Abstract: The object of the study is the macroregion as one of the elements of the territorial management system, and its purpose is to identify the limitations and prospects for use in modern conditions of the zoning policy. Special attention is paid to determining the prerequisites for the successful implementation of this type of policy, carried out through the prism of an analysis of both Soviet and modern approaches to the allocation of macro-regions in the country's space. An important place in the conducted research is also occupied by the identification of a number of conceptual provisions that ensure the effectiveness of the implemented zoning policy, which makes it possible to use the results of the work carried out in the activities of authorities at various levels, which form and implement a system of measures aimed at ensuring the spatial development of the country and its individual territorial units. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study is a set of scientific ideas in the field of regional economics and public administration, and its methodological base includes methods of synthesis and scientific abstraction. As a result of the conducted research, a method of express analysis of the implemented zoning policy is proposed, based on the characteristics of the triad of components of its success: target setting, criteria, mechanisms for achieving goals. It is shown that in Soviet practice, all the elements of this triad can be considered clearly defined and interrelated with each other; in the case of federal districts, the triad is transformed: one of its elements falls out of the system, which, nevertheless, does not significantly affect the resulting effect. The analysis of the approach to the allocation of macroregions proposed in the Spatial Development Strategy of the Russian Federation is carried out, which allows us to conclude that each element of the triad "goal – criteria – mechanisms" of the emergence of macroregions can be seriously criticized, which causes the lack of influence of this process on the situation in the country. The possibility of using a project approach to the formation and development of macroregions in modern rapidly changing conditions, involving their consideration as temporary associations, the rules of functioning of which are subordinated to the achievement of a specific and ambitious goal, is substantiated. A number of conceptual provisions are characterized that ensure the success of the implemented zoning policy and are based on the need to pay attention to each element of the proposed triad.

Abstract: Economic zoning is an important instrument of regional policy; however, its impact upon solution of the territorial issues of macroregions that are built on other (noneconomic) grounds remains quite ambiguous. This research is dedicated to verification of the hypothesis on possibility of reducing the discrepancy between the parameters of territorial development as a result of their unification into a macroregion, which is formed primarily on the administrative principles. Research methodology leans on assessment of the parameter variations of interterritorial disparities in retrospect; methodological toolset includes the calculation of coefficients that characterize the degree of heterogeneity of cumulative data (coefficients of variation, asymmetry, and excess). The article uses the example of the Ural Federal District. The conducted analysis reveals that the scale of intraterritorial disparities typical for the district at the stage of its formation has not decreased over time; moreover, the difference between the parameters of the development of individual regions has increased. It is proven that the unification of territorial systems solely through administrative transformations does not mitigate the problems of excessive asymmetry of their development; and connectedness of the regions that proceeds from such transformations is often nominal. The acquired conclusions offer a critical insight into the instruments for managing socioeconomic processes in the territories of different levels, and can be taken into account in implementation of the regional policy.

Abstract: The subject of this research is determination of the peculiarities of assessing spatial characteristics of the development of socioeconomic systems of different scales. Special attention is given to the author’s approach towards assessment of economic space, which can become the basis for universal methodology suitable for comprehensive characteristics of spatial specificity of the economic phenomena and processes. The methodological framework of this research is comprised of the general scientific methods of theoretical and empirical cognition (scientific abstraction, analysis, and synthesis), as well as special methods of comparative analysis (Theil index and Hall-Tideman index). As a result of generalization, systematization and critical reevaluation of the methods of assessing the characteristics of economic space presented in the scientific literature, the author offers an original approach. It is based on the analysis of such spatial characteristics as asset security, homogeneity, and coherence. The peculiarity of this approach lies in consideration of the parameters of localization of objects, as well as the specificity of socioeconomic conditions established in the territory. Testing of the author’s approach allowed comparing the spatial characteristics of the development of foodservice industry in the regions of Middle Ural. It is revealed that Sverdlovsk Oblast outstrips Perm Krai in the level of foodservice industry (although its regional space is more heterogeneous), and the Perm Krai is characterized with a higher concentration of food services. It is proven that the proposed approach towards assessing the economic space can underlie the applied in practice methodological toolset; and thus, is promising for implementation in managing spatial transformations of the country and its separate territorial units.