State programs as regional development tools

The organizational specifics of Russia's regional development programs are analyzed with a case study of the Regional Policy and Federative Relations program. A system of indicators showing the success of the program's implementation is considered to see how it meets policy goals. The conclusion that this program needs a follow-up revision is substantiated. First, the program's goals should be clarified and justified more strictly. The vertical logic of achieving the set goals (goal-objectives-activities properly hierarchized with subprograms developed and a planned schedule for their implementation) should be formulated more rigorously. It is necessary to clarify the system of objectively verified indicators for each level of vertical logic of the program's activity, as well as to envisage the allocation of resources (both financial and legal-organizational) that would guarantee meeting target milestones at the corresponding levels. Analysis shows that even a comparably small updating of this document would facilitate a balanced regional development, achieved thanks to, not regardless of, the course of implementation of this state program.