The purpose of the research - is strategic aspects of development of Sumgait as the industrial center in 1970-1985. Developments of formation of Sumgait as the industrial center in that period are analyzed for this purpose. Influence of a system of planning and administrative management of the being USSR on social and economic development of Sumgait is investigated. Historical merits of Heydar Aliyev in acceleration of social and economic development and expansion of industrial capacity of the city of Sumgait are considered. The determination of national leader Heydar Aliyev is disclosed and strategic importance of the work, which is carried out by him in strengthening of industrial capacity of Sumgayit, is given.

The methodology of the research - system and comparative analysis, definitions of methodological approaches and the specification of development of the Sumgait industrial center in 1970-1985, scientific works of different researchers, scientists, experts and author's approaches.

The practical importance of the research – results and material of a research can be used in preparation of state programs on social and economic development of the city of Sumgait taking into account requirements of the modern period.

The results of the research – strategic approaches to the carried-out actions for the purpose of balancing of development of the city in the context of formation of strong industrial potential and ensuring social and economic development of Sumgait and strategic aspects of importance of the held events in 1970-1985 in ensuring the level of development of the city of Sumgait, recommendations and offers on the considered problems are given.

The originality and scientific novelty of the research - scientific works about social and economic development of Sumgait, however, generally in materials of a research the ideas and approaches of the author are put in research. Depth of strategic aspects of development of the city of Sumgait as the industrial center and economical and historical factors, regularities of processes of social and economic development of the city are systematized.

Keywords: Sumgayit, industrial center, municipal economy, industrial potential, strategic aspects, social and economic development.