Towards Regional Development Programmes in Russia

Transition to a decentralised market economy is well under way in Russia. It includes the devolution of responsibility for local development to the regional authorities. The present national environment of market and administrative "anarchy" is not conducive to an effective regional response. Nevertheless, a response is necessary to sustain the process of economic reconstructing, development and growth. Certain preconditions must be met before the regional authorities can proceed to effectively implement regional development programmes. Further, the realisation of these programmes will require underpinning and significant participation by the state in their implementation.