Challenges of Agglomerations Development in Russia

Abstract

World experience shows that in modern conditions urban agglomerations are the most important form of spatial development. This is also evidenced by the experience gained in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Urban agglomerations are characterized by a large internal market, a high level of human capital, a high-quality urban environment, developed infrastructure, innovative potential, and higher entrepreneurial activity. Despite the fact that the Russian regions have already accumulated sufficient experience in the development of agglomerations, the issues of their formation have not yet been resolved at the federal level. This requires finding the optimal balance in the powers of municipalities and public authorities in their management. In the article, the author examines the key issues related to their institutionalization in Russia on the basis of the experience of a number of foreign countries in line with domestic experience. Being a form of inter-municipal cooperation, urban agglomerations are also the object of state management. The author analyzes the main provisions related to the development of urban agglomerations, which are contained in the Strategy of Spatial Development of the Russian Federation until 2025, as well as the Draft Law developed in the Ministry of Economic Development “On Urban Agglomerations”. It is concluded that the development of urban agglomerations is an integral part of a more general process of developing inter-municipal cooperation.