The aim of the conference is to involve a wide range of experts from Russia and abroad in discussing the issues of socio-economic development of territories, modern economic geography and spatial planning, enhancement of statistical and data analytical support to decision-making concerning spatial development.

Background. The conference has been held biennially since 1995, honouring the memory of a prominent Russian economic geographer, founder of Russian statistics and Russian regional economic geography, and enthusiastic educationalist Konstantin Arsenyev (1789-1865). His versatile scientific activities and historical connection to the City of Petrozavodsk and Karelia became a motivation for establishing a conference in memory of his scientific and public work and in recognition of his contribution to Russian and world science. Participants. Researchers, specialists, experts, academics, PhD students, yearly-career scientists, representatives of legislative, executive and local authorities, and NGOs are invited to take part in the conference. Special thematic focus of the 2024 conference: Strategic contours of the transformation of the spatial structure of Russia’s socio-economic system in response to new challenges.

Key thematic areas:

1. Economic geography issues related to the prospects of spatial development of the economy of Russia and other countries, enhancement of economic zoning, territorial planning, and spatial arrangement of production facilities in view of current regionalization trends and structural transformation of the economy and economic space.

2. Spatial development statistics related to the use and advancement of statistical measurement, analysis, and modeling methods in research on complex socio-economic processes.

3. Digital transformation of economic management, including monitoring and statistical observation of socio-economic phenomenon.

4. Prospects for the development of new intercountry integration formats.

5. Tourism and recreation in regional development