Directions for Improving the Strategic Planning Tool in Regional Management

Strategic planning as a management tool for achieving sustainable socioeconomic development in regions relies on comprehensive data analysis, forecasting, scenario modeling, monitoring, and evaluation. It is flexible and adapts to dynamic external environments, crises, and situations characterized by high uncertainty. The modern approach, implemented in regional and municipal governance, involves building a growth trajectory and is implemented through programs and flagship projects for the development of various areas. Its application in Russian practice is relatively recent. Each strategic area requires a comprehensive analysis and the identification of resources for improvement, whether this involves the introduction of new technologies, infrastructure modernization, or the optimization of management processes. This includes identifying stakeholders, developing an interaction algorithm, developing a set of initiatives, and selecting evaluation tools. However, the quality of strategic planning processes and documents in regional and municipal practice is characterized by uneven application of this management tool, which is active rather than passive and should lead to tangible positive changes. At the same time, for the balanced development of the country and its regions, it is necessary to build a comprehensive system of strategic planning not only at all levels of government but also involving other entities, such as development institutions and system-forming business structures. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the specifics of strategic planning implementation by constituent entities of the Russian Federation and municipalities, as well as to identify areas for improving regional strategic planning tools. This will allow developing of a new approach to regional strategizing that enhances the coordination of public authorities, various institutions, and regional governance structures. Based on the generalization and analysis of the material, the need to create a strategic integrated model is identified in which the stated goals and objectives, the instruments of all subjects, development institutions, state corporations and businesses are coordinated, as well as the use of a flexible approach to increase the level of adaptability and the ability to respond to changes in internal and external conditions.

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