Spatial assessment of the socio-economic framework of the Russian steppe regions

Aim. The goal of the study is a spatial assessment of the socio-economic framework in the steppe regions of Russia. Characteristics of the density of the socio-ecological framework and the degree of development of its core cities were represented to achieve the goal. Material and Methods. A methodology is proposed for assessing the level of development of the socio-economic framework based on the conjugate analysis of 6 indicators of the density index of the socio-economic framework and 9 indicators of the developmental index of the core cities of the socio-economic framework for 18 steppe regions of Russia. Results. A schematic map representing the spatial distribution of the indices studied was produced. A range of urbanisation process features in the regions of the steppe zone of Russia was revealed. In the eastern part, the formation of megalopoli is difficult and the development of agglomeration processes is hampered by the considerable distance from each other of large core cities. Highly urbanised territories might be formed in the western part of the region studied in the course of advanced development. In this connection, disproportions in density indices of the socio-economic framework between the southwest and east regions are noted. Maximum values (4 and more) are recorded in the Belgorod Oblast, Krasnodar Territory, the Republic of Adygea and the Republic of Crimea and minimum (less than 2.5) in border and remote regions (Altai Territory, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Kurgan, Orenburg Oblasts and the Republic of Kalmykia). Conclusion. The development of the socio-economic framework in the mezoregion studied is a mirror reflection of the spatial arrangement of economy and population in the steppe zone of Russia. It is confirmed by a close relation between the development index of core cities in the socio-economic framework and the value of gross regional product. According to the Chaddock scale, the coefficient of correlation between appropriate indicators is 0.94.