Economic and political diversity of regional development as the basis of modern imaging (on the example of the Republic of Mordovia)

Introduction. Creating and broadcasting a positive regional image in modern conditions is an important factor in regional competitiveness. Demonstration of territorial advantages to target audiences of image-making (federal government, business community, investors, the public) makes it possible to stand out from other entities and receive certain preferences. Often declaring in state programs and promoting individual image-forming areas (investment attractiveness, innovation cluster, science city, tourist destination, a territory of safety and comfort, etc.), regional authorities forget about the complex nature of the image, which is a combination of various elements and determinants: economic, political, natural-geographical, historical, ethno-national, sociocultural, etc. Materials and Methods. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the study were: a structurally functional approach that considers the image as a specific image with a universal set of interconnected elements; axiological approach based on evaluative perception of the main image characteristics; case study method used to study the image of the Republic of Mordovia based on an analysis of documents, official statistical information, etc. Results. The description of economic and political factors that determine the image attractiveness of the Republic of Mordovia is presented. Among the image characteristics, due to the features of the modern economic development of the republic, are noted: a developed innovative infrastructure, an increase in production and export of products, expansion of trade and economic ties, active participation in the implementation of state programs, and inclusion in many federal projects. The support from the center in matters that are problematic for the republic is largely due to political factors: the active support of federal initiatives from the republican leadership, as well as the high level of political stability, manageability of the territory, and the absence of ethnic conflicts and contradictions. Discussion and Conclusion. An analysis of the economic development of the republic allows us to talk about imbalance in image characteristics: well-developed innovative infrastructure, effective practice in developing clusters and technology parks are leveled out by low positions in the overall ranking of co-competitiveness and innovative potential. The most negative topic is the problem of budget debt and the introduction of external regulation in connection with the volume of debts. At the same time, the image of Mordovia is positively affected by attempts to attract notable external events. On the whole, positive dynamics are demonstrated in terms of financial and economic indicators, including an improvement in the investment climate and the effectiveness of fiscal policy. In terms of political indicators, the republic occupies a leading position in terms of political stability and stability, moving between groups with maximum and high stability, but there is a “over-regulation” of the political system, a virtual absence of opposition and independent media.