ASSESSING THE MULTIPLIER ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USING THE BELGOROD REGION AS AN EXAMPLE)

The objective of the study is to identify the problems and prospects for strengthening the role of the agro-industrial complex in the regional development of the Belgorod region based on the assessment of multiplier effects. Main results of the study: the analysis of the current state and development trends of the agro-industrial complex of the Belgorod region was carried out; the methodology for assessing the economic impact of the agro-industrial complex on the regional development of the Belgorod region was formed; the problems and promising areas for strengthening the role of the industry complex in the regional economy were reflected. Research materials: statistical data characterizing the current state and development trends of the agro-industrial complex of the Belgorod region, the initial information base for assessing the economic impact of the industry in question in the Belgorod region. Research methods: systematization, comparative analysis, contrastive analysis, retrospective analysis, analysis of statistical time series, generalization, abstract logical method, induction, deduction, systems approach, conceptualization and algorithmization of data, tabular data visualization. Key findings of the study: An assessment of the economic impact of the agro-industrial complex on the regional development of the Belgorod Region revealed that the actual weight of this sector, measured by total output, exceeds its direct contribution to the gross regional product. This sectoral complex functions as a key multiplier for regional development, reflecting the state of the service industry, the labor market, and the budget and innovation systems. However, the extremely high efficiency of generating these effects is accompanied by their significant spatial and sectoral concentration, which creates key challenges for the sustainable and inclusive development of the region. Overcoming these limitations requires a systematic transition to a value chain management strategy focused on retaining added value in the Belgorod Region and its optimal distribution. Strategic areas for increasing the contribution of the agro-industrial complex to regional development should include the development of clusters for the deep processing of agricultural raw materials, the promotion of small and medium-sized businesses in the agro-industrial complex services sector and organic production, the implementation of integrated rural development programs, and the introduction of green economy models and biotechnology to reduce environmental damage.