Spatial Potential and Factorial Security of the North-Western Regions of Russia

The current stage of state-building is associated with the formation of a unified system of public authority, the mobilization of resources and the reduction of management risks, the transition to a programmatic and project-based model of budget execution, and a change in approaches to spatial development. The focus of state regional policy is shifting from interbudgetary equalization to methods of engaging the potential of regions, increasing their economic independence, and providing targeted support to key territories. This requires a comprehensive assessment of the spatial potential and the availability of production factors in the regions. Aim. The aim of the study is to assess the spatial potential and factor endowment of the regions of the North-West of Russia in order to substantiate ways to improve regional economic policy. Tasks. The objectives of the study: to select and substantiate the methodological tools for conducting the assessment, to test them using the example of the North-Western macroregion of Russia, to identify the features and imbalances in the spatial development and factor endowment of the regions, and to determine the priorities for improving regional economic policy. Methods. A combined approach was used to conduct the assessment, which involves structuring the macroregion’s space at the spatial-temporal and territorial levels, combined with an evaluation of the components of the natural-resource, production-economic, and socio-infrastructure layers. Results. The study identified key problems, contradictions, and imbalances in the spatial development and factor endowment of the regions of the North-West of Russia, which made it possible to define long-term priorities in the areas of economic, investment, infrastructure, and ekistics policy, taking into account the spatial potential of the regions, the opportunities and limitations for its use, the regions’ endowment with production factors, and the efficiency of their use. Conclusions. The research results provide a fresh perspective on the prospects and priorities for the socio-economic development of the regions of Russia’s Northwest, and make it possible to review and reassess the factors and conditions of regional and national security related to the risks of fragmentation and autarky of the economic and infrastructural space of the Northwestern macroregion, which, in today’s complex and tense geopolitical environment, acts as an outpost.

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