Functional Status Of Russian Regions In The System Of Economic Federative Relations[Функциональный Статус Регионов России В Системе Экономических Федеративных Отношений]

Introduction. The article deals with the problem of the functional status of regions in the system of economic federalism, which is associated with the high spatial heterogeneity of Russia, and explains the need to move from the model of economic federalism, which combines the presence of universal institutions and institutional exceptions, to a model that takes into account the spatial diversity of territories. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the decrease in the heterogeneity of the economic federalism space when moving on to a model based on macro territories - groups of regions with the same functional status. Methods. The author uses methods of a monographic review, logical and statistical analysis in the context of applying a spatial approach in studying the relations of economic federalism, as well as the concept of “smart specialization” in relation to the regions of Russia to differentiate the relationship of the federal center with the territories within the same specialization. Scientific novelty of the study. The article is the first to present a methodology for determining the functional status of regions, which is the basis for the subsequent formation of a model of relations between the federal center and macro regions. Results. The author proposes methods for determining the functional status of regions and calculating indicators that characterize the relations of economic federalism. The first methodology, based on economic and territorial criteria, makes it possible to attribute each region of Russia to a group of macro regions according to their functional status. The second method makes it possible to substantiate a greater asymmetry of indicators characterizing economic federalism in the country as a whole than in the context of macro territories. Conclusions. Regarding the higher stability of indicators characterizing economic federalism by groups of macro-territories than in the country as a whole, the need for a transition to a flexible model of economic federalism based on differentiated measures and specific tools to support regions in the context of their functional specializations is substantiated.