THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO IMPROVING THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Methodological support is the basis, the “foundation” of scientific research, therefore, refining the theoretical and methodological approach to the development/refinement/improvement of regional development strategies is a relevant scientific task. The aim of the study is to deepen the theoretical and methodological approach to improving regional development strategies. Research methods: comparative analysis, generalisation. The article analyses approaches to strategy development and concludes that a problem-oriented approach is appropriate. The author identifies the following key stages in improving regional development strategy: І “Preparatory” – analysis of the region's development status, SWOT analysis, forecast of prospects and foresight of trends that may affect the region's development in the future; ІІ “Analytical” – defining regional development priorities, goals and objectives, selecting a strategy type and modelling scenarios, risk management; ІІІ “Formalisation” – formulation of strategy, definition of indicators for its assessment. The proposed theoretical and methodological approach to improving regional development strategy involves, in addition to conventional forecasting, the use of foresight at the preparatory stage, at the analytical stage – refinement of goal-setting processes (coordination of goals at the levels of “state–region–territorial community–socio-economic entity–public”), as well as optimisation of expenditures on communication and innovation activities in the budget structure, which ensures the harmonious development of the region in the future.