Strategic Agglomeration Management in Russia’s Regions

Positive urban agglomeration and its efficient management remain understudied in Russia. However, these processes require a system of strategic priorities to minimize threats, especially in the regions. This paper presents an OTSW analysis of regional agglomeration processes, highlighting their opportunities, threats, strengths, and weaknesses. The research covered the data on population density and real estate market in large agglomerations published by the Federal State Statistics Service and the Institute of Urban Economics in 2016–2023. Agglomerations give their residents more opportunities, i.e., career prospects, education, entertainment, etc. The combined potential of several settlements makes it possible to rationalize production factors while minimizing their logistics to a limited number of large centers. The threats to agglomeration processes include uncontrolled growth that leads to a multi-link territory, thus complicating agglomeration management. In addition, agglomerations attract highly qualified personnel, which contributes to the brain-drain process from small towns and municipal districts. Finally, agglomeration has a negative impact on the environment. Regional agglomerations need good transport infrastructure to connect the core and suburbs. Managing positive agglomeration effects and reducing negative consequences require joint efforts of the state, local authorities, and economic entities. The results can be used to develop new strategies for urban agglomerations and socio-economic regional programs.