Classification of old industrial regions in order to implement differentiated regional policy

Subject. The article addresses problems of production for the domestic market, compliance of the level of industry development with the requirements of the new technological paradigm. Objectives. The article aims at systematization of economic and geographical characteristics of old industrial regions of Russia. Methods. I employ methods of statistical analysis. Results. Two factors enable to fully reveal the specifics of the development of old industrial regions, i.e. historical and sectoral. I developed an algorithm to classify old industrial regions. It helps specify their composition and identify their main subtypes based on the analysis of the ‘sectoral kernel’. Conclusions. The research results can be used in the development of policies focused on creating conditions for the transformation of old industrial regions into ‘growth centers’ of the Russian economy.