Main Directions of Perspective Social and Economic Development of the Mari El

— The article discusses the main indicators of socioeconomic development of the Mari El Republic: population size and income, housing conditions, financial state of enterprises and their trade turnover. Negative trends are observed: out migration from the Republic’s raions, low salary levels, slow growth of housing stock, and lagging infrastructure development. The article analyzes measures of a territory alignment strategy aimed at improving the Republic’s transport accessibility: modernization of enterprises and creating new enterprises; developing gas infrastructure for small localities of the Republic; increasing the innovative activity of the region. It is proposed to introduce a measure of state support in the form of an effectively functioning legislative framework, involving increasing tax incentives and state lending to innovative enterprises; leasing equipment to newly created manufacturing facilities.