Evolution of views on the factors of spatial distribution of productive forces: from material factors to institutions

Abstract

The topic relevance of the research is due to the fact that the identification of opportunities for the country spatial development and the strengthening the role of space in the national economy development necessitate the analysis of theoretical views how it is necessary to allocate productive forces, what factors affect the efficiency of using economic resources distributed in space, what possible options for building relationships between independent economic agents, depending on the territorial location. The purpose of the study is determining the role of institutions in identifying the conditions and opportunities for the spatial development of the state based on the analysis of the theories’ evolution of the productive forces’ allocation and spatial development. The main methods used in the study are content analysis and comparative analysis of theoretical views and practical approaches to the allocation of productive forces, spatial development of individual regions and the state. The paper presents an analysis of theories which contents factors that determine the approaches to the allocation of productive forces. Theories are considered in the temporal sequence of their emergence. The first group of theories is idealized and has not found its implementation in practice. The second group, represented by Soviet scientists, was practically applied during locating production throughout the country and was based on the institutions of a planned economy. The third group of theories arose in the conditions of institutions of a mixed economy and are the comprehension of facts and processes happened in practice. So, the second group of theories is presented as «theory — practice», and the third as «practice — theory». The direction of future research involves determining the place and role of institutions in the planning and implementation of measures for the spatial development of regions and the country.

Keywords

• productive forces allocation
• spatial planning
• territory planning
• institutions
• space