Spatial heterogeneity of urban development in the context of the formation of economic well-being of territories

Territorial inequality remains an urgent and significant problem of the present time, and its consequences are social and economic in nature, reinforcing the polarity of the development of the economic space of the regions. Questions about the impact of territorial inequality on the well-being of the population have mixed answers. The aim of the study is to develop a methodological approach to the analysis of spatial heterogeneity of urban development, taking into account the interrelation of interregional and intraregional (urban) inequality in the context of the formation of economic well-being. The hypothesis of the research suggests that, first, cities largely determine inter-regional inequality, and second, long-term urban development should go beyond the classical growth economy and take into account the criteria of economic well-being. The cities – administrative centers of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation – were chosen as the object of research. The analysis uses indicators characterizing the provision of individual benefits to the population, reflecting the material well-being of the population, as well as the dynamics of economic development of cities. The time frame of the study covers the period 2013–2023. There is a continuing high heterogeneity of cities, especially in terms of housing starts and investments, with some tendency to smooth out in the period 2013–2023. A more even distribution of cities in the country is observed in terms of wages, housing and doctors, but these imbalances are stable over time. We have established that the composition of cities with extreme values remains stable in most indicators. In general, the differentiation of cities in the country is more significant, and the intra-regional distribution of cities (within federal districts) is more uniform. The conclusion is made about the significant role of cities – administrative centers in the formation of inter-regional inequality. We determined that to ensure a balanced spatial development of the country, targeted support and creation of conditions (investment, infrastructure, etc.) for outsider cities are required, as well as monitoring of cities in the “middle” position. In the context of ensuring economic well-being, the implementation of measures aimed at improving the quality of life and the development of several strong cities in the region is of strategic importance, which reduces dependence on one center