Spatial Analysis of Structural and Sectoral Shifts in Russia's Steppe Zone Regions

Abstract

The purpose is to study sectoral structure transformation in steppe regions of Russia by major types of economic activity. The economy of steppe regions includes various components of producing and tertiary sectors. Materials and methods. The specifics of the analysis lie in the use of different methodological approaches to identify structural and sectoral shifts: by specialisation, by type of industry and by breadth of coverage. Results and discussion. The regions of the steppe zone are undergoing a structural and sectoral restructuring of their economies, affecting a wide range of industries. The economies of the regions are in a catching-up phase. The non-productive sector is growing steadily, but the share of industry and agriculture, although declining, is still high. Regional specifics include almost universal growth in the non-productive sector, significant growth in the agricultural sector in traditionally agrarian regions, and little change in regions with a relatively balanced economic structure. Conclusion. Disproportions in the structure and sectoral development of the steppe region's economy are among the most important current challenges for the sustainable development of Russia's steppe region at the present stage.