Published: 15 January 2015
Purpose. Analyze, summarize and systematize the experience, problems and prospects of formation and state regulation of urban agglomerations in Russia in a broad historical perspective. Methods. The study is based on scientific methods of factor, comparative-historical, cross-regional and cross-national analysis, as well as methods of the spatial development theory. Results and practical significance. Author based approach to the formation of strategic priorities in the field of state regulation of Russian agglomerations. The specificity of the Russian agglomerations genesis has a significant influence on the formation of a modern model of state influence. Scientific novelty. Author identified and described the main stages of the metropolitan areas in the Russian Federation formation. The necessity and the possibility of taking into account the identified features in the formation of public policy, providing innovative type of economic development of the country.