Spatial effects for the eastern and western regions of Russia: a comparative analysis

The purpose of this study is to identify the spatial effects of the main macroeconomic indicators of the eastern and western regions of Russia. These regions differ significantly in population densities and distances between cities. The main research question is the following: how do events in one of the western or eastern regions affect similar indicators in other western and eastern regions? Our analysis revealed: 1) a positive spatial correlation of the main macroeconomic indicators for the western regions; 2) both positive and negative externalities for the eastern regions; 3) a mutual but asymmetric influence of eastern and western regions. Usually 'impulses' from the western regions have a positive effect on the eastern regions, but 'impulses' from the eastern regions usually do not affect the western regions.