2025 Issue №3

The study examines the factors limiting investment inflows into the development of re­sort infrastructure in the North Caucasus Federal District. Particular attention is given to the consequences of inefficient spatial distribution of resort facilities, which generate signifi­cant environmental threats and negatively affect the sustainable functioning of the region’s tourist and recreational systems. The research methodology employed systemic, comparative, and structural analysis. The study identified the key obstacles to investment development, including environmental degradation, irrational use of natural resources, and deficiencies in the territorial management system. The practical significance of the research lies in the ap­plicability of its findings for designing strategies for the sustainable development of tourist and recreational areas in the North Caucasus Federal District. The conclusion outlines a set of proposals aimed at reducing environmental risks, enhancing the efficiency of spatial plan­ning, and creating favorable conditions for the sustainable development of the tourist and recreational potential of the North Caucasus Federal District.

Modern digital technologies play a key role in the preservation of cultural heritage, providing new opportunities for its study and documentation. One of the most promising methods is three-dimensional modeling, which makes it possible to create accurate digital cop­ies of historical objects. The purpose of this study is to analyze international practices of im­plementing 3D modeling in the field of preservation of architectural and archaeological mon­uments. Methods of laser scanning, photogrammetry, and hyperspectral analysis are exam­ined, along with their advantages and limitations. Particular attention is given to examples of successful international projects, such as CyArk and Flyover Zone, which demonstrate the effectiveness of 3D modeling in the preservation and popularization of cultural assets. The main conclusions of the study concern the prospects for the development of digital methods of heritage preservation, their integration into global practice, and the need for further interdis­ciplinary cooperation.

The aim of the article is to assess the current level of digitalization in rural areas of the regions of the Central Federal District of Russia. A comprehensive methodology for evaluat­ing the level of digitalization has been developed, which includes 12 indicators grouped into three categories: the development of ICT infrastructure, digital community, and digital ser­vices. The indicator of rural digitalization is represented by an integral index (IDRA). The index was calculated using statistical data and open data from mobile network operators as of 2023. The study revealed significant disparities in the digital development of rural territories. A typology of the regions of the Central Federal District has been proposed, identifying three types: advanced, moderate, and lagging. The advanced group includes Moscow, Vladimir, Bryansk, Voronezh, Tambov, and Kursk regions, while Tver region is classified as lagging. To overcome digital inequality, a differentiated approach is proposed, which includes moderniza­tion of ICT infrastructure, development of public-private partnerships, and the introduction of digital mentoring programs. The results obtained are of considerable significance for shap­ing targeted digitalization policies for rural territories in Russia.

The study examines the impact of the development of the road network on the dynamics of socio-economic indicators of the regions of the Northwestern Federal District in the context of the implementation of Russia’s Spatial Development Strategy. Based on a correlation anal­ysis of data for the period 2007—2023, which includes 22 indicators of socio-economic dy­namics and 6 parameters of road infrastructure, key patterns of interaction between the transport network and regional development dynamics have been identified. The use of Spearman’s rank correlation method made it possible to determine the strength and direction of relationships, interpreted with regard to the physical-geographical and economic character­istics of the regions. The study confirms that transport infrastructure acts as a catalyst for spatial development; however, its effects vary depending on economic specialization and spa­tial constraints. The results may be applied to optimize regional transport policy and achieve the goals of the national strategy.

The article addresses the identification of the most suitable coastal areas of Primorsky Krai for the installation of offshore wind farms, including the potential use of the generated electricity for the production of “green” hydrogen. The analytic hierarchy process, combined with fuzzy logic applied for the unification of absolute parameter values, was selected as the assessment method. Eleven criteria influencing the suitability of territories for wind farm deployment were analyzed. Six experts in the relevant field were surveyed to determine the weights of the criteria, and the absolute values were unified. After obtaining the suitability index, areas where wind farm installation was technically undesirable were excluded from consideration. As a result, the highest suitability values were identified in Ussuri Bay, in the coastal zone near the ports of Vostochny and Nakhodka, as well as in the vicinity of the port of Olga. The development of wind energy may serve as an important driver of regional growth both from a technological perspective and in addressing energy shortages, while the produc­tion of “green” hydrogen could establish the region as a major hub for hydrogen trade among the Asia-Pacific countries. All of the above correspond to national priorities as outlined in the Concept for the Development of Hydrogen Energy of the Russian Federation and the Energy Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation.

The article presents an assessment of the sustainability and variability of regional gas­tronomic brands in Russia. Based on the analysis of the regions’ participation in the national competition “Flavors of Russia” in 2020—2021, gastronomic events held in Russian regions in 2024 and 2025, as well as information on the gastronomic characteristics of Russian re­gions provided on the TasteAtlas platform, a typology of regional gastronomic brands has been developed. This typology takes into account the variability and balance of a brand, as well as the nature of its promotion at the national and international levels. As a result, all regions of the Russian Federation are classified into four types (with several subtypes). For each identified type, practical recommendations are proposed for the further development of re­gional gastronomic brands.