Key Issues in the Implementation of the Strategy of Spatial Development of Russia-2030

In December 2024, a new Strategy for the Spatial Development of the country was approved in Russia - for the period up to 2030 and with a forecast up to 2036. Unlike the previous similar document (the Strategy for the period up to 2025 approved in 2019), Strategy 2030 envisages expanding the geography of economic growth by forming a wide list of key settlements. Currently, there are 2160 of them - from the largest cities to rural settlements that play a significant role in the development of the country’s economy (including science cities), ensuring its national security or providing social services to the population. Despite a number of positive innovations, Strategy 2030 leaves many important questions unanswered (including the inclusion of science cities in key settlements), which indicates the need for further scientific and methodological support for the implementation of Strategy 2030 and its subsequent updating.