Improving the Mechanism for Managing Land Resources in Special Economic Zones

Abstract

Introduction. The territories of special economic zones (SEZs), which are a key instrument of regional development in Russia, facilitate an annual inflow of aggregate investments into the regions exceeding 1 trillion rubles. Currently, these zones require new approaches to real estate management. As of 2024, up to 30% of land within SEZ boundaries remains undeveloped due to bureaucratic barriers and insufficient infrastructure. This necessitates a comprehensive program of scientific and practical research into the management of these territories.
Aim. To investigate the problems associated with the use of land resources within the boundaries of SEZs in Russia and to identify potential approaches for bringing the existing undeveloped territories within SEZs into active economic circulation.
Materials and methods. The study utilized data from the reporting of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development on the performance of SEZs since the start of their operations. A comparison was conducted between the data on the area of land plots provided for lease and/or owned by residents and other investors, and the volumes of revenue from the sale of goods and services, the number of jobs utility infrastructure in the SEZs.
Results. Based on an analysis of the establishment stages, regulatory framework, and goal-setting of SEZs, they were grouped by their field of activity; types of projects were identified with a rationale for their implementation. A correlation was made between a quantitative assessment of available land resources and the socio-economic indicators of SEZ performance. This allowed to estimate the presence of significant areas of vacant land, primarily within SEZs of the tourist-recreational type. Using the example of this type in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, proposals are presented for expanding the usable area available for lease and/or ownership by residents and other investors.
Conclusions. This study highlights the need to optimize the management of land resources within SEZs, particularly those of the tourist-recreational type. The implementation of the proposed measures could facilitate the involvement of undeveloped territories in active economic circulation and contribute to the achievement of regional development goals.

To cite: Ivanov N.I., Ivanova N.A., Riga A.A. Improving the Mechanism for Managing Land Resources in Special Economic Zones. Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2025;3:2. https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2025-3-2