Transformation and differentiation of spatial development of Belgorod, Voronezh and Kursk regions

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to analyze the transformation, differentiation of spatial socio–economic development of the regions bordering Ukraine as part of the Central Chernozem region and their regional metropolises. The results of the study confirmed two types of structures of regional settlement systems of the CCR border regions: Belgorod dual-core and monocentric Voronezh and Kursk with established features of non-metropolitan reduction trends and different vectors of development of border settlement. Dynamics of economic development of the regions since 2010 it indicates a significant transformation and differentiation, a change of leader, a stable nature of the processes of divergence of regions in the levels of development. It is revealed that in 2020 the highest indicators of economic development were achieved by the Voronezh region, the first signs of stagnation of the economic development of the Belgorod region were established, in which a reduction in investment, a change in the geopolitical situation in 2022, the border situation can lead to a decrease in the investment attractiveness of large businesses, a further drop in the pace of economic development, the emergence of instability. The reduction of the share of metropolises in the socio-economic development of the regions, the formation of a new trend – "de-monocentricity" has been established. A retrospective analysis of the population growth/loss ratio revealed a persistent trend of population concentration in suburban metropolitan areas against the background of a continuing decline in the population of the deep regions of the regions. The territories bordering Ukraine are characterized by different vectors of economic and demographic development. The conducted research allowed us to establish the trends of uneven spatial development; the polarization of the development of regional metropolises, non-metropolitan and border areas; the tightening of the population in the regional capitals-metropolises and suburban areas. The methodology of studying the spatial development of regions, regional metropolises provides an opportunity to monitor their levels of development, identify priority problems, and make effective management decisions.