A METHOD FOR AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIO–ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY OF RURAL AREAS IN DEPOPILATED CONDITIONS (USING THE EXAMPLE OF THE FAR EASTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT)

Issue № 6, 2026, article № 28, pages 305-312

Section:

Language: Russian

Original language title: МЕТОДИКА ИНТЕГРАЛЬНОЙ ОЦЕНКИ СОЦИАЛЬНО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ УЯЗВИМОСТИ СЕЛЬСКИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ В УСЛОВИЯХ ДЕПОПУЛЯЦИИ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ДАЛЬНЕВОСТОЧНОГО ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО ОКРУГА)

Keywords: FAR EASTERN FEDERAL DISTRICT (FEFD), SOCIOECONOMIC VULNERABILITY, DEMOGRAPHIC RISKS, INTEGRATED INDEX, RURAL AREAS, CONTOUR POLICY, REPUBLIC OF BURYATIA, PRIMORSKY KRAI, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract: This article presents a methodology for an integrated assessment of the socioeconomic vulnerability of rural areas in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD). It includes four key subindices: social structure and human capital (Ic), development dynamics (Id), economic base (Ie), and demographic risks (Idem). The methodology provides a comprehensive coverage of the factors that shape the cumulative effect of the crisis in rural areas. Profound spatial differentiation in the level and profile of vulnerability within the FEFD is revealed. Calculations allowed us to rank rural municipalities and identify several clusters of territories with fundamentally different problem structures: from depressed settlements experiencing a total crisis in all spheres to territories with a relatively intact economic base despite acute demographic depletion. The limitations of universal support measures are demonstrated. The diagnostic results confirm that traditional approaches that fail to take into account qualitative differences in vulnerability profiles (e.g., the prevalence of economic weakness versus the prevalence of demographic crisis) are ineffective. The study revealed that in some cases, supporting local economic activity should be a priority, while in others, emergency measures to preserve social infrastructure and retain the remaining population should be prioritized. Based on the calculated vulnerability profiles, differentiated packages of public policy measures were proposed: for areas with high Idem and Ic (demographic and social crisis), the need for «smart compression» strategies – consolidating the remaining population and public services to maintain a minimum quality of life-was justified. For areas with high Ie and relatively better demographic indicators, a course toward «smart specialization» – targeted support for local economic niches (agritourism, advanced processing of natural resources, and remote employment) – was proposed. The methodology allows for an objective ranking of areas by the severity of problems, creating a transparent basis for prioritizing budget allocations and focusing efforts on areas of greatest risk. The scientific innovation lies in the development of specialized tools that enable an integrated assessment of the socioeconomic vulnerability of rural areas in the face of growing depopulation.

Authors: Imideeva Irina Vladimirovna