The Northwestern macroregion’s spatial development under the new economic realities

Subject. This article discusses the issues of the Northwestern macroregion resource use to address the nationwide economic issues. Objectives. The article aims to determine the position of the Northwestern Federal District in the intra-Russian division of labor, and analyze the economic specialization of the regions within the macroregion. Methods. For the study, I used the methods of logical, statistical, and empirical analyses. Results. The article finds that the formation of a spatial economy of the Northwestern Federal District requires the realization of the unique comparative advantages of each particular region, deepening the regional economic specialization through the implementation of new technologies, and strengthening the interconnection and interaction among the regions. Conclusions. The technological and intellectual capital of the Northwestern Federal District must be engaged to reduce dependence on external conditions that pose a threat to its stable development.