Spatial Transformations as a Subject of Scientific Research and Public Policy

The spatial organization of the country’s life has undergone continuous changes throughout its history. In different periods, the causes of these changes varied and in terms of their essential characteristics occurred in different ways. The modern stage of space reformatting is special as it results from the crisis and reforms of the 1990s, marking a reversal from “socialism to the market.” The content of this revolutionary process determines the multitude of spatial transformations taking place on mega-, macro-, meso- and micro scales that are fundamentally different from the previous period. The article clarifies the fundamental concepts of “spatial development” and “spatial transformations.” The paper theoretically substantiates the fundamental necessity and evaluates the actually observed combination of spontaneity and adjustability of their occurrence in the conditions of Russia’s traditional dominance of state participation in the organization and transformation of space. The problems of adapting public policy to the needs and opportunities for the modern spatial development in the country and its regions are considered. In this context, the legal conflict between the main documents of state policy in this area, the Spatial Development Strategy and the Fundamentals of State Policy for Regional Development, which are in force until the end of 2025, is analyzed. The new Strategy until 2030 is also assessed.