Innovative Potential of Russian Regions
Under the influence of external factors, such as the global financial crisis, sanctions and structural transformation, that have caused a slowdown in the Russian economy, experts stress the importance of transitioning from an economic growth model to an innovative development model in Russia. In this issue of research digest, Aleksandra Bojechkova identifies the significance of assessing the innovative potential of Russian regions in the context of this economic transition by means of economic and mathematical methods.
According to the author, the concept of innovation potential is multidimensional and can be interpreted in different ways. For example, it can be considered an element of a country's competitiveness, resource potential, scientific and technical potential or level of knowledge. In addition, innovation potential can be used as a complex parameter for measuring innovation activity that considers both the implementation of this activity and its effectiveness.
The new issue of research digest not only provides a general assessment of the innovative potential of Russian regions, but also identifies the leading regions, as well as key factors of technological efficiency in some Russian regions. The highest degree of technological efficiency is typically found in Moscow and St. Petersburg, while the group of top 10 regions includes the Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow, Tomsk, Leningrad, Tatarstan, Kaluga, Novosibirsk, Yaroslavl, Sverdlovsk and Voronezh regions. The Republics of Ingushetia, Mari El, Pskov, Khakassia and Kostroma, as well as the Jewish Autonomous Region, were found to be significantly lagging behind in terms of their innovative potential.
The author claims that the transition from an economic growth model to a sustainable model of innovative growth in Russia is a challenging task that requires addressing a number of significant issues. These include the underdevelopment of the domestic research sector, as well as the need to train highly qualified personnel, to establish necessary infrastructure, to create channels to transfer research findings to the production sector and to improve institutional environment.
In this research digest, the author proposes recommendations to update the importance of public and private investment in education, research and development and innovative infrastructure. It is essential to note that these recommendations should be implemented in conjunction with economic and industrial strategies aimed at developing high-value sectors that demand highly skilled personnel and prevent brain drain abroad.
Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center Digest Project is managed by