COMPETITIVENESS: REGIONAL ASPECT

The modern development of the economy is characterized by the strengthening of competitive relations at various levels. Competition and competitive relations are the basis for the functioning of the market economy and are its main manifestation. Competition is the rivalry that arises between the participants of competitive relations, the best operating conditions in the market. The regional aspect of the development of competition is of increasing interest among modern scientists. It is especially strengthened in conditions of decentralization and the growing role of regions. The level of competitiveness of the region is one of the most important comprehensive indicators characterizing its social and economic development. Competitiveness is the main economic category that reflects the level of development of the subject of competition. Regional aspects of competitiveness research are of particular interest in the context of the processes of decentralization, globalization and the strengthening of the role of regions in the formation of a competitive economy at both the national and international levels. The high level of socio-economic development of each region is the basis of strengthening the country’s economy. The region is the subject for the formation of competitiveness of which efforts should be directed both at the national and regional levels. The purpose of the article is to analyze approaches to determining the essence of the region and its competitiveness, to clarify their content. The article summarizes the main approaches of scientists to the interpretation of such economic categories as «region» and «competitiveness», defines the role of regions in competitive relations. Manifestations of competitiveness at the regional level, interdependence of competitiveness at different levels are studied. The essence of the category «economy of the region» and its role in the development of the region are determined. Competitiveness is an important outcome of economic competition at the regional level. Rivalry arises in various directions: regarding the attraction of qualified labor, the production of competitive products based on the effective use of regional natural resources and conditions, the attraction of investments, the effective distribution and exchange of material goods. Competitiveness is one of the most important comprehensive characteristics of the region’s development, as it includes indicators of an economic and social nature.