DIFFERENTIATION OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN REGIONS: CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND MECHANISMS FOR SMOOTHING OUT IMBALANCES

The article examines current trends in territorial differentiation of socio-economic development of Russian regions. It analyzes key causes of regional disproportions, including institutional, historical, economic and infrastructural factors. Particular attention is paid to the social and economic consequences of uneven development. The effectiveness of existing equalization mechanisms, including interbudget transfers, territorial development programs and institutional initiatives, is assessed. Based on the analysis, directions for improving regional policy aimed at sustainable and balanced development of Russian regions are proposed.