The dissertation presents theoretical generalization and new solution of scientific and theoretical problems, which consists of academic substantiation of conceptual foundations of the public mechanism of formation and coordination of priorities of regional development. The proposed research results will contribute to the practical solution of local problems regarding the socio-economic development of the regions of Ukraine in the context of decentralization.
It is determined that the recent change of the paradigm of regional development leads to the necessity of updating regional development strategies as the primary documents that normalize the definition of prospects for the development of the region. A crucial part of the regional strategy is the development priorities of the region, which determine the directions of development of the socio-economic sphere of the region for the medium and long term. In the context of dynamic environmental changes, regional development priorities must be based on an innovative development model, which means the formation and development of industries that can provide long-term economic growth at the local level, address urgent issues of regional development.
It is proved that there are many problems of formation on the implementation of regional development strategies. The following issues, based on methods of analysis and synthesis, include: imperfection of the regulatory framework for regional development; differences in approaches to the formation of local development strategies; low strategy adaptability to changing external and internal conditions; low level of citizen involvement in the development of a specific region; lack of coherence of regional development priorities with the state regional development strategy (or their complete absence in regional development strategies), lack of correlation of local development strategies with each other.
It is determined that effective public administration in the field of regional development implies the creation of a base for implementation of effective regional policy - mechanisms and instruments of state management of local development, which would meet the requirements of time and problems facing the regions. This task requires changing the processes of defining and implementing the goals set at all territorial levels, creating effective mechanisms for vertical and horizontal coordination of priorities at different levels and in various areas of territorial development, as well as changing the national power system itself by strengthening decentralization of power. Regional development depends on the strategic priorities of the country's development.
It is established that the priority directions of public administration, in this case, is the introduction of integrated approaches to managing regional development and improving the mechanisms of its stimulation. Namely: the necessity to justify the mechanism of determining and shaping the priorities (to improve the public administration of regional development in the conditions of decentralization) has been resolved.
The proposed mechanism is based on the assertion of the need to reconcile development priorities between regions, as well as their relevance to national interests. The priority setting process must begin with the identification of stakeholders, taking into account their interests and problems, on the basis of which the “grey areas” will be identified, and the implementation of the respective priority will be addressed. In order to effectively identify and clearly formulate a priority in accordance with the proposed mechanism, it is necessary to develop a unified methodology for setting regional development priorities.
Also, they must comply with certain principles, namely: purposefulness; systemic; variants; comprehensiveness; resource security; consistency; comprehensive analysis; adequacy; science; flexibility; efficiency; decentralization, deconcentration, subsidiarity. Financing of the definition and implementation of the priorities of regional development, as well as the participation of relevant organizations in this field: Council of Interregional Development, Regional Development Agencies, are essential components of the mechanism.
