The article identifies the necessity, essence and methodology of developing socio-economic priorities in regional development strategies. Studied the experience of applying strategic approaches to regional development management in European countries and, in particular, in Ukraine. Substantiated the reasons for changing priorities in the development of new strategies for socio-economic development. Proposed the principles followed in setting priorities in regional strategies. Based on the alternative analysis, an algorithm for determining priorities in the strategic development of regions, focused on achieving global goals and specific conditions for their implementation in each region. The main conditions to be met by the general logic of determining and changing the priorities of regional development, which include: limited number of regional development priorities, their focus on achieving global goals in the region; adequacy of priorities in the conditions of the region's development; specificity and achievability of goals; focus on achieving competitive advantages; innovative solutions; stimulating those industries that can ensure long-term economic growth and increase the competitiveness of regions. The study uses a comparative analysis of approaches to determining the priorities of strategic development of separate regions of Ukraine. The conclusions are based on the necessity to use a strategic analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the functioning of individual regions, as well as to identify opportunities and threats that exist in their external environment.