Regional specialization as a factor of economic stability in the context of geopolitical turbulence

Relevance. The specifics of the region, in particular the variety of resources and conditions of economic activity, form the conditions and prerequisites for the specialization of the region, and the composition of natural resources, the scale and quantity of their reserves affect the economic potential of the region. Regional specialization helps to determine the role and place of the region in the single economic space of the country. Regional specialization acts as a factor of economic development, as it allows to increase labor productivity and production efficiency.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the regional specialization of the territory as a factor of its economic development in the context of modern geopolitical challenges, including strategic isolation, sanctions pressure and the need for import substitution. Objectives: to study the regional specialization of the region in order to determine the activities dominating in the region in order to influence the growth of production volumes of the branches of specialization on the dynamics of the overall socio-economic development of the region.

Methodology. The research used general scientific methods such as analysis and synthesis, classification, grouping, economic and statistical methods.

Results. The development of the region is largely ensured by resource availability, and the distinctive features of the region form the prerequisites for the specialization of the regions. The evolution of views on regional specialization has gone a long way from classical theories to modern concepts, including the impact of globalization and agglomeration effects. Modern research complements classical approaches, focusing on strategic management, sustainability and innovation in regional development. The regional specialization of the Kursk region, based on the development of various sectors of the economy, ensures its stability in the face of geopolitical turbulence.

Conclusions. In the context of geopolitical turbulence and sanctions pressure, the regional specialization of the Kursk region, based on the effective use of competitive advantages (energy, mining, agriculture), is a key factor in economic stability, but long-term development requires overcoming structural constraints through economic diversification, modernization of production and investment in human capital.

1. Smith A. A study on the nature and causes of the wealth of nations. Moscow: Izdatel'stvo sotsial'no-ekonomicheskoi literatury; 1962. 684 p. (In Russ.)

2. Ricardo D. The beginnings of political economy and taxation. Favorites. Moscow: Eksmo; 2008. 960 p. (In Russ.)

3. Heckscher E.F. The influence of foreign trade on income distribution. Milestones of economic thought. Vol. 6. Moscow: TEIS; 2006. P. 154-173. (In Russ.)

4. Zhailauov E.B., Omar J.T., Ulybyshev D.N., Petrenko E.S. Economic specialization of regional economic systems of Kazakhstan: methods of definition and factors of formation. The Economy of Central Asia. 2023;7(2):117-134. (In Russ.)

5. Krivoshlykov V.S. National projects as a driver of social development of Russian regions. In: Sovremennye trendy v issledovaniyakh sistem upravleniya: novye modeli i strategii: sbornik materialov Mezhdunarodnoi nauchno-prakticheskoi konferentsii, g. Kursk, 16–17 maya 2024 g. = Modern trends in management systems research: new models and strategies: Proceedings of the International Scientific and Practical Conference, 16-17 May 2024, Kursk. Kursk: Kurskii gosudarstvennyi universitet; 2024. P. 325-330. (In Russ.)

6. Krivoshlykov V.S. Anti–crisis management of an enterprise on the scale of a regional socio- economic system. Ekonomika i upravlenie: problemy, resheniya = Economics and Management: Problems, Solutions. 2024;10(10):94-100. (In Russ.)

7. Azarova A.V., Krivoshlykov V.S. The potential of the real sector of the economy in the region. In: Aktual'nye voprosy i sovremennye aspekty ekonomiki, finansov i bukhgalterskogo ucheta: sbornik nauchnykh statei Vserossiiskoi nauchno-prakticheskoi konferentsii, 29 marta 2024 goda = Current issues and modern aspects of economics, finance and accounting: Collection of scientific articles of the All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference, Kursk State University, 29 March 2024. Kursk: Kurskii gosudarstvennyi universitet; 2024. P. 8-11. (In Russ.)

8. Sirotkina N.V., Shan Ya. Strategic management of Russian regions. The policy of structural transformation. Moscow: Nauchnaya kniga; 2018. 244 p. (In Russ.)

9. Sirotkina N.V., Goncharov A.Yu., Shan Ya., et al. Policy of balanced development of the region. Moscow: Nauchnaya kniga; 2018. 540 p. (In Russ.)

10. Andreev O.S. Regional policy for the development of regional economic systems based on balance, sustainability and an innovative approach. Ekonomika i predprinimatel'stvo = Economics and Entrepreneurship. 2024;(2):1414-1418. (In Russ.)

11. De Lucio Ju., Mínguez R., Minondo A., Requena F. Top exporters and regional export specialization. National Accounting Review. 2024;6(4):564-572. https://doi.org/10.3934/nar.2024026.EDN HKWUJJ

12. Pravdina N.V., Danilova I.V., Rezepin A.V. Industrial Development Amid Economic Turbulence: Strategic Guidelines for Single-Industry Regions. R-Economy. 2024;10(3):330-349.

13. Alibekova G., Alzhanova F., Osmanov Zh., Omarov A. Regional specialization and diversification of industries in Kazakhstan. Journal of Eastern European and Central Asian Research. 2023;10(5):898-906.

14. Lyaskovskaya E.A., Grigorieva K.M. Assessment of the sustainable development of the region in the digital environment: Digital tools in development strategies, programs and projects. Vestnik Yuzhno-Ural'skogo gosudarstvennogo universiteta. Seriya: Ekonomika i menedzhment = Bulletin of the South Ural State University. Series: Economics and Management. 2025;19(1):32- 48. (In Russ.)

15. Information passport of the Kursk region. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. (In Russ.) Available at: https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/economic_diplomacy/vnesneekonomiceskie-svazi-sub-ektov-rossijskoj-federacii/2009627/ (accessed 17.05.2025).

16. Derli E.N., Zhakhov N.V. Features of industrial specialization of the Kursk region. Vestnik Kurskoi gosudarstvennoi sel'skokhozyaistvennoi akademii = Bulletin of the Kursk State Agricultural Academy. 2020;(6):76-82. (In Russ.)

17. Regions of Russia. Socio-economic indicators: A statistical collection. Moscow: Rosstat; 2024. 1081 p. (In Russ.) Available at: https://46.rosstat.gov.ru/anons/document/242037?print=1 (accessed 11.05.2025).

18. Kursk region. Farming. Industry. (In Russ.) Available at: https://bigenc.ru/c/kurskaiaoblast-khoziaistvo-promyshlennost-961bc1 (accessed 19.05.2025).