“Path Dependence”: The Transformation Of The Social Space Of The Eurasian Macroregion

Abstract

The article discusses the issues of updating the foundations of the toolkit methodology associated with spatial development research. These issues are related to structural changes in the economy and inevitably affect various aspects of spatial development. Further, these changes predetermine the transformation of the regional social space. Clarifying several methodological foundations and adapting digital tools for spatial development study allows us to consider the macroregion as a complex heterogeneous multilevel socio-economic system. The research results related to system analysis and building a system of models and spatial development are considered. Particular attention is paid to inherited development ("Path Dependence") and new factors in accelerating the economic and social transformation of regions. Among them: urbanization, agglomeration processes, and the formation of transport corridors. This study's direction creates the basis for a deeper study of the development prospects of the industrially developed and very specific Eurasian macroregion - the Urals. Analysis of spatial development in the "center - periphery" format and subsequent zoning contribute to the prospective integration of territories, starting with the zones of the highest concentration of socio-economic potential.