The role of cities in socio-economic development. Benefits and costs of urbanization

Large cities are drivers of growth, they stimulate surrounding areas, and their rise contributes to improved quality. The development of the urban system is an integral part of sustainable economic development. The purpose of the study was to theoretically study interregional differences in urbanization, its trends in Russia and in the world, to determine the role of cities in socio-economic development and to identify the benefits and costs of it.