G. I. Makarova. Non-Capital Industrial Cities of Tatarstan: Factors of Attractiveness for Young People

https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.134.034.202601.210-227
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/dfubgg ISSN 2413-1407
УДК / UDC 338.26-053.81 (470.41) ISSN 2587-8549

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of new industrialization, the main challenge for industrial cities is preserving human potential, which is linked to the ability to attract and retain young people. Using the Republic of Tatarstan as an example, the aim of this study is to identify factors that make non-capital industrial cities attractive to young people in the context of their life choices.

Materials and Methods. The study is based on a combined methodological design. The empirical base consisted of 12 focus groups conducted in 2024 in four industrial cities (Naberezhnye Chelny, Nizhnekamsk, Almetyevsk, and Zelenodolsk) with three key groups: employees of city-forming enterprises employed in the non-manufacturing sector, as well as students from schools, colleges, and universities. Qualitative data from the focus groups and the results of quantitative mass surveys conducted in 2021 and 2024 were integrated. Additional depth was achieved by including expert interviews and interviews with residents' families.

Results. It was found that the dominant factors for young people in assessing a city's attractiveness are salary levels and opportunities for professional fulfillment and advancement. Education plays a significant role in their life choices. Among the pressing issues identified were a shortage of specialized doctors, environmental concerns, and personal safety (due to the emergence of new migrant workers). While the region has successfully addressed the challenges of creating a comfortable urban environment, the underdevelopment of the leisure and entertainment sector was noted.

Discussion and Conclusion. The study demonstrates the need for comprehensive measures to enhance the attractiveness of industrial cities. Key areas include creating conditions for career and educational advancement, targeted support for young professionals in addressing housing issues, systematic efforts to enhance the prestige of engineering and blue-collar jobs, and the development of a clear, shared vision for urban development. The findings contribute to the study of youth migration behavior, provide a practical basis for managing the human potential of industrial territories, and can be used by municipal, regional, and federal authorities.

Keywords: non-capital industrial city, human potential, youth's life strategies, problems of an industrial city, city image, Tatarstan, focus group

Conflict of interest. The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Makarova G.I. Non-Capital Industrial Cities of Tatarstan: Factors of Attractiveness for Young People. Russian Journal of Regional Studies. 2026;34(1):210–227. https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.134.034.202601.210-227

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About the author:

Guzel I. Makarova, Dr.Sci. (Sociol.), Associated Professor, Chief Researcher of the Department of Ethnological Research, Institute of History named after Sh. Marjani of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan (7 Baturina St., Kazan 420111, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3912-0961, Researcher ID: A-8213-2018, Scopus ID: 42761824200, SPIN-code: 3327-3629, makarova_guzel@mail.ru

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the author on reasonable request.

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 21.04.2025; revised 28.07.2025; accepted 12.08.2025.