ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT’S LEVEL IN REGIONS OF THE VOLGA FEDERAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Background. In the Russian Federation, a high level of socio-economic differentiation between regions remains, which generates risks of the formation of stable depressed territories within the country and requires an adequate policy. The purpose of this work is to identify trends in the socio-economic development of the regions of the Volga Federal District for 2010–2019. Materials and methods. To analyze the level of socio-economic regional differentiation, differentiation and variation coefficients were used. The data for analysis were taken from the statistical collections of Rosstat for 2010–2019. Results. Based on the group of selected indicators, a comparative analysis of the state and development dynamics of the Volga Federal District subjects was carried out, including: gross regional product (GRP), life expectancy at birth, total fertility rate, etc. For each indicator, the coefficient of variation was calculated and differentiation. Conclusions. The analysis showed that, despite the deep differences between the development levels in regions, a gradual decrease in the level of differentiation occurs in the Volga Federal District. As of 2019, the subjects of the Volga Federal District can be divided into two groups (clusters). The problems of the district’s regional development as a whole are identified and state policy measures to overcome regional differentiation are proposed.

Keywords

• regional economy
• regional differentiation
• volga federal district
• regional development
• problems of regional development