Spatial Organization Models of Socio-Economic Systems: Experience of Regional Development Strategies

Abstract

Aim. The presented study identifies spatial organization models of territorial socio-economic systems based on the experience of strategic planning of spatial transformations in Russian regions.Tasks. The authors determine the place of spatial aspects of development in each regional socio-economic development strategy by examining the structural features of the document and objectives outlined in the sections on spatial transformation prospects; systematize the experience of strategic modeling of spatial organization by meaningfully analyzing elements of regional strategies related to spatial transformation.Methods. This study uses general methods of cognition (analysis and synthesis) to examine socioeconomic development strategies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, identify and systematize general aspects of spatial transformation guidelines outlined in them.Results. Regional socio-economic development strategies are categorized by the degree to which spatial transformation issues are addressed. It was found that only 13.4% of documents ignore spatial development. Variations in the directions of spatial transformation outlined in strategies are indicated, and the ratio of the number of documents focusing on different changes is determined (in most documents, there is no clearly defined vision of projected spatial transformations). Four spatial organization models for territorial socio-economic systems are distinguished depending on the underlying vector of strategic transformations (a priority development model for territories with the greatest potential, a model for facilitating the development of lagging territories, a functional zoning model, and a hierarchical spatial organization model).Conclusions. The results of systematization of spatial organization models proposed by regional socioeconomic development strategies reflect options for optimizing the spatial characteristics of territories (related both to the development of individual spatial elements and to the inclusion of all spatial components into transformation processes) and can be useful for local authorities at different levels when setting spatial transformation goals.