THE CONCEPT OF INTERREGIONAL ECONOMIC DISPARITIES AND THE CAUSES OF THEIR EMERGENCE

This article critically examines the concept of interregional economic disparities, exploring their definitional nuances, measurement methodologies, and theoretical underpinnings. Characterized by significant differences in economic welfare and productivity across sub-national units, these disparities are a growing concern in advanced economies, measured via metrics like per capita GDP ratios and Gini coefficients. The study synthesizes literature to investigate the complex interplay of factors contributing to regional divergence, identifying key drivers such as technology shocks, structural economic transformations, human capital deficits, and labor market rigidities, advocating for integrated policy responses.