REGIONAL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS

Abstract

The general trend in the development of the modern world is that the transition to a post-industrial society, which is characterized by a variety of interests, values of different social groups and organizations, rapid development of information technologies, etc. leads to the transformation of not only political but also social institutions. In these conditions, the key resource of sustainable development and national security is the human potential, the degree of effectiveness of its implementation, humanistic orientation and the conditions created by the state, motivating and enabling the General population to reveal their capabilities and talents. The article discusses the competitive advantages and potential opportunities for successful socio-economic development of the Novgorod region, as well as the strategic challenges and risks of this development. It is proved that the economy of the region has a certain multiplicative effect associated with an increase in inter-sectoral cooperation (industry, education, science, tourism, agriculture and other industries), which in the future can become an additional source of production growth. An alternative way to activate the productive forces in the Novgorod region, improve the quality of services and improve the use efficiency of budget resources is to attract business and non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the social sphere. Examples of successful implementation of such experience in Russian regions are given. The most important function in this process should be played by social innovation centers that promote social projects, support socially oriented NPOs, and provide emergency legal assistance to entrepreneurs. Such centers can be considered as a special resource base for innovative development of the regional social sphere.