the 1994 rank revision versus the ranks of 1992 was studied to find out the degree
of difference existing between the regional ranking levels within the two-year space
of time.
The significant alteration in a rank that would result in changes (worsening or
otherwise) of the above level was assumed the one amounting to no less than 5
units. Hence six types of regions have been categorized as follows:
1) backward regions with level set to be aggravated;
2) backward regions retaining their level;
3) backward regions with level set to be improved;
4) successful regions with level set to be aggravated;
5) successful regions retaining their level;
6) successful regions with level set to be improved.
The outcome of regional typification leads us to the conclusion that they are highly
mobile relative to each other. Thus, of 88 regions only 28 retained their level (types
2 and 4 shown in Table 3), i.e. less than a third from the total number. Out of
backward regions, as of 1992, eight worsened their level, 14 retained it, and 20
improved their ranked level, with a number of Oblasts (center-cities of Tambov,
Ryasan, Kaluga, Kursk, Kaliningrad, Lipetsk), Stavropol Kray and the city of
St.Petersburg entering into the categoryof relatively successful regions. Now
consider the bulk of successful regions as of 1992, where seven improved their
level, 14 retained it and 25 worsened. A number of regions of their category, namely
republics of Altay and Udmurt; Primorskiy and Khabarovsk Krays; Arkhangelsk,
Rostov and Sakhalin Oblasts - all became ranked among the backward regions in
the year 1994.
As is evident from the analysis, the dominant role among the regions that improved
their level belongs to the cities of Moscow and St.Petersburg, and Oblasts of
Central Russia. Eastern regions of the country gave in. Out of 33 regions of the
worsened level, eight account for Siberia, seven - for the Far East and another
seven account for the Ural, thus amounting to 22 regions, or 2/3 from their total
number. Among those that improved their level there are three from Siberia, two
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