Duran M. Socio-economic development of municipal settlements in the region

The topicality, theoretical and practical importance of studies of towns being the particular objects of scientific investigation "Development of productive forces and regional economy" addressed. The core of regional settlement system and the basis of its formation outlined. Modern theoretical foundation for research of development of towns and the network of municipal settlements of the region estimated. Using a retrospective analysis of development of municipal settlements in the Transcarpathian region and their regional system, a number of the specific features intrinsic to such municipal settlements have been identified. Nowadays these features appear to be socio-economic factors determining such settlements condition. It has been found that despite decrease of urbanization level in the region, municipal settlements continue to play the role of the specific focal points still attracting the population. The concept of "morphological diapause" introduced, the core content of this concept revealed, the timelines for morphological diapause of municipal settlements in the Transcarpathian region defined. The factors determining the needs of urban population of the Transcarpathian region identified. The author's suggestions substantiated regarding clarification and approval of all decisions and proposals contained in prognostic and planning documentation. The high-priority measures have also been proposed in order to address the problems of development of small towns of the Transcarpathian region. The concept of "the regional framework emanation base" introduced. The core content of this concept revealed as a set of administrative, managerial, economic, social, demographic and other ties having them focused on the regional level in the system-forming nucleus -in the regional center, on the local level - in other centers within the regional framework. Proposals elaborated regarding its development in order to improve the quality of life of the population in the settlements of the region.