Region's Image Formation as an Element of Strategic Development Systems

The article deals with the relevant tasks of creating the image and brand of the region, which are solved in the process of forming regional strategies for socio-economic development. It shows that the image of the region is an integral characteristic reflecting the real competitiveness of the regional system; it identifies the key criteria of socio-economic development of the region affecting the image. The author points the noted in the Federal normative legal acts regulating spatial development of the Russian Federation relevance of issues on favorable image formation of the Federation, as well as regional brands. Using the example of the Republic of Karelia, we analyze the weaknesses and strengths of the region's image and recommend adjusting the efforts of regional authorities in the process of developing a strategy for the development of this region, considering their impact on the image. General recommendations for the regions of the Russian Federation on promoting the region's brand and developing its image are formulated.