Professional Сommunities as a Tool for Regional Economic Development

The paper deals with issues relating to the participation of professional communities in the processes of activation of regional economic development. The author proposes a classification of the factors, characteristics and tasks of professional communities that are significant for industry development. The study identifies the priority tools that facilitate community inclusion in economic decision-making. The research was carried out using materials from the railway transport industry and communities. In this study, the activities of select professional communities within the railroad industry are examined and summarized. Additionally, the contribution of these communities to the advancement of the railroad industry is outlined. The author conducted a three-pronged investigation comprising content analysis, bibliographic research and observation with the aim of identifying the key features of professional activities within the railway industry. The participation of professional communities as a phenomenon in modern economic life is determined. The paper also points out the need for further study, the lack of a formed unified understanding of the term professional communities and the importance of identifying many practical aspects of professional communities as a tool for influencing the economic development of the region. The potential contributions of professional communities to the advancement of industry and regional economic development have been identified.