regional development. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to identify early signs of social, economic and cultural changes that are not yet captured by statistical data or reflected in strategic documents. Digital crowdfunding platform projects represent a form of open digital participation, where alternative ideas, new practices and shifts in public value manifest, making them a significant tool for predictive research. The aim of the study is to explore the potential of using data from crowdfunding platforms to identify weak signals of future regional development and to demonstrate how such data can serve as indicators of emerging public interests, values and practices. To achieve this aim, the following tasks were addressed: analyzing the theoretical foundations of the weak signals concept, investigating the properties of digital platforms, examining the structure and dynamics of projects on the Planeta.ru platform from 2021 to 2024 and identifying categories that can serve as indicators of future transformations. The research employs methods of content analysis, comparative data analysis, clustering of project categories and interpretation of their success rates. Original empirical data from the crowdfunding platform were used, containing information on project themes, regional affiliation, goals and outcomes. The results reveal a multi-level structure of signals: established directions, intensifying new trends with high predictive potential and areas of high uncertainty. It is substantiated that crowdfunding initiatives enable the identification of directions in their early stages of development. The novelty of the research lies in the integration of the weak signals approach and crowdfunding data analysis for regional development tasks, as well as in the development of a cluster-based structure of signals that allows for the interpretation of digital initiatives as early indicators of future changes. The practical value of the study is in the potential application of its findings by regional authorities, analysts, social entrepreneurs and researchers for monitoring public demands and formulating more precise development strategies. In conclusion, directions for further research are outlined, related to expanding data sources, comparing platforms and modeling the dynamics of weak signals.