Institutional Foundations for the Implementation of Regional Policy in Russia

The purpose of this article is to study the development of institutional foundations for regional policy governance in modern Russia within the context of federal relations. The research objective is to study regional policy within the framework of a systems approach, which enhances its effectiveness through equal interaction between federal and regional authorities. Materials and Methods: Within the theoretical framework of the study, key approaches are identified, including the targeted-equalization, selective, and geopolitical approaches. In recent years, regional policy has been most active in the most promising macroregions – the Far East and the Arctic. The institutional approach highlights the key actors – federal and regional authorities – and their interaction practices. This targeted approach to regional policy has led to institutional innovations in the creation of new federal agencies and corporations responsible for Far Eastern and Arctic policy. Results and conclusion: After the return of direct elections of heads of constituent entities, regional authorities have increased their political agency and legitimacy among the local population. Their performance is measured not only by election results but also by key performance criteria determined by the federal center. Key indicators include social policy, overall economic development and investment inflows, demographics, and depopulation measures. Practical significance and prospects of the study: regions and local authorities, having greater influence over the implementation of regional policy, enhance the effectiveness of this policy, which impacts the development of equal relations between the center and the regions within the framework of the evolution of Russian federalism.

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