New Cities in Siberia as Drivers of Spatial Development: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The aim of this article is to identify possible problems relating to the implementation of the idea of founding new cities in Siberia that Sergei Shoigu had proclaimed. The author examines the applicability of such an initiative, as well as the resources and potentials of its implementation. The research conducted using the systems-thinking approach has led to the conclusion that it is necessary to make special governmental decisions on the formation of new large urban territories. The author found that the application of the cluster approach and industrialization by themselves are insufficient measures. Modern high-tech industries do not require a large number of employees and therefore do not provide a concentration of population in the locations of industrial enterprises. In view of this circumstance, the implementation of the idea of attracting the population to new Siberian cities and its consolidation there is possible only by increasing the diversity of the structure of urban economies. The author makes a suggestion that the most serious risks are the lack of diversification of urban economies and the inability to attract people without developing special solutions to increase the attractiveness of new settlements.