Abstract: In his article Chernyshev examines the current problems and prospects for the development of branches of the metallurgical sector in Russia. As it is known, the development of modern economy follows the path of the formation of cross-industry network - tightly interconnected industries, with the overall result of production and economic relations developed. Metallurgical industry is one of such industries. The industry has huge economic significance and belongs to the basic and strategically important industries. The role of metallurgy in the territorial organization of the economy is crucial. When writing the article the author used the following methods of research: observation, comparison, analysis, generalization, systematization, and classification. Analyzing the development of the metallurgical industry in Russia, the author makes a conclusion that the industry has almost completely overcome the effects of the financial crisis, restored cooperation ties and production potential. Some branches of the metallurgical industry especially non-ferrous metallurgy managed not only to reach the pre-crisis production volumes, but to exceed them.

Abstract: The author examines the activities of bodies of local self-government in pre-revolutionary Russia in the field of education. It is noted that the undoubted merits in the field of education belong to zemsky institutions. The authors also consider issues of school education as well as other means of education: libraries, public readings of books, etc.. It is observed that the increased attention of zemsky institutions towards public education was due to the illiteracy of the most people and hindered socio-economic progress in the country. The emphasis is made on the development of education being aimed at mainstream population but not elites. The authors argue that the development of national education became an important modernization issue which was solved by zemstvo. Methodological basis of the research involves the principles of historicism and scientific objectivity. The authors have also used the following special methods of research: historical, comparative, problem-chronological and analytical. It is shown that the local government and public education became important factors in the maintenance of social harmony in terms of socio-economic differentiation of the population of Kursk province of the late XIX - early XX centuries. Thus, the study of zemstvo experience in the field of non-formal education of the population deserves in-depth analysis in the current context of the search for the optimal model of secondary school.

Abstract: Special economic zones as an instrument of state regulation of economic security of the regionsThis article examines the issues of state regulation of the territories with a special regime of economic and entrepreneurial activities, as well as the key problems in functionality of the special economic zones in the Russian Federation. A special economic zone is a part of national territory that has additional autonomy in business decisions, and a special regime of managing economic activity for foreign and domestic enterprises. The specificity of these zones lies in the various advantages for its participants: tax and customs incentives; various forms of subsidies; simplification of administrative obstacles. The main conclusion of this research consists in the fact that despite the short period of the existence of special economic zones in Russia, a positive experience in this sphere of activity has already been acquired. Creation of such zones in the future should become one of the elements of economic security of the country, especially in the area of import substitution industrialization.