Strategic Planning of Small Cities Development: Modernization Based on Growth Drivers and Innovative and Technological Priorities

The article examines the issues of strategic planning for the development of small cities and proposals for their modernization based on the new elements in the strategic planning process, incl. the assessment of growth drivers and the analysis of innovation and technological priorities. The relevance of this topic is that today the theory of strategic planning process strongly needs development and available information on this issue is not sufficient. The purpose of this study is to develop a modernised mechanism to form and implement the development planning strategy of small cities. The objectives of the study are to assess the author’s approaches to implementing the process of strategising the development of small cities and justify the inclusion of new elements in the methodological framework for developing the strategy. The study assesses the potential for using a master plan for spatial development, outlining its objectives, tasks, and construction methodology. Based on the given analysis, a methodological framework was compiled for the main stages of implementing the development strategy for small cities, and the main strategic directions for the development of small cities have been proposed, supported by the assessment of its species profile and the level of innovation and technological development. The research methodology included the use of grouping, comparative analysis, and generalization methods. The empirical foundation was based on data from the State Statistics Service, the provisions of the Spatial Development Strategy of Russia for the period up to 2030 with a forecast up to 2036, and Federal Law № 172-FZ of June 28, 2014, «On Strategic Planning in the Russian Federation». The practical significance of the study implies the findings that can be used by municipal, regional, and federal authorities to develop programs and strategies for the development of small cities, as well as to monitor their implementation.