REGULATION OF REGIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC DISPROPORTIONS: FROM UNIVERSAL MEASURES TO AN OPTIMAL STRATEGY BASED ON SCENARIO MODELING

<jats:p>The growth of socio-economic inequality between the subjects of the country poses a serious threat to the entire economic system of the state. Such a negative trend provokes the emergence of deep structural conflicts, as well as destroys the integrity of the common market space. The author of this paper argues that standardized methods of smoothing territorial distortions should remain in the past, since today it is necessary to create the most effective strategies based on scenario forecasting methods. In addition, the study examines in detail various methodologies that help identify specific types of emerging imbalances, and provides a detailed systematization of factors amenable to managerial influence. As the results demonstrate, the classical methods of local struggle against the backwardness of individual areas bring only short-term benefits. This makes it possible to correctly select control levers, strictly taking into account the specifics of each specific entity. The result of the study was the development of a concept of strategic management, consisting of three levels, which assumes the possible implementation of such development options as inertia, active government intervention and the achievement of ideal targets.</jats:p>