Relevance. Infrastructure projects play a significant role in the economic development of the region, allowing to increase its potential, provide support for the regional ecosystem, reduce the negative impact on the environment, and create conditions for sustainable growth of the local territory.At the same time, despite the increased interest in conducting scientific research in the infrastructure sector and its opportunities to effectively influence the economy, there is a lack of development of adaptive tools and effective methods of infrastructure design in the region in the existing works of scientists, which confirms the relevance of the research.The purpose it consists in identifying the theoretical, methodological and practical features of infrastructure design in the regional system as a driver of its economic development.The objectives: to determine the role and importance of infrastructure projects in the development of the regional system; to identify criteria reflecting the specifics of infrastructure projects; to structure approaches and methods of project management; to assess the state of development of the regional infrastructure sector on the example of the Orel region.Methodology. The work uses methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization and logic based on problem-oriented, system-structural and design approaches.Results. The study found that infrastructure projects act as a unique tool for integrated development and the basis for the functioning of the localized territory of the subject of the Russian Federation, and are designed to create conditions for ensuring the effective functioning of the population and harmonious business growth.Conclusions. The role and importance of infrastructure projects in the regional system is great and multifaceted, allowing it to act as a kind of locomotive and engine of its development and creating a multiplier effect for regional sectors of the economy.The directions of subsequent research are related to the creation of an organizational and managerial model for the infrastructural development of the regional system, the development and promotion of infrastructure projects based on it in the region in the context of spatial economics.