This thesis seeks to identify and find ways to employ the existing assets of the poly-centrism in the region which could enhance resilience and life quality and contribute towards broader sustainability goals. This is done through analysis of the five study cases of the most characteristic living environments and distribution of economic potential in the region. As a result, strategic guidelines for regional development are introduced. Further work consist of application of the strategy to aforementioned five study cases in order to investigate the actual potential of the proposed strategy. Design for one study case is carried out in detail to show possible and desirable outcomes of the strategic planning and to illustrate the effect of the governance of such project. Reflection summarises the thesis (research, strategy and design) and discusses the feasibility of the proposed strategy in the current planning context in Lithuania. Lastly if explains the contribution of the thesis to the existing body of knowledge.