Improving the Government Regulation of the Socioeconomic Differentiation of Russian Regions

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the current dynamics of regional inequality in Russia. Despite several positive changes, regional imbalances remain high in terms of the socioeconomic development of the federal subjects of Russia and require changes in government policy to ensure greater equality and comprehensive regional development. Having studied the success of European countries in reducing territorial inequality, the author proposes several ways of adapting these successes to Russian conditions and offers recommendations for improving the policy of Russia’s spatial development. To achieve these changes, the government should focus its influence on the economically weak regions, which would allow them to solve existing problems and to ensure sustainable development. The results of the present study can be used by government administrators to implement measures and improve regional development policy.