SPATIAL DIFFERENTIATION OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGIONAL POLICY FOR ITS SMOOTHING (CASE OF THE NORTHWESTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT)

This article examines the specific features of regional development in the Russian Federation, considering spatial differentiation. To give the study a concrete character, the applied part of the research utilized statistical data for the Northwestern Federal District. The article examines the theoretical and practical aspects of the formation and implementation of regional policy in the current context, necessitating the need to account for and mitigate the asymmetry of spatial development. The focus on regional differentiation stems from the fact that significant differentiation is positioned as a threat to the country's economic security, which has become increasingly important under the pressure of external sanctions. The authors explore the concept of "regional policy" as a key instrument of public administration of territorial development. They define the goals, objectives, forms, and methods of its implementation, and analyze the regulatory framework governing the interaction between the federal center and the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Particular attention is paid to the experience of implementing state strategies and regional development programs in the Northwestern Federal District, which demonstrates an example of an integrated approach to equalizing the socioeconomic development of regions. The paper presents statistical data characterizing the level of interregional disparities and identifies institutional issues affecting the effectiveness of regional policy. It concludes that there is a need to strengthen interlevel coordination, improve program-targeted planning mechanisms, and expand state support instruments for the regions.