Relevance of the topic. The uneven distribution of production factors and economic activity across the regions of the country can have a profound impact on overall national productivity, therefore, a relevant task is the theoretical understanding of the mechanisms of concentration of economic activity, understanding the causes and patterns of the formation of economic space, and the emergence of territorial development disparities. Goal. Critical analysis of key theoretical approaches that have shaped the modern understanding of the spatial structure of the economy and laid the foundations for the formation of an effective regional policy. Methodology. Interdisciplinary synthesis of theoretical concepts of regional economics, economic geography and spatial economics. Comparative assessment of the feasibility and practical significance of theoretical approaches. Results and conclusions. The article substantiates the importance of understanding the cyclical nature of regional development, the impact of global economic processes, subjective factors of spatial population behavior and mechanisms for the formation of growth poles for an effective state policy of territorial development. Key theories of spatio-temporal dynamics, global development, human geography, activity allocation and spatial development are considered. Scope of application. The findings and provisions of this work can be used in the development of territorial development strategies at the federal and regional levels, and may also be of interest to researchers and teachers of economic disciplines.
