Economic and social activities: basis for a model of development of rural border areas

Abstract

In this paper we revealed the problems of development of border rural areas, causing their low economic and social attractiveness. We determined that the development of border rural areas involves the formation of mechanisms for the growth of economic and social activity. The methodological basis of the study is the concept of development of border rural settlements as the most important parts of the economic space. This development is based on the integrated use of economic, social and environmental resources while launching innovative and diversification projects as part of the regional development strategy. We showed the need to form a network of growth centres throughout the region, just as competing for economic, social and environmental resources, so complementing each other in terms of integrated use of resources. The global mission of border rural areas in the innovation economy as well as possible incentives to increase the socio-economic attractiveness of rural areas have been identified. The need for state support for cross-border rural areas was economically justified by identifying opportunity costs. A policy of “smart” protectionism and its effectiveness for the development of border rural areas was described. We proposed a model and main mechanisms for the development of economic, social and environmental activity in the border rural areas. We also revealed the specifics of development of border rural areas of the Republic of Buryatia where world heritage sites are located.