UDC 332.1

Poshechenkov P.S.¹ (Simferopol, Russian Federation) – mara777kuya@mail.ru

¹V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University

Abstract. The relevance of the study is driven by the growth of spatial asymmetry in urban agglomerations and the insufficient effectiveness of formal decentralization measures under conditions of persistent resource concentration. The paper employs the siphon model of meso-level development as a diagnostic and practice-oriented tool for selecting regional policy strategies. The aim of the study is the theoretical and methodological substantiation and empirical testing of the diagnostic logic of the siphon model of meso-level development as an alternative to formal decentralization, and the development of practical criteria for choosing regional policy strategies. The methodology is based on the calculation of classical indicators of spatial concentration and inequality: the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), the Gini coefficient, the Theil index, the localization coefficient and the Hoover index, using data on budget revenues and population for seven urban agglomerations of the Republic of Crimea for 2024. The scope of application of the results includes regional budgetary and investment policy and the design of institutional measures for center–periphery interaction. The scientific novelty lies in the formalization of diagnostic profile templates that link combinations of classical indicators with recommended strategies. The results demonstrate a pronounced concentration of budgetary resources, a moderately high level of inequality, and a relatively small discrepancy between resources and population, which substantiates the priority of targeted siphon instruments in a number of profile configurations. The conclusions emphasize the practical applicability of the proposed diagnostic procedure and the need to complement the index-based picture with institutional and dynamic analysis when designing policies.

Keywords: siphon model, meso-level monopolization, urban agglomeration, Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI), Gini coefficient, Theil index, localization coefficient, Hoover index.

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For citation: Poshechenkov, P. S. (2026). Siphon model of meso‑level development as a strategic alternative to formal decentralization. CITISE, 1, 258–271. (In Russian).