Spatial asymmetry of Russian regions in the context of technological change

Regional and branch economy
Authors:
Dinmukhametova A.A.Badykova I.R.
Abstract:

The increasing influence of technological change intensifies the historically established spatial differentiation of socio-economic development. Digital transformation, which has permeated virtually all spheres of life, is changing traditional understandings of differentiation and creating a situation in which lagging regions can either reduce existing imbalances or exacerbate them. Along with traditional factors, scientific and technological development acts as a key determinant of regional development. However, the effect of this factor is uneven: regions initially in a more advantageous position have a greater chance of strengthening their standing. This creates the risk of deepening spatial asymmetries, making it urgent to develop tools for monitoring the state of heterogeneity in the context of scientific and technological development. The aim of this study is to develop and test a methodological approach to quantitatively assessing the differentiation of territories by level of socio-economic development based on a unified system of indicators. The empirical basis of the study consists of data from regions of the Volga Federal District (VFD). The methodological framework includes a combination of comparative and spatial-temporal analysis methods, as well as an index approach using a taxonomic principle for weighting indicators. Within the framework of the study, a system for assessing spatial differentiation has been developed across four dimensions: natural resource potential, standard of living, economic indicators, and digital transformation. The use of weighting coefficients allowed for more accurate results by taking into account the contribution of each dimension to the integrated index. The data obtained indicate significant asymmetry in the level of spatial development of the regions of the VFD. The practical significance of the developed methodological approach lies in the fact that the obtained results enable regional governments to formulate strategic spatial development decisions that are adapted to local specificities and are targeted in nature. Expanding both the range of indicators and the time horizon for assessment is a promising direction for further research. This will improve the accuracy of measurements and make it possible to track the dynamics of the obtained results.

Funding:

The research was financially supported by a grant from the Academy of Scien-ces of the Republic of Tatarstan to educational organizations of higher education, scientific and other organizations to support human resource development plans in terms of stimulating their scientific and pedagogical staff to defend doctoral dissertations and perform research (Agreement No.10/2025-PD-KNITU dated 22.12.2025).

Key words:
scientific and technological developmentdigital asymmetryregional ecosystemssocio-economic differentiationVolga Federal District
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