The Siberian Federal District in Perspective Territorial Proportions of the National Economy

Abstract

The proportions of the location of spatial economic activity reflect the structural features of the country’s economy. This article presents the results of a study to assess the most optimal expression of the proportions from the standpoint of a more complete development of the potential for interregional interactions. The methodological basis of the research is a set of developments in the field of interregional comparisons, the concept of regional market potential. On the example of calculating the optimal structure of the GRP in the context of federal districts, the perspective place of the Siberian Federal District in the Russian economy is analyzed separately. In modern national interregional comparisons, the Siberia macroregion was losing its positions, which explains why it is important to rebalance and qualitatively enhance its role in perspective spatial development. This can mainly be done through the modernization of the production potential accumulated in the Siberia macroregion and the intensification of interregional ties with other regions of the country. Further economically justified development of the natural resources of the Siberia macro-region with a new technological basis has become one of the most hotly debated issues. The article states that, in the forecast period until 2024, in order to strengthen the balance of spatial development, it is necessary to increase the weight of the Siberian Federal District in the national economy with a simultaneous decrease in the share of the Central Federal District and a significant redistribution of the increase in economic activity in general. It is emphasized that in terms of realizing the potential of interregional interactions more fully, an increase in the share of the Siberian Federal District’s GRP is most consistent with the longterm goals of the national economy. The article shows that the role of interregional projects for Siberia, especially transport and infrastructure projects, in traditional and new industries should grow. This implies a gradual strengthening of national internal integration through strong regional economies’ interaction with weaker ones. It is important to understand that the proposed institutional transformations are not aimed at creating any “Siberian preferences”. They are ultimately aimed at increasing economic activity throughout Russia. The presented results can be used in the activities of federal and regional government bodies for the development and adjustment of macroregional development strategies.