Abstract: This research includes carrying out the analysis and an assessment of regional inequality of social and economic development of Russia. The special attention is paid to the period of transformation of the economic system. The author in meticulously considers such aspects as definition of influence of structural changes in the economy on the level of regional development. The main objective of this research is to analyze the interregional differentiation of the Russian regions, and examine the tendencies and prospects of their convergence. The object of this research are regions of the Russian Federation, which have different economic potential and are respectively characterized by various level of regional development. The subject of this research is differentiation of social and economic development of these territories. In course of this research, the methods and tools used when modeling σ – convergences and β-convergences were applied. Within the analysis of dynamics of interregional distinctions of the Russian regions on GRP indicator per capita, the main indicator is considered in the current and comparable prices. Scientific novelty lies in the research and comparison of the economic indicators characterizing territorial development. The carried-out analysis of signs of convergence of regions has revealed unequal tendencies of indicators of GRP per capita in the current and comparable prices, as well as other economic indicators. The GRP in the current prices within the considered period shows a tendency to alignment of levels of economic development. The analysis of dynamics of GRP per capita in the comparable prices doesn't confirm this tendency. However, in both cases it is possible to speak about lack of divergence (the accruing divergence), i.e. interregional distinctions have not increased over the last twenty years.

Abstract: This article explores the socioeconomic development of the bordering regions (on the example of Russia and Finland). Within the framework of this work, the author considers a number of economic and social indexes, which will allow assessing the level of regional development and the level of regional differentiation. The article conducts a comparative analysis of the bordering regions and detects the factors that define the differences in dynamics of its fundamental indexes. The object of the research is the economy of the bordering regions of Russia and Finland, while the subject is the process of differentiation of economic development of the regions. The work is based on the works of Russian and foreign scholars in the field of dynamics of the processes of spatial development and regional economy. Scientific novelty consists in the following:


The peculiarities of economic development of the bordering regions of Russia and Finland are being determined;


A comparative analysis of a number of economic and social factors, which significantly affect the level of economic development of the bordering regions, is being conducted;


It is determined that that the factors affecting the economy of the bordering regions of Russia noticeably differ from those of Finland;


The interregional differentiation of the bordering regions is being detected on both, the federal level, as well as the international level.


The author concludes that the specificity of differentiation of the bordering regions of the Russian Federation is the strengthening of inequality of the territories associated with the differences in the production structure, and the trends of differentiation of the Finnish territories to the most extent are characterized by the concentration of the resources.  
 

Abstract: The economic landscape of Russia is territorially variable, which is due to the difference in the potentials, as well as to differing value of regions in global economic connections.  At the same time, some regions have economically favorable bordering position, which may be considered a benefit in the international cooperation, and a prerequisite of successful integration of such territories into global economy.  Having studied the development of the Republic of Karelia, the authors come to a conclusion, that unlike many bordering regions, the Republic of Karelia  does not fully use the positive effects of its geographic position in order to attract foreign investors. However, it is an important dimension of foreign economic relations, since it allows for greater innovative potential and competition advantages, and it strengthens the effects of participation in the international differentiation of labor.  Participation of foreign investors is not obvious, therefore, Karelia is among the regions with low level of foreign investments.  The authors come to a conclusion that the borderline factor is evened out by the peripheral position, and a number of other factors, including the small number of population.  When placing their enterprises, the foreign investors are attracted by the regions with developed economic and transportation infrastructure and high customer potential.  The theoretical bases of the Standort theories, the theories of production placement, and central position theories, allowing for best territorial position from the standpoint of less production costs and maximal profits of the owners, are being proven, and the retail zones of enterprises still have a defining role. 

Abstract: The author of the present article considers factors influencing socio-economic development of Russian regions and makes an attemp to forecast prospects of economic growth in these regions under the conditions of transition economy. 
The aim of the research assumes there should be a comparative analysis of the process of adaptation of Russian regions to the market economy and determination of factors creating differences in dynamics of their main economic indicators. There are many factors influencing indicators of economic development but the author of the article pays her attention at indicators caused by the geographical location of the region. Geography defines conditions of reformation in eahch region. 
Many researchers have tried to deine the main factorst that determine the difficulty of economic reforms. In this regard, it is important to study factors influencing the economic growth and economic slowdown, to. It is necessary to explain what causes such differences in dynamics of economic indicators in different regions and which factors cause increase or decrease of economic slowdown. 
Based on the analysis of graphs, correlation analysis, making regression equations and establishing special models, the author suggests to carry out quantitative evaluation of impact of different market transformations on the economic level in different Russian regions. The purpose of such a project would be to study processes of regional disparity of socio-economic positions of Russian  regions under the conditions of transit economy. Special attention should be paid at indicators showing the level of economic development. Therefore, in order to achieve the aforesaid goal, it is necessary to analyze the processes of development of Russian regions during market transformations and define factors that have the most significant influence on development of Russian regions.