Chelyabinsk region and its place and role in the system of modern Russian regions

The modern era is characterized by the global transformation of society, a transition to the new stage of development associated with the widespread introduction of artificial intelli-gence, the development of innovative economy, changes in the global geopolitical situation, and a large-scale confrontation between Russia and Western countries. In this environment, the re-gions of the country that best meet public needs in these processes come to the fore. The Chelya-binsk region is certainly such a region. The Southern Ural is the industrial heart of the country. The purpose of the article is to study the factors determining the place and role of the Chelya-binsk region in the system of modern Russian regions and to identify its position relative to other constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The research is based on comparative-historical, problem-chronological, and historical-systemic methods. The study analyzed the main factors – economic, political, social, cultural, and environmental – that influence the place and role of the Chelyabinsk region and identified practical measures being taken to promote the region on a national scale. The conclusions will allow using these scientific results to improve the man-agement process at the regional level, modernize the economy, introduce new technologies, as well as solve social and environmental problems to ensure the national interests of modern Russia.