Territorial Division Of Labor Research Articles

Пульсация городов Арктики: экономико-географические и геоинформационные подходы к изучению (на примере Мурманска)

Based on the analysis of studies of the population (including its pulsation) and settlement in the Russian Arctic in recent years and on the example of Murmansk, economic and geographical approaches to their study are outlined in the article. Arctic territories and waters are strategically important for Russia, both geopolitically and economically. The reduction of the permanent population in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation must be stopped, since the developing economy and social sphere there need labor resources, and geopolitical realities determine the livability of the territory. Arctic cities are characterized by population pulsation, which is important to learn how to take into account in the framework of strategic and territorial planning. Urban population pulsation is a social challenge that requires a special approach to the design of housing and social, engineering and transport infrastructure. When studying the ripple of cities, it is important to estimate the number of “hidden” populations, which can be achieved with big data. To estimate the current population of Murmansk and the scale of its pulsation, both Rosstat statistics and data obtained on the basis of BigData MTS and MTS Geoeffect were used. The real number of Murmansk residents is 79 % higher than the officially recorded one. Methodological reliance on economic and geographical approaches makes it possible to identify and analyze factors affecting the dynamics of population size and pulsation in cities, including Arctic ones. As such, we have identified: spatial and temporal analysis, assessment of the economic and geographical position; assessment of the impact on spaces of different levels; assessment of the situation in the “North–South” and “Center–periphery” systems; analysis of the settlement system and assessment of the impact of the agglomeration effect; determination of specialization and place in the territorial division of labor.

DIVISÃO SOCIAL DO ESPAÇO E FRAGMENTAÇÃO SOCIOESPACIAL EM MOSSORÓ/RN/BRASIL

This paper addresses the production of urban space in Mossoró, in Rio Grande do Norte State, through an analysis that articulates the social division of space and socio-spatial fragmentation. The hypothesis is that, in the context of contemporary urbanization, the fragmentary urban logic plays a significant role in structuring and restructuring urban spaces. The center-periphery contradiction is redefined, associated with the production of new spaces for consumption and the profusion of popular housing forms and closed residential spaces. For this, the mapping and cross-referencing data from these same spaces, the forms of habitation and, consequently, interviews with inhabitants, were fundamental for the analysis So, this article highlights the study of socio-spatial fragmentation as an expressive possibility to understand contemporary Brazilian urbanization. It concludes on spatial practices and the appropriation of space as a fundamental element to understand the fragmentation process in Brazilian medium-sized cities. Keywords: Sociospatial Fragmentation, Urban Centrality, Social and Territorial Division of Labour, Mossoró, Brazil.

LOGGING CRAFTS OF UDMURT PEASANTS IN VYATKA PROVINCE DURING THE MODERNIZATION PERIOD (SECOND HALF OF THE XIX CENTURY)

The article considers logging crafts of Udmurt peasants of Vyatka province as an independent type of craft activity in interaction with other elements of the peasant economy in the second half of the 19th century. Logging and wood-chopping trades were the most attractive for Udmurt peasants, because of their proximity to the familiar world, sacred ideas about spatial differentiation, ethnic and linguistic comfort. Therefore, they were the most traditional and massive for the peasantry of Udmurtia. The analysis of their development in the Russian modernization dynamics of the second half of the 19 century allows us to answer the questions of the coexistence of traditions and innovations in the Russian province. The dominant influence of the natural factor on the territorial division of labor, the choice of one or another type of non-agricultural occupations of the population is shown. The unique combination of huge woodlands and a dense network of floating rivers with access to the Kama and Vyatka determined not only the preservation of logging and wood-cutting industries in the second half of the 19 century, but also the growth of wood production. The constant growth of the market demand for wood, combined with the preserved methods of logging and timber transportation, showed the high adaptive capabilities of these traditional crafts during the studied period. The abolition of serfdom, the elimination of the institution of indispensable workers, the active penetration of market mechanisms into traditional foundations laid the grounds for the process of gradual transformation of logging into one of the elements of the emerging capitalist economy.

