Limitations and Prospects for the Evolution of Russia’s Multiregional System

The specific features of the spatial development of the Russian economy in 2000–2020 are analyzed. In general, the territorial structure of the country’s economy has changed little, and the share of its Asian part has even decreased. It is shown that the summary characteristics of the economy have signs of macrostructural equilibrium in some metrics, largely due to the peculiarities of macroeconomic policy in the country. The development of individual regions and their associations does not have such characteristics. The article examines prospective changes in the spatial structure of the Russian Federation within three possible directions: the concept of a social state proposed by A.G. Aganbegyan; a set of new economic policy measures (NEP-2); selective evolution of the country’s multiregional system based on the generalization of the best regional practices. Using a cognitive model, the role, place, and functions of each participant in the regions–federal center–business structures system are analyzed, both individually and in particular relationships: federal center–business structures, business structures–regions, regions–federal center. Particular attention is paid to analysis of the possibilities for an equilibrium distribution of competencies and development resources between regions and the federal center, and the conditions for ensuring such opportunities are formulated.