SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE IN THE KURSK REGION: PROSPECTS THROUGH THE PRISM OF REGIONAL INTERESTS

Abstract

The creation of free economic zones (FEZ) is one of the most popular ways of improving the state economy on a limited-territorial principle. However, despite the relative uniformity of the goals of the SEZ as an economic model and the expected result of its functioning, in the process of organizing the SEZ it is necessary to take into account the specifics of regional interests, as well as the specialization of the region in which the SEZ is created. Thus, the conformity of the target organization of the SEZ with its actual capabilities, due to the initial level of economic, social, technological development, as well as climatic conditions and geographical location, and the potentially achievable result of its functioning is determined. In this study, this phenomenon is considered using the example of the Kursk region, which fully received the status of the SEZ in 2025, at the level of correlation of regional interests and strategic goals of the Kursk region with the opportunities provided by the SEZ status in the specialized industries of this region. The study examines the classification and target aspect of the functioning of the SEZ both within a single region and within the framework of the concept of strategic economic development as a whole; The development directions of the Kursk region with the greatest production and economic potential are identified, and as a consequence, the greatest investment attractiveness, since the main driver of the progress of the SEZ is investment programs and tax incentives from local and federal authorities. Based on the results of the study, a conclusion is made about the fundamental dependence of the development directions of the region as a SEZ on its initial resource-economic and production potential, as well as the actions of investors and tax regulators.