Conceptual approaches to the concept of regional potential: essence, content, classification features

The article highlights the importance of the study, due to disagreements in the theoretical and methodological aspects of considering the concept of regional potential. The analysis of current scientific publications devoted to the study of various conceptual approaches to its interpretation is carried out. The paper analyzes the formulations of the concept of "regional potential" ("regional potential") by a number of authors from the point of view of content orientation to various groups of factors. The generalization was carried out according to the internal and external characteristics, the field of activity (specialization) of the region. The author’s interpretation of the concept is given. The classification of the types of regional potential is carried out, their complex structure is presented, designed taking into account rationality and complexity. Two groups of potentials have been identified – dependent and independent. The concept of aggregate potential is highlighted, which is the final indicator of regional development. As a methodological basis, the developed approach is proposed through the compilation of maps of regional potentials, which allows to unify the order of selection of fundamental factors as the criteria for the development potential of the region. The direct and indirect influence of different types of regional potential on each other is indicated. The substantial essence of the concepts is analyzed and three main approaches to the definition of regional potential are identified – factorial, resource, and effective. The basis for the development of a more detailed study of the interrelation of regional potentials is determined and emphasis is placed on the prospects for formalizing the proposed approach in order to identify mathematical dependencies to support decision-making of strategic management of the region.