Strategic analysis of the open diffuse agglomeration structure (the case of the North Kuzbass agglomeration of the Kemerovo Oblast - Kuzbass)

Subject. The article considers the structure of a new type of agglomerations as an open diffuse agglomeration, allocation of its center, semi–periphery, and periphery according to the criterion of transport connectivity, the classification of municipalities by the level of economic development, and agglomeration effects. Objectives. The aim is to provide a methodology for strategic analysis of the structure of an open diffuse agglomeration and its testing on the example of the North Kuzbass agglomeration of the Kemerovo Oblast - Kuzbass. Methods. The work rests on the theory of strategy and the concept of strategizing by V.L. Quint, theories of agglomerations, diffusion of innovations, and central peripheral regional development. I employ methods of descriptive statistics, estimation of the type of distribution, correlation and regression analysis, nonparametric statistical methods (the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test). Results. The paper unveils the structure of the North Kuzbass agglomeration, and the need to deepen the integration of peripheral municipal districts. It established that agglomeration effects are quite weak, and the territorial proximity to the agglomeration center does not yet contribute to accelerating the economic growth or increasing the labor productivity. I offer a two-dimensional strategic classification of urban and municipal districts, considering their transport accessibility and the level of economic development. Conclusions. The North Kuzbass agglomeration has a fairly clear structure, but it is at the initial stage of its development. Its growth strategy should be focused on further development of digital and physical infrastructure and connectivity increase.