Economic activity differentiation of the Southern macroregion in the context of the economic space fragmentation

Subject. This article focuses on the problem of differentiation of uneven economic activity distribution. Objectives. The article aims to identify the differentiation of business processes of the Southern macroregion of Russia on the basis of econometric methods for analyzing processes of the economic space fragmentation. Methods. For the study, we used calculation of indices showing the diversification and localization of enterprises engaged in various types of economic activity. Results. The article reveals that wholesale and retail trade are the main business activities in the region. It also finds that the Republics of Adygea and Crimea, and in the Volgograd and Astrakhan Oblasts have the most diversified types of activity. Conclusions. The proven methodology of econometric analysis shows that examination of regional differentiation is very significant as it can help choose the most advantageous strategy for the region development.