Saint Petersburg agglomeration: problems of development

The purpose of the study is to identify ways to improve the region’s competitiveness through using the principles of territorial analysis when planning the territory’s development. The article covers the problems of Saint Petersburg agglomeration development. The analysis indicates that cooperation of two regions - Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast - is necessary as the city needs to expand its spheres of influence, and the region needs investment. The study releals that, although the opportunities of the two regions differ significantly, their cooperation is necessary. The article describes the criteria for establishing the boundaries of agglomeration based on the principles of territorial analysis, and identifies the factors ensuring the territory’s sustainable development. The main conclusion is that the development of the Saint Petersburg agglomeration should be primarily focused on the environment because without this factor the increase in constructions volumes and other indicators affecting the growth rate of the region’s economy will lower the quality of life due to environmental degradation. Taking into account the environmental factor will ensure the quality of life at the European level. Based on analysis of indicators affecting the development of agglomerations, it can also be concluded that the level of administrative barriers in territories’ development is of particular importance: when developing methods to affect the development of agglomerations in Russia the level ofadministrative barriers should be taken into account. The research novelty lies in the offer to use an integral indicator to assess the level of territory’s development, which will determine agglomeration development potential. The materials of the article can be used by management structures to improve their methodological approaches to territory’s development.