This article discusses two methods to measure the concept of local competitiveness: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The goal of this analysis is to determine whether these two methods used in social sciences research lead to comparable model results. By non-parametric tests we show that there is a significant correlation between the PCA and AHP local competitiveness indexes. Thereafter, a developed mixed method examination of whether the methods can be used interchangeably is presented and illustrated with detailed examples of two mixed approaches. The mixed method confirms the correlation between the PCA and AHP models. However, the mixed modelling results indicate the utility of the PCA in the situation of a multicriteria local competitiveness data examination.

This paper investigates the theoretical foundation for developing renewable geothermal resources locally. For this reason, we pay attention to the role of communities in geothermal development. We derive it from the integral characteristics of geothermal energy next to the shift in the energy transition policies to focus on managing green resources locally. This study presents arguments for a framework that approaches geothermal resources as an endogenous factor of community development. To analyse it, we create a model that explains the local economic characteristics of geothermal exploitation beyond its geological conditions. It aims to conceptualise a community-based geothermal development standard referring to the endogeneity principle. Geothermal energy is given attention since the characteristics of this resource determine its use locally. This induces the internalisation of labour and technology in the local economic system, a specific condition for local geothermal projects where a community remains a prime beneficiary. We argue that the role of communities in geothermal exploitation is pivotal in the process of green growth for further expansion of geothermal energy use.