Features of the Manifestation of Interregional Similarity in the Long-Term Dynamics of Gross Regional Product Per Capita of the Subjects of the RF

Introduction. The significant imbalance of the territories of different states in terms of socio-economic development is one of the most significant problems of the regional economy. The purpose of this study is to identify the specifics of the manifestation of interregional similarity based on an assessment of the longterm dynamics of changes in the level of GRP per capita in the subjects of the Russian Federation. Materials and Methods. Statistical information indicating the dynamics of GRP per capita covered a period of 23 years (2000–2022) and reflected differences in changes in this indicator for 85 subjects of the Russian Federation, which were grouped into 9 groups using a ranking and percentile method and visualized on the heat map of Russia. To quantify the similarity of the subjects of the Russian Federation in the dynamics of GRP per capita, calculations of the Spearman inter-rank correlation were carried out and the corresponding coefficients for each pair of subjects of the Russian Federation were determined using the Statistica software package. A methodology is proposed for determining the characteristics of a particular subject in terms of its quantitative and qualitative similarity to other regions of the Russian Federation in terms of the long-term dynamics of GRP per capita. Results. It was found that groups of regions with the highest and, conversely, the lowest levels of gross regional product per capita exhibit, on average, fewer similarities with other regions in the long-term dynamics of this indicator. A specific pattern of changes in the nature of interregional similarities was identified: the number of similar cases with regions with lower gross regional product per capita increases as regions are assessed successively from the first to the ninth group. Discussion and Conclusion. The results have been confirmed by previous studies. They are applicable in the development of strategic solutions for regional development by the authorities of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and project organizations, focusing on a comparative analysis of the likely effects of their implementation in similar and more effective subjects.