The framework guiding the spatial development of the Russian Federation is widely discussed. However, the characteristics of an optimally organised space are yet to be defined. This research focuses on one of the aspects of this problem, aiming to identify the characteristics of the optimal spatial organisation of the regional economy depending on the degree of homogeneity of socio-economic space. We examined four Russian regions comparable in area and administrative-territorial division, but differing in economic activity (Krasnodar Krai, the Republic of Tatarstan, Chelyabinsk Oblast and Kemerovo Oblast). For that purpose, we applied spatial analysis methods: spatial autocorrelation, cartographic analysis. The examined regions are characterised by varying degrees of spatial heterogeneity. It is most significant in the Chelyabinsk Oblast, where 46% of the population lives in the territory of two municipalities that produce 73 % of the regional products. The territories of Chelyabinsk Oblast differ the most in terms of output (R/P is 994.65). The degree of heterogeneity is also high in the Republic of Tatarstan, characterised by the differentiation of municipalities in terms of inhabitants (the maximum R/P is 42.09) and fragmentation of space (the global Moran’s index for the considered parameters is less than its expected value). Krasnodar Krai is the most homogeneous (the production R/P is 131.57, the settlement R/P is 14.52) and integrated territory (spatial autocorrelation is positive). Simultaneously, there is no clear relationship between the degree of spatial homogeneity and the efficiency of economic activity in the regions in the short term. The results show that it is impossible to use a single unified model for the development of various territories. Thus, it is necessary to apply a differentiated approach when determining spatial development guidelines. The obtained results can be used by public authorities in the field of spatial development management. Moreover, they can be used for further research of other parameters of spatial organisation that are not related to its homogeneity.

New global challenges such as COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening of protectionism, production technologies development, digitalisation and energy transition, require reinterpretation of regions’ foreign economic activity (FEA). In this context, the research aims to identify and classify development factors of such activity in regions described in the international scientific literature. We analysed works obtained from international (Scopus and Web of Science) and Russian (Elibrary.ru, journal websites) databases using the search terms “regional foreign economic activity”, “regional export”, “global challenges”, “export support”, “foreign investments”, etc. 143 Russian- and English-language articles and books published in the period 1980–2021 were chosen. Selected works, focused on Russian federal districts and regions, as well as advanced and emerging countries, describe various approaches to examining the specificity and development patterns of world regions. Based on the data, we performed structural analysis of foreign economic activity factors using the method of multi-parameter classification. The revealed factors were compared and divided into homogeneous groups with multilevel structures (macro-groups — groups — subgroups — individual factors). After analysing the variety of approaches, we identified five macro-groups of factors: 1) global challenges and partner country factors; 2) resource, industrial, transport and infrastructure potential; 3) organisational factors (finances, specialists’ skills, business community); 4) investment, innovation and image potential; 5) state support of foreign economic activity. The proposed classification considers the development of global, national, regional entities, as well as FEA participants and individuals, taking into account both direct and indirect factors. The research findings can be used for developing short-, medium- and long-term approaches, models and forecasts of regions’ foreign economic activity.

Sustainable development was chosen by the United Nations as the key concept of the future in the 21st century, which led to the emergence of other economic concepts, such as green and blue economy, seen as contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). In Russia, despite the ongoing processes of green transformation in some economic sectors and certain improvements in the green legislation and green finance, not all businesses and regions are ready to embrace sustainable development. This paper discusses two interconnected aspects of regional economic systems — their economic efficiency and environmental impact. The analysis focuses on the regions of the Ural Federal District and explores these regions’ transition to sustainable development by looking at their eco-intensity. Methodologically, the study relies on the methods of analysis and synthesis, statistical, comparative and causal analysis. Conceptually, we use the theoretical framework of sustainable development as a point of departure for our discussion. The results have shown, on the one hand, a decrease in the industrial pressure on the natural environment, related primarily to the enhanced resource efficiency of certain industries. On the other hand, less effort is now invested into minimising the negative impact on the environment in Ural regions. We have also identified those areas of sustainable development that hold most promise in the Russian context. Our findings can serve as a basis for the strategies of regional sustainable development and may be used for further research on socio-environmental and economic sustainability.