Estimating divergence in the Southern Federal District: A spatial data analysis

Subject. This article discusses the issues of uneven regional development in Russia. Objectives. The article aims to develop a methodology for calculating divergence and assess it for the Southern Federal District based on econometric and spatial models. Methods. For the study, we used correlation, variance, and regression analyses. Results. The article finds a close relationship between the economic policy of equalization, the main tools of which are investments and subsidies, and the observed processes of divergence in the regions of the Southern Federal District. The article reads about the importance of considering spatial effects. Relevance. The results of the study can be taken into account when designing certain measures to further eliminate disproportions in the economic development of the regions of Russia.