Specifics of development of Russian regions during the pandemic and post-pandemic recovery

The purpose of the study is to reveal the pandemic’s impact on the socio-economic development of Russian regions, as well as to identify the directions of state policy contributing to the post-pandemic recovery of regional economies. Research objectives: to analyze changes in the key indicators of socio-economic development of Russian regions during the pandemic and at the stage of post-pandemic recovery; to identify negative and positive trends in regional development; to identify areas of public policy to increase the adaptability of regional economies at the stage of post-pandemic recovery. The available indicators of socio-economic development of Russian regions in 2019-2021 have been analyzed. Using the methods of systematization, analysis and synthesis, the negative features and positive trends resulting from the impact of the pandemic factors on regional economies have been established. The authors have substantiated the directions of public policy to maintain the well-being and sustainable development of the regions. Scientific novelty of the research consists in a comprehensive analysis of regional development in conditions of the pandemic, as well as in the development of recommendations on the adaptation of regional economies to the changes taking place. It is concluded that there are signs of the pandemic crisis in the economy of all regions of Russia in 2020, identified by key indicators of economic and social development of the regions. A positive trend in the socio-economic development of Russian regions in 2021 has been established. It has been substantiated that the implementation of the proposed measures of state policy will allow the regions of our country to maintain the well-being of economic systems during the intertwining of several turbulent events. The obtained results can be used as a methodological basis for the formation of strategies and tactics of regional development, as well as in determining the directions of regional policy of integrated development of territories.