Features of socio-economic development of the Omsk region border areas in the context of demographic decline

Abstract

In Russia, there is a large number of regions that occupy a border position, and the level of socio-economic development of which is not fully realized. The object of the study is the Omsk region, which has a long border with the Republic of Kazakhstan and is a typical region of the Southeastern part of the territory adjacent to the state border of the country. Using the example of the border municipal districts of the Omsk region, the article provides a comparative analysis of the socio-economic development of the border and internal municipal districts of the region, identifies the border factors underlying it, and highlights the features of cross-border cooperation between Siberian regions and regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The author notes the absence of socio-economic problems specific to border territories, identifies the strengths and weaknesses of border municipal districts of the Omsk region and considers their ethnonational structure. It is concluded that the border position of municipal districts is poorly reflected in the indicators of demographic decline, which is equally represented in the inner regions of the region. At the same time, the economic specialization inherent in border areas opens up opportunities for cross-border cooperation. Using the presence of similar features, the author also conducts a comparative analysis of the border areas of the Omsk and Orenburg regions, on the basis of which hidden reserves of development of border territories are identified, potential growth points and risks of cross-border cooperation are determined. In the final section of the paper, the author summarizes the experience of the United States in organizing cross-border cooperation, formulates several recommendations that allow border regions to neutralize the emerging trend of population decline and take advantage of their position to improve the quality of life of citizens.