THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIBERIA BY NATURAL ZONES
E.A. Kolomak1,2
1Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
2Novosibirsk National Research State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
Keywords: natural zones, economic development, heterogeneity, Siberia, empirical analysis
Abstract
The aim of this study is to identify patterns of Siberia’s development in terms of natural zones and to assess the significance of geographical and climatic boundaries for the spatial organization of economic activity, thereby supplementing the traditional picture of the macroregion’s spatial development within the framework of administrative-territorial units. The study identifies three groups of geographical natural zones: 1) steppe, forest-steppe, mixed forests, and broadleaf forests; 2) taiga; 3) forest-tundra, tundra, and Arctic deserts. The source of information on the characteristics of socioeconomic development within the boundaries of these natural zones is Rosstat’s database of municipal indicators. The research methods employed include descriptive statistics, empirical analysis, and econometric estimates. The study revealed that at the boundaries of natural zones, there are sharp contrasts in the availability of labor resources, labor productivity indicators, the development of the road network, budgetary adequacy indicators, and capital intensity. Despite underdeveloped infrastructure and a harsh climate, the taiga and tundra zones are attractive to investors and possess sources of high natural rent. The findings cast doubt on the view that the territory development and expansion of economic activity in the northern latitudes of Siberia are misguided.
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