Development of the urban agglomeration institute within the framework of interaction with mechanisms of the integrated territorial development

The modern urban agglomeration is a complex of economic, cultural, production, and social institutions that enable the sustainable development of existing urban spaces and create conditions for socio-economic growth, improving the standard of living and comfort of citizens. However, the lack of a clear definition in the current regulatory framework of the Russian Federation hinders the full realization of the potential of this institution, including the cumulative effect associated with the implementation of mechanisms for the integrated territorial development (ITD). The objective of this article is to provide a comprehensive and enhanced concept of "urban agglomeration" that can be included in the main legislative acts governing the state urban planning policy of the Russian government. Additionally, a system of practical recommendations will be proposed to facilitate the implementation of key strategies for stimulating the ITD projects in rural municipal areas that are part of established urban agglomerations. This will serve as a prerequisite for expediting the process of formalizing these urban agglomerations as independent administrative units.