Classification of Priority Product Markets for the Strategic Implementation of Competition Policy

The need of differentiating state competition policy in Russia is consistent with the National Competition Development Plan and the Standard for the Development of Competition in the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation. The purpose of this study is to classify priority product markets and regions to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of competition policy. Based on Rosstat data for the period 2019–2023, four clusters of regions were identified: diversified, industrial, agricultural, and developing. The findings are supported by expert analysis and include quantitative economic characteristics of each cluster. The practical significance of the study lies in the potential use of its results by public authorities for more targeted monitoring of market conditions and support of competitive environments in product markets. The proposed classification enhances the effectiveness of competition policy implementation and contributes to the development of competition in regional product markets. The scientific novelty of the article lies in a comprehensive approach to the classification of product markets and regions based on up-to-date socio-economic data, as well as in development of policy-oriented tools.