METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO ASSESSING THE TERRITORIAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEM OF REGIONS AND MUNICIPALITIES

One of the main internal challenges that hinder the sustainable development of Russia's regions and the transition of its economy to a new technological order is territorial social and economic differentiation. The article analyzes methodological approaches to assessing the territorial differentiation of the social and economic system of regions and municipalities. The main approaches presented in the social and economic literature have been revealed. The assessment methods used by domestic and foreign scientists are presented and critically analyzed. It is revealed that among the authors of scientific works there is still no consensus not only on the theoretical aspects, but also on the methodological issues of the procedure for assessing territorial differentiation. The systematization of the approaches and tools used by scientists from different countries has been carried out. The advantages, disadvantages and limitations for the practical application of the selected methodological approaches have been indicated. It is shown that each of the presented approaches is a basic principle when conducting territorial differentiation. Depending on the tasks set, the choice of methodological assessment approaches may vary. Clarification of existing and development of new methods for assessing sustainable socio-economic development of municipalities is the first step in creating targeted programmes to equalize territorial disparities of development in Russia.