Investigating the political economy of the territory: The contradictory responses of organisations to spatial inequality

The spatial imaginations of organisations can be particularly insightful for examining power relations. However, only recently they have gone beyond the limits of the workplace, demonstrating the role of the territory for organised action, particularly in mobilising solidarity for resistance. In this article, I investigate power relations revealed by the political economy of the territory to explain contradictory actions undertaken by organisations. Specifically, I adopt the theoretical framework of the noted Brazilian geographer Milton Santos, who recognises spatial multiplicity and fragmentation while maintaining an appreciation of the structural conditions of the political economy. This perspective is particularly useful for the analysis of civil society organisations (CSOs) in a Brazilian favela (slum), given the context of high inequality perpetuated by the selective flows of urban development. First, I show that the history of favelas and their role in the territorial division of labour explain the profiles of existing organisations. Then, I examine how the political engagement of CSOs with distinct solidarities results in a dialectical tension that leads to both resistance based on local shared interests and the active reproduction of central spaces even if the ends are not shared. The article contributes to the literature of space and organisations by explaining how territorial dynamics mediate power relations within and across organisations, not only as resistance but also as the active reproduction of economic and political regimes.

POPULATION AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF RECREATIONAL AND TOURIST POTENTIAL

The article defines the directions that it is recommended to assess the role of the population in the formation of recreation and tourism activities (RTA). It is proved the need to investigate the role of the population in the RTA in two main directions: 1) as a subject of recreational and tourist systems in its relation to their media (objects); 2) combined - as a subject and component of the object of recreational and tourist systems. The population forms the flows of recreation and tourists, developing relevant structures and mechanisms for their recreational and tourist service, organizes directions and fields of economic and non-economic activities that ensure the recreational needs of the population, creates a specialized recreation infrastructure, develops and implements a variety of functional and territorial organization of recreation and tourism, forms at the national and international level of territorial division of labor.
 In order to evaluate the recreational potential of a separate plot or object usually consider not the entire nomenclature of conditions and resources, but only a characteristic or typical combination. Each territory, each object of recreation and tourism has its own set (complex) of resource characteristics. And this circumstance greatly facilitates the procedure for a comprehensive assessment of recreational potential due to elimination (allocation) of a characteristic complex of terms and resources of RTA. A similar situation arises for a functional assessment of recreational potential. The valuation of conditions and resources are not developed for a general list of species and forms of RTA, but for those that are distributed in this area in this locality.
 It is determined that among the numerous characteristics and indicators of recreational potential, the concept of recreational and tourist attractiveness is one of the objective indicators of resource potential. Estimation of recreational potential for quantitative indicators of recreation and tourists and their numerical and spatial distributions creates an objective basis for all other characteristics and indicators of RTD.
 Another important characteristic of the recreational potential, which forms the population as a factor of RTA is a recreation capacity of territories and objects of RTA. The concept of "recreational capacity" is related to "recreational attractiveness". Attractiveness characterizes recreational territories and objects for their attraction, according to real flows of recreation and tourists. Recreational capacity is intended to set the upper limits of such attractiveness. Attractiveness represents the actual use of a recreational resource, and the capacity indicates its critical level of recreation, which does not lead to degradation of this resource. In recreational geography, tourism and planning of territories, this direction is well known and extremely designed. The indicators of recreational capacities for certain types and recreation forms and recreations - beach baths, short-term rest in green zones, anthropogenic load of resort zones and areas of the natural reserve fund, maximum population density in various functional zones of the big city, etc. At the same time, the zonal principles of assessing the recreational capacity of objects and areas of recreation and tourism have not yet been developed, and this actual problem is waiting for its researchers.
 The population forms a so-called anthropogenic load on the territory, and its economic activity is man-made load. Anthropogenic-technogenic load is considered as a factor of recreational and tourist activities, in turn, indicators of anthropogenic-technogenic load are the original characteristics of "anti-resource" of recreation potential. The article has proven that in the context of the study of the prerequisites for the development of recreation and tourist activities of the region also need to analyze both the quality of life of the population, in addition to the assessment of this indicator have a high contrast and diversity in the country.
 Key words: population, recreational and tourist potential, attractiveness of recreational territories, anthropogenic-technogenic load, quality of life of the population.

Grain farming is the basis for functioning of grain product sub-complex

Purpose – complex multifunctional and dynamic system, which includes a wide range of national economic functions, which is represented by grain farming, and requires priority attention to its development from the state has been analyzed. It is noted that the stability of grain trade, functioning of national and general grain markets depend on the quantity, quality, species range and price level of grain produced, demand, government influence on its production and sale, situation on the world grain market and other factors of an internal and external nature. The research methods are reflected in the improvement of territorial division of labor in the process of grain production and development of grain trade between countries, taking into account the scientific approach to the development and implementation of projects and programs of an interstate association, which should be comprehensive and take into account the positive aspects and barriers in expanding the single grain market. Results – it was revealed that innovative activity, promising innovations for the systems of breeding and seed production of grain crops, development of mechanization, land reclamation, chemical processing, expansion and strengthening of transport routes, information support, management in the fields of grain production and market relations allow the formation of specialized grain zones. Conclusions – in Kazakhstan, it is necessary to create a domestic accounting system in accordance with interstate agreements, according to which, in 2022, a mechanism for the identification and traceability of grain should function in the EAEU. It will require its development, similar to dairy products, which will significantly increase the cost of using these technologies.

Informação e divisão do trabalho no território brasileiro: algumas características do setor de seguros e resseguros

Assistimos na atualidade a uma profunda transformação do território em virtude da emergência do meio técnico-científico-informacional. Neste contexto, a informação adquire novo significado, tornando-se uma variável de fundamental importância para a organização e estratégia dos agentes hegemônicos. Vale destacar que uma das características do período atual é o crescente nível de riscos e incertezas. Assim, a análise do setor de seguros e resseguros é de fundamental importância, uma vez que essas atividades oferecem garantias contra diversos riscos, intensificam a produção de informações e contribuem com o aprofundamento da divisão social e territorial do trabalho.

Програмно-цільовий підхід до інвестиційного розвитку територій

The article is devoted to the study of the possibility of using a program-targeted approach to sustainable development of territories. The work pays significant attention to the analysis of the peculiarities of the introduction of a program-target approach to the development of territorial systems in different countries of the world and assesses the possibility of applying the program-target approach in the context of reforming local self-government in Ukraine. The study found that social, economic and environmental interests are interrelated and interdependent. It is emphasized that the achievement of material well-being, an increase in the standard of living play a priority role in modern society. The paper notes the expediency of searching for ways to solve social and environmental problems in the economic sphere. The emphasis is made on the fact that the assessment and forecasting of the investment attractiveness of territories should be directly related to the state regional policy. Thus, the goal of this policy is to ensure the effective development of individual regions, taking into account such factors as the rational use of various economic opportunities of each of them, the effect of optimal integration, territorial division of labor and mutual economic cooperation.

Прикладні аспекти дослідження промислового виробництва в Україні

Industry is one of the important sectors of the economy of any country in the world. At the same time, statistics show that the industrial complexes of many countries are developing unevenly, with periodic changes in the structure and volume of production under the influence of many internal and external factors. Ukraine's industrial complex is also undergoing spatial and structural distortions, but these trends do not always correspond to those formed in the world's leading countries in the direction and pace of change, although today the industrial complex of Ukraine is the most important structural part of Ukraine's economy, a third of fixed assets and more than 30% of the employed population. As one of the largest spheres of social production in the country, industrial production determines the level of its socio-economic development, the specialization of the economy and the extent of participation in the territorial division of labor. Properly chosen strategy for the development of industrial production, the appropriate volume and structure of production, a reasonable volume of sales allows all participants in production to achieve their financial goals. This is due to the importance of studying the activities of industrial enterprises. The article constructs nonlinear models of multiple regression, which describe the main trends in industrial production, the effect of external and internal factors on the economic performance of industry in general and industrial enterprises in the western region of Ukraine. It is established that innovative transformations in industrial production have led to the renewal of fixed assets and have had a positive effect on the dynamics of economic results. At the same time, this process was accompanied by a reduction in the number of people employed in industry. It is revealed that the influential factors of the external environment include economic conditions of management, and among the factors of the internal environment – the management of innovation and innovation activity of economic entities. It is recommended to expand the set of tools at the expense of distribution-lag, autoregressive, simulative and other econometric models to describe the relationship between the economic performance of enterprises and factor characteristics.

НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ПРАКТИЧЕСКОЙ ОТДАЧИ ЭКОНОМИКО-ГЕОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЙ

In the conditions of a market economy and private investments, the forms of regional development and governance are changing significantly. However, the processes of territorial division of labor and territorial-production complex formation, economic regional formation remain there. It is necessary to study their new forms and mechanisms. The author highlights the following directions of the socio- economic-geographical researches focused on practical use, namely: the study of the structure and dynamics of territorial socio-economic systems as a portion of integral geosystems; development of methods for multilevel assessment of the inclusion (exclusion) of certain social and economic components in the structures of such systems; development of regional programs and relevant geographic information systems for sustainable development; development of the theory and methods of territorial organization, covering the population, economy and natural-technogenic territorial structures, assessment of a territory’s potential, monitoring of regional development. The spatial development of different-level territories is considered as an important area of economic and geographical research aimed at obtaining of applied results. At the same time, the following geographical factors should be covered and assessed namely: geographical location, including economic and geographical one, territorial combinations of natural conditions and resources, existing territorial patterns of the economy and population., There is always a combination of geographic factors within certain territories which determines many of the features and properties of spatial patterns and spatial development. Their quantitative measurement and comparison makes it possible to obtain estimates of the potential of a territory, which are of great practical importance.

IMPACT OF THE MACRO ENVIRONMENT ON THE ECOTOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE

The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of the macro environment on ecotourism infrastructure. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the article is the basic provisions of the theory of ecotourism development in the conditions of transformational changes. To achieve the goal of the research, there were used general scientific theoretical methods: generalization, explanation, grouping – to analyze the views of economists on the object of study and to formulate conclusions of the content analysis of primary sources; analysis and synthesis – to substantiate the conceptual provisions, principles in solving research problems. Results. Ecotourism infrastructure plays a key role in the development of ecotourism. Its existence is associated with the state of productive forces and the territorial division of labor, as well as the efficiency of material production. The infrastructural arrangement of ecotourism, on the one hand, depends on the pace of modernization, and on the other hand, it acts as a driver of economic growth of ecotourism. The development of ecotourism infrastructure depends on the specifics of the industry and regions and is carried out in accordance with changes in the production sphere. It is given that infrastructure has a significant impact on the efficiency of economic entities through the participation of industrial and social services in the creation of consumer value and prices of services. Thus, it is important to study the impact of the macro environment on ecotourism infrastructure. Practical implications. The subject оf research is the theoretical and methodological, as well as scientific and practical principles of assessing the impact of the macro environment on ecotourism infrastructure. In the article, the principles of effective ecotourism with optimal ecotourism infrastructure usage have been justified. It is determined that the development of ecotourism can cause a variety of consequences at the local, regional and national levels, the range of which is from very favorable to destructive. Socio-economic aspects related to the development of ecotourism infrastructure are analyzed. Value/ originality. PEST-analysis of the impact of the macro environment on the ecotourism infrastructure was conducted. Having studied the impact of macroeconomic indicators on ecotourism infrastructure, it can be argued that it is optimal to put economic benefits in the foreground and ensure the preservation of their own habitat.

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE COMPETITIVENESS CAPACITY OF REGIONS

The article identifies the potential of regions competitiveness, taking into account their relationship with specialization and place in the territorial division of labor. It is proved that the region should pursue a competitive policy in the field of economic, organizational, production and technological, business, image and other development tasks. The competitiveness of regions among themselves and in international markets creates an integral, synergistic effect of state eco-nomic policy, and therefore the state in various ways supports the development of the competitive potential of each of its regions. For Ukraine, the problem of assessing the competitiveness of regions is particularly relevant, which is especially felt in the context of trends in decentralization. The development of rational and scientifically sound recommendations for determining the competitiveness of the regions of Ukraine requires comprehensive consideration of foreign and domestic experience in this area, so it is advisable to consider modern methods developed to solve this problem. The authors determine the regularity of a fairly close relationship between the level of competitiveness of the region with a set of indicators of socio-economic potential of the region and grouped the latter into 10 integrated indicators. According to the ranking priority of the Kharkiv region, its potential for competitiveness is at a high level and is able to provide the region with high rates of economic growth. Taking into account the ranking positions of the regions in terms of 10 indicators. The proposed method of calculating the competitiveness indices of regions, according to the authors, is relevant and accessible from the standpoint of obtaining initial data, as evidenced by the use as data sources for calculations of modern statistical and other publications, information from which is freely available. Thus, the location of the regions on the ranking scale of selected indicators can be determined by the fact that in re-gional development there are significant disparities and differences. However, more than half of the regions have their advantages on individual indicators. The study has identified these benefits and each region can use this in its development strategy and in developing measures to increase competitiveness.

Uso corporativo do território e a nova divisão territorial do trabalho da indústria do vestuário no Rio Grande do Norte

A produção do vestuário no Rio Grande do Norte (RN) caracterizava-se pela concentração de empresas e empregos em Natal. Recentemente houve redução dessas variáveis na capital, enquanto observou-se movimento contrário no interior do estado. O objetivo deste artigo é compreender as transformações na divisão territorial do trabalho da indústria do vestuário no RN. A metodologia contemplou revisão bibliográfica, sistematização de dados secundários e pesquisa emp�rica. Constatamos uma redefinição da divisão do trabalho, com agentes promovendo um uso corporativo do território. Este provoca a dispersão de unidades produtivas que realizam serviços de costura para munic�pios do Seridó potiguar. Já as grandes fábricas continuam no comando da produção realizando outras etapas do processo produtivo em Natal e Parnamirim. A terceirização da costura consolidou no Seridó uma divisão interna do trabalho voltada ao setor têxtil e de confecções, com alguns munic�pios realizando a costura para grandes indústrias, e outros se especializando em produzir acessórios do vestuário e artefatos têxteis para uso doméstico.
 Palavras-chave: Rio Grande do Norte; vestuário; divisão territorial do trabalho; terceirização.

About the functional typification of the Podilsk economic-geographical district mineral resources (Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi and Vinnytsia regions)

The article offers a functional typification of Podilsk economic and geographical area mineral resources (MR), based on taking into account their influence on the participa- tion of certain industries in the territorial division of labor, complex-forming properties and the realized activity (degree of deposit development) of certain types of minerals and differs from the general Ukrainian (Syvyi, 2011) with several features. Thus, three groups of mineral resources are determined in particular, ac- cording to the first feature: international, national and local; according to the second all types of mineral raw materials are grouped into three classes a, b, and c; three types of mineral deposits a, b and c are identified depending on the degree of development. Besides, the criteria are proposed for classification of some raw materials as strategic. In the presented variant of typification of mineral resources of the region, an attempt was also made to approximate geographical and geological positions in classifications, which will help to define clearly the role and place of mineral resources in the territorial and sectoral structures of the economy, to determine national priorities in the development of mineral and economic resources of the country-raw materials experience in geological practice. The first group (raw material of international importance) in Podillia includes valuable mineral waters such as Naftusia, radon, and sulfide waters, kaolins, graphite, facing stones from magmatic rocks, i.e. raw materials with significant (modern or potential) export potential. The second group (raw material of national importance) is the largest, with the vast majority of mineral resources explored in the region: most types of mineral waters, cement raw materials, construction stones, agrochemical raw materials, some types of technological raw materials and so on. Many of them are characterized by high realized activity, a large number is developed in insufficient quantities or generally not developed because of various reasons (lack of demand, environmental problems, depletion or insufficient exploration of stocks, etc.). The local raw materials include a small number of mineral types - ameliorant, construction sands, and others. Mineral resources with high complex-forming properties are almost absent in the region (except for Naftusia mineral waters, where large recreational complexes are formed). Class B (medium complex-forming properties) includes mineral resources, small mining sites, and centers that are formed based on them (cement raw materials, agrochemical raw materials, kaolins, mineral waters with specific components, etc.). However, the largest amount of mineral resources of the region is not marked by explicit complex-forming properties and is classified as class C. The article draws generalized conclusions about the functional structure of mineral resources of the region, which are revealed by their typification, the priority directions of investments in geological prospecting are offered, which should help to increase and optimize the mineral base of the region.

Brazil’s Financial Centers in the Twenty-first Century: Hierarchy, Specialization, and Concentration

The purpose of this article is to examine how the geography of Brazil’s financial centers changed since 2000 in terms of financial center hierarchy, specialization, and spatial concentration. To address these questions, we use data on employment and mergers and acquisitions in financial and business services, complemented with data on remuneration and bank assets. Our results show that São Paulo has consolidated its dominance as Brazil’s primary financial center, with market for corporate control as an important channel of this process. Rio’s decline as a financial center, which started more than fifty years ago, has continued into this century. At the same time, Brasília has emerged as the third most important financial center of Brazil. We document the recent dynamic of this territorial division of labor, with Rio’s specialization in insurance and Brasília’s dependence on government-owned banks. Finally, we show signs that Brazil’s financial center activities might be following an inverse U-shaped pattern whereby increasing geographical concentration is followed by its slow decline. Key Words: Brazil, concentration, financial centers, São Paulo, territorial division of labor.

Factors influencing the development of regional infrastructure

Introduction. Infrastructure development plays a key role in the economy, as it is closely linked to the state of productive forces and the territorial division of labor, as well as the efficiency of the sphere of material production. In today's conditions of active decentralization, the development of infrastructure of the united territorial communities and the establishment of ties is a prerequisite for their economic development. Particularly relevant practical tasks are the introduction of modern mechanisms, tools for modernization and balanced development of infrastructure at the local and regional levels. Methods. The following methods are used to accomplish the research objectives: theoretical generalization, dialectic, and the method of scientific abstraction, comparison, induction and deduction (during theoretical studies, generalizations and formulation of conclusions); analysis (to reveal the current format of problems and trends in the development of infrastructure elements of the region). Results. The complex of factors determining the development of the region's infrastructure and general approaches to the management of this process is explored. Factors influencing the development of the infrastructure of the region are considered according the point of view of the scientific and practical approach. The issues of formation, sources of financing and infrastructure development in the region are considered in detail. It is emphasized on the need to determine the priorities of infrastructure development. The general approaches to management of regional infrastructure development are considered. The analysis of the modern format of problems and tendencies of the development of infrastructure elements of the region is carried out. It is established that an effective combination in accordance with priority, importance and necessity of the factors identified in the classification will contribute to elimination of imbalances in the infrastructure development of the regions. An interconnection between the development of infrastructure and the specifics of industries and regions, and the peculiarities of their productive sphere has been established. The necessity of orientation not in the branch, but on the regional system of management in the conditions of active decentralization is proved. Discussion. Therefore, it is important to conduct constant and thorough research of these factors in order to determine the strength of their influence, the priority of development, prevention and elimination of possible negative manifestations and enhancement of positive emphases in this process. Keywords: region, regional infrastructure, factors, group of factors, system of management.

О районировании и территориальном разделении труда (перечитывая классику)

О районировании и территориальном разделении труда (перечитывая классику)

Cidades de pequeno porte e comando do agronegócio no Oeste Paranaense

A forma como as empresas utilizam o território, definindo as localizações das diferentes etapas da produção e seus fluxos materiais e imateriais, pode revelar as interações entre os lugares e as funções de cada um na divisão territorial do trabalho. O processo produtivo repartido no espaço acaba gerando novas hierarquias entre os lugares utilizados por elas para comandar, controlar e organizar e aqueles destinados a executar as diferentes parcelas da produção. No Oeste Paranaense, o uso do território pelo agronegócio cooperativo tem levado cidades de pequeno porte a se tornarem nós de complexos processos de produção e sedes de decisões corporativas, expandindo e tornando mais complexas a rede de relações estabelecida entre elas e o campo e entre elas as demais cidades do país.

Divisão territorial do trabalho e transporte rodoviário interestadual de passageiros: o município de Londrina/PR como um nó para essa circulação

O transporte rodoviário interestadual de passageiros é uma atividade econômica que elucida a divisão territorial do trabalho, pois é uma expressão de parte dos deslocamentos de pessoas pelo território nacional e, portanto, ilustra as articulações entre variados centros. Com o avanço da urbanização brasileira e a ampliação da demanda de passageiros o transporte rodoviário acompanha tais processos, pois exerce função social central ao efetuar ligações diversas entre pontos distintos no território nacional e reflete em última instância as dinâmicas da rede urbana e as interações espaciais ocorridas nela. Diante de tais prerrogativas, o município de Londrina, localizado no norte do estado do Paraná, funciona como um nó da rede do transporte rodoviário interestadual de passageiros, pois se trata da segunda cidade mais populosa do estado do Paraná. São dezenas de linhas interestaduais que atingem estados nas macrorregiões Norte, Centro Oeste, Sudeste e Sul, com maior participação das duas últimas.
 
 Abstract
 
 TERRITORIAL DIVISION OF LABOR AND INTERSTATE ROAD TRANSPORT OF PASSENGERS: THE MUNICIPALITY OF LONDRINA/PR AS A NODE FOR THIS CIRCULATION
 
 The interstate road transport of passengers is an economic activity that clarifies the territorial division of labor, it illustrates part of displacement throughout the country and therefore the joints between different centers. With the advancement of Brazilian urbanization and the expansion of the passengers demand the road passenger transport follows these processes, as it exerts a central social function by making diverse connections between distinct points in the national territory and ultimately reflects the dynamics of the urban network and the spatial interactions occurring in it. In view of such prerogatives, the municipality of Londrina, located in the northern part of the Paraná state, functions as a node of the interstate road transport of passengers, because it is the second most populous city in the state of Paraná. There are dozens of interstate lines that reach states in the North, Central-West, Southeast and South macro-regions, with greater participation of the latter two.

Social and geographical essence of transport infrastructure

The new branches formation of material production and non-production sphere leads to the need of their geographic study. Therefore, this leads also to the formation of new research directions that, with the development of the theoretical and methodological framework, gains new features of scientific disciplines. Interest in studying of geospatial features of transport infrastructure continuously grows. Formation of the geography of transport infrastructure as the separate scientific direction is connected, first, with the development of the market economy. One of the key factors is a territorial division of labour, which has caused an intensification of exchange processes. There are principles of social production considered in research on the geography of transport infrastructure. Continuous functioning of the transport system is a material basis without which achievement of sustained economic growth is impossible. The economy of the country cannot function efficiently without transport, as it represents a connecting link from production to consumption of various sectors of the economy. Allocation of the geography of transport infrastructure in a separate branch is substantially caused also by its communications with others, in particular, geographical disciplines: physical geography, social and political geography, transport economics etc. The economic and geographical features of countries and regions directly affect transport systems – the general configuration of the transport network, volumes of transportation, the structure of cargo turnover, and the direction of the main freight flows. There is the place of the geography of transport infrastructure in the general system of geographical sciences covered in the article. In addition, it is considered the main approaches to determination of major categories of this scientific direction and is disclosed specific of transport infrastructure as the integral component of the functioning of the national economy and influence of transport on the country economic and social situation. Key words: transport, transport infrastructure, transport geography, economic geography.