The Russian Federation, given the turbulence of world economic development, is facing an acute problem of accelerating economic growth. It is formulated by the scientific expert community, and is reflected in the inaugural decree of the country's president (2018). Analysis shows that its solution is impossible without qualitative changes in the social sphere. Also, when solving it, one should take into account the unevenness of the spatial socio-economic development of the country. The authors argue the need to strengthen the social component of the state regional policy. In their opinion, this will contribute not only to the launch of economic growth mechanisms, but also to increase the sustainability of socio-economic development and ensure national economic security.