The role of “first” and “second” cities in the development of the Ural regions (using the example of the Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk regions)

In regional development, a significant role is played by cities that have the status of “first” (the largest city population in the region) and “second” (the second largest population). As a rule, high economic activity (resources, investments, production, etc.) and a rich social life of the population are concentrated there. Indeed, the importance of the “first” and “second” cities in the socio-economic development of the region is high; in their impact on the distribution of labor and material resources throughout the region; in the possibility of influence of these cities on the development of territories through agglomeration mechanisms; in ensuring the quality of life of the population. In this context, the authors show the importance of “first” and “second” cities in the economic and social development of territories that ensure an adequate quality of life for the population of the Ural regions. The main results of the study indicate that there are some problems with population in “first”, and “second” (to a greater extent) cities of the Ural regions: a decrease in the living population; uneven and asymmetric intra-regional migration (gravitating towards regional centers); negative trends in relation to natural population growth (mortality significantly exceeds birth rate). At the same time, these cities have the potential for industrial development and positive trends in ensuring the quality of the urban environment. Based on the analysis, the authors conclude that it is necessary to optimize the settlement and industrial frameworks of the region, the key points of which are connected both with large “first” cities and with “second” cities of the region. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen the role and dynamic development of “second” cities. In the hierarchy of urban architecture, cities, performing a functional role of the second level, should become the focus of socio-economic development of municipalities, a point of attraction for business activity, ensuring the connectivity of territories within the framework of agglomeration processes.