RUSSIAN MONOCORTS: NEW CHALLENGES, OLD PROBLEM

Abstract

Monotowns were founded at the city-forming enterprises as a result of regional policy during the period of the administrative-planned economic system. In subsequent years, the socio-economic situation in Russian monotowns deteriorated significantly. The comprehensive program of state support for the development of single-industry towns, for the period up to 2025, was recognized as ineffective and terminated ahead of schedule. The program activities were aimed at reducing dependence on the activities of city-forming enterprises, creating new highly qualified jobs, developing entrepreneurship and improving the urban environment. Lack of comprehensiveness and targeting in the implementation of the planned activities, inconsistency of decisions and insufficient funding did not allow diversifying the economy of single-industry towns and improving the socio-economic situation. From 2020, a new stage of coordinated actions should begin to support the integrated development of single-industry municipalities. However, the limitations that existed during the initial period remain. To improve the situation, a targeted and comprehensive approach to the development of single-industry towns in the context of the spatial development strategy of the Russian Federation is required.