Distinction of Purpose Category in the Context of Strategic Planning for Sustainable Development of Russian Regions

Abstract

The article reviewed the regional system of goal-setting, studied the strategies of social and economic development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. To analyze the use of various categories of goal-setting by the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the method of content analysis was applied, SMART analysis of development goals, as well as analysis of territorial development missions according to established criteria. The experience of taking into account global trends, such as the concept of sustainable development and the digital economy, were studied. As a result of the study, only 16 out of 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation set their development goals within the framework of the concept of sustainable development, and they mention the importance and need for the development of “green” technologies. There is a higher percentage of provisions of the digital economy in regional strategic documents. 37 out of 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation use digital technologies as priorities. There is a relationship between the level of social and economic development of regions and the quality of mission formulation. The best missions of the regions that meet scientific criteria and reflect the specifics of a particular territory are identified. A criteria analysis of the goals of regional development was carried out, and the need to improve the existing assessment methods was identified. The conducted analysis proves that most of the strategic goals of regional development are vague and do not take into account the region’s ability to achieve them. The specific concepts of goal-setting are identified and compared with the established definitions in scientific practice. The author suggests to fix in law the concept of “mission” as the purpose of the region from the point of view of the people inhabiting it, as well as the competitive advantages that make it possible to designate the position taken in relation to the external environment. As part of ensuring internal development, it is also suggested to make SMART technology as the main principle of formulating strategic goals and subgoals. It is advisable to use the improved method SMART-PURE-CLEAR, which reflects aspects of greening the economy.