Megapolis: concept and development factors

The article examines theoretical approaches to the concept of "megapolis" from the point of view of scientists. In general, megacities are defined as centers of concentration of industrial, personnel, innovation potential. It is established that there are no clear criteria for attributing the city to the concept of "megapolis", except for the population index. The grouping of megacities of the Russian Federation in urban districts is given. The author identifies the factors that contribute to the growth of the megacity: innovation, diversification of activities, urbanization, as well as factors contributing to the decline in the development of the metropolis.