DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF THE INDEX OF EFFECTIVENESS OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN REGIONAL SYSTEMS

The article considers the theoretical and methodological foundations for assessing the effectiveness of social services in regional systems. The need to develop a composite index reflecting the multidimensional structure of effectiveness, including such components as accessibility, quality, effectiveness and sustainability of social services is substantiated. An algorithm for constructing an integral indicator based on normalization, weighting and aggregation of relevant socio-economic indicators is presented. The methodology was tested on the example of the Volgograd Region using official statistics, expert assessments and data from regional authorities. Significant inter-municipal differentiation in efficiency was established, due to demographic, infrastructural and financial factors. In conclusion, management recommendations are proposed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the social service system based on digitalization, interdepartmental coordination and adaptation of services to the needs of target groups. The results obtained can be used in the practice of strategic planning and monitoring of social policy at the regional level.