Choosing a Method and Criteria for Analyzing the Unity of the Economic Space of Regional and Local Markets

In accordance with Part 1 of Article 8 of the Constitution, the unity of economic space is guaranteed in the Russian Federation. At the same time, the concepts of «economic space» and «unity of economic space» are not enshrined in federal laws and are interpreted differently in various scientific studies. The implementation of the principle of unity of economic space is hampered by the lack of appropriate tools and criteria. The above determines the relevance and objective of the study: selection of method and criteria for analyzing the unity of the economic space of regional and local markets. The purpose of the study is to develop the scientific foundations for implementing the principle of unity of economic space enshrined in the Constitution of the Russian Federation. The methodology of the study is based on the analysis of the main scientific provisions of the theories of economic space, regional and local markets. Scientific novelty lies in the formation of the author's conceptual approach to the analysis of the unity of economic space of regional and local markets: in the context of the study, interpretations of the concepts of «economic space» and «unity of economic space» are defined, the choice of the method and criteria of analysis is substantiated, the choice of qualitative and quantitative features of the unity of economic space for homogeneous markets in different locations is substantiated. The conducted research showed the need for further detailed development of tools and criteria to assess compliance with the principle of unity of the economic space of regional and local markets established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation.