Uneven regional development of the world’s countries: problems and opportunities for mitigating their impact on socio-economic processes

Abstract

The article is devoted to the actual problem of identifying uneven regional economic development of OECD countries and justifying the possibilities of leveling their impact on socio-economic processes.

The concept of «regional development» is revealed; key aspects of regional development are identified: solving problems of inequality; economic growth and employment: social and cultural well-being; state regulation; use of local resources; integrated structure; subnational territories; international contexts; attracting investment and talent. Based on a comparison of the rate of change in real GDP, it was revealed that the indicator averaged 3.2% in 177 countries in 2024, the highest growth rates among geographical regions were in South America – 5.66%, and the lowest in Europe – 1.97%. The average figure according to 37 OECD countries was 1.4%, the highest value was recorded in Costa Rica: 4.32%, and the lowest-in Austria: (-1.17 %). The economic development of the regions was assessed by comparing GDP per capita per PPP: the highest indicator in 2024 was Europe Minor – 5 50,661. , the lowest was in Africa – 6 6,829., that is, 7.4 less. Among 177 countries in the world, Singapore tops the rating – 1 132,570. Burundi is in last place with бу 836., the difference is 158.6 times between the highest and lowest indicator. Aspects of uneven development that affect the well-being of the population of the regions, as well as the economic, social and political costs of regional entities, are identified. Ten principles of OECD regional development policy are related to: 1) Strategy; 2) territorial scale; 3) co-production; 4) sustainability; 5) data; 6) multi-level management; 7) capacity; 8) resources; 9) good faith; and 10) efficiency. Priority areas for leveling the impact of uneven regional economic development of OECD countries on socio-economic processes are substantiated: ensuring access to key public services and infrastructure; improving productivity and competitiveness; providing necessary skills and employment opportunities in regional labor markets; strengthening capacity at the national and subnational levels; coordinated development of regional logistics and economy.