The efficiency assessment of big cities social and economic development: a system dynamics approach

This paper examines the actual problems of social and economic development of big cities. To assess the efficiency of this development, we have made a methodology, based on a system dynamics approach which meets the modern requirements. One of the main elements of the methodology is a system dynamics model of urban development. This model helps to determine the efficiency borders of this development, the cost of urban growth, tariffs on the urban infrastructure services. The results of such calculations by the example of St. Petersburg (Russia) are given in the paper. The elaborated methodology allows us to create mechanisms for managing urban development, directed to raise living standards of city dwellers.