Abstract. This article analyzes the problems of cultural regional studies as a key area of regional culture research. In his work, the author relies on a value-normative approach and emphasizes that the unity of scientific theory and practice, obvious to cultural scientists, is often not understood and therefore not realized. Moreover, in the regions, the insurmountable gap between fundamental theoretical cultural studies and the practices of organizing cultural life is becoming increasingly apparent. Therefore, the study focuses special attention on the social demand for the results of the work of regional scientists. It is also recognized that the effectiveness of support for cultural regional studies depends on its long-term sustainability and strategic focus. The author sees the solution in the systematization of cultural regional studies within the framework of a long-term state program of its support on an equal basis with the regions.

Keywords: culturology, regional culture research, regional culture, value-normative approach, support for science, regional scientific schools, social demand for science.