The impact of natural resource potential on economic development and living standards in the regions

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of natural resource potential on economic development and living standards in Russia’s regions, with a focus on identifying key contradictions in the resource-dependent model. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of living standards, highlighting key imbalances: a high cost of living despite nominally significant incomes, a deficit in social infrastructure, environmental threats, and demographic imbalances. The article proposes a detailed transformation strategy, encompassing seven areas - from economic diversification through the creation of processing clusters and development funds to the introduction of smart technologies in housing and utilities, environmental modernization, and resource rent management reform. The recommendations are supported by a table with specific measures, implementation mechanisms, and risk assessments, as well as examples of successful practices (projects in the Tyumen Oblast and the “northern mortgage” program in Yamal).