Strategic Priorities for the Development of Social Capital in the Regions of Russia

Abstract

Introduction. Social capital is an important strategic asset for regional development. It refers to the institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality and quantity of social interactions. Human assets, social capital, and institutional environment are the three pillars of human potential for the creation of wealth. The present article introduces basic approaches to the definition and assessment of social capital and its types. The research results can help to create new strategies for the socio-economic development of regions. Study objects and methods. The authors identified three parameters of social capital: frequency of human contacts, homogeneity, and hierarchy. The paper also describes four types of social capital: linking, bonding, identifying, and uniting. Results and discussion. The research featured the development of social capital in the regions of the Central Federal District in 2000–2019, as well as the priority directions of the development of social capital in the city of Moscow and the regions of Moscow, Kaluga, and Kursk. Conclusion. At the regional level, strategic priorities for the development of social capital depend on its key components, current state, forming factors, and trends. The research can be of interest for scientists and decision-makers in the field of territorial strategic development.