Megacities: identification in the global economic system

Abstract

Transformations at the mega level of the global economic system actualize research on contemporary objects of megaeconomy, among which the authors identify megacities as cities of global importance. The article substantiates the necessity of using a functional approach to the identification of large cities performing global functions. A system of essential characteristics has been formed to identify megacities as distinct from overpopulated megalopolises in developing countries.