Spatial approach to the theory of regional economy

The article analyzes stages of spatial approach development in economic theory, the influence of spatial approach on the theory of regional economy; the necessity of transition from explanation of the essence of economy as a set of elements, discrete objects to the explanation of its spatial relations, set of actions and processes space is proved. Conceptual sensibility of approaches to interpret the category of a region in the Russian regional science and considering spatial aspects of its development in a weak manner is shown in the article. The essence and content of such categories as economic and social space in respect to the region is analyzed. The analysis of the structure for economic space of the region with such “phenomenal fields” as “financial field”, “technologic field”, “professional field” selection is performed. The necessity to consider spatial aspects at goals setting for strategic development of the region is proved. Approaches to these categories in a strategic territorial planning and development management of the regions in Russia are given.