The state policy of regional development: questions of the theory

Abstract

The lack of theoretical clarity of the conceptual framework of regional studies, of clear definitions regarding its key categorical concepts, in practice evidently leads to a blurring of the regional policy content. The article shows that in many up-to-date government documents aims and objectives of the regional development programs are described highly uncertainly and allow different interpretation. As a result, objective basis for regional comparisons disappears. The q u es tion , whet her the prog r a m obje cti ves have b e en act u a l ly ach ieved, be c ome s a m at ter of d ebate. The paper makes an attempt to define the basic notions and formulate key definitions relating to the territorial aspects of socio-economic development. Particular attention is paid to the concept of «balanced regional development». The approach, proposed by the author, makes it possible to avoid the methodological difficulties in forming regional programs of socio-economic development.