Methods of assessing the state regional policy of the Russian Federation: modern challenges

The article addresses the critical issue of evaluating the effectiveness of state regional policy in the Russian Federation within the context of a dynamically evolving socio-economic environment. The relevance of the study is due to the increasing territorial differentiation, the limitations of traditional assessment methods and the need to improve the effectiveness of decisions made at the regional level. The paper provides a detailed examination of the normative-legal framework underpinning evaluation processes, encompassing key policy documents and methodological approaches, such as strategic auditing, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for regional governors, and multi-criteria models for assessing state programs. Particular attention is paid to modern challenges (sanctions pressure, demographic changes), which require a revision of existing methods. Proposals are presented to improve assessment approaches: the development of complex indexes, the use of artificial intelligence and Big Data technologies, the involvement of stakeholders, and adaptation to regional specifics. The practical part of the study demonstrates the peculiarities and approaches to assessing regional policy using the example of Moscow and the Moscow Oblast, the Republic of Tatarstan, Krasnoyarsk Krai, and Primorsky Krai. The analysis shows that only an integrated and adaptive approach can ensure the sustainable development of Russian regions and increase the effectiveness of public policy.