PERM AGGLOMERATION: JUSTIFICATION, ANALYSIS, AND MAPS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article explores the essence, concept, and criteria of agglomeration. An agglomeration is defined as the integration of a large center (the agglomeration core) with small, medium-sized, and large satellite towns, and sometimes even rural settlements and municipalities, united by close ties and shared infrastructure, representing a new stage in the evolution of the settlement system. Based on existing and refined agglomeration research methods, the authors have analyzed and assessed the socio-economic development of the Perm agglomeration. The settlement system is characterized by sparse settlements and low population density. The highest level of urbanization was found in the Permsky Urban District (UD) as well as in the Krasnokamsky and Dobryansky Municipal Districts (MDs), while the lowest – in the Ilyinsky and Permsky Municipal Districts. The core attracts the majority of the population (over 80 %), transforming the periphery into suburbs with residential areas and increasing the burden on the peripheral territory. The agglomeration has transportation corridors and regular public transportation (automobile service is ubiquitous; rail service is available in the Krasnokamsky, Kungursky, and Permsky MDs, in Permsky UD). There are differences in economic development within the agglomeration: the agglomeration center is multi-industrial, whereas the satellite towns are primarily dominated by one or two industries. Standards of living also vary within the agglomeration, with wages ranging from 60,000 to 40,000 rubles. Morbidity is highest in the center, with the lowest rates in the Ilyinsky MD, where the supply of doctors is lowest and access to medical facilities is limited. Based on the integrated assessment of the agglomeration's socio-economic development (this indicator is 0.83 for the “small agglomeration” and 0.71 for the “large agglomeration”), it follows that the Perm agglomeration is among the largest agglomerations and is characterized by a moderate level of development. While its socio-economic space is relatively homogeneous, the internal economic, social, and environmental situation is heterogeneous. These differences are primarily due to the insufficient development of transport infrastructure and the deteriorating environmental situation. The Perm agglomeration meets the basic criteria, but its development is not yet complete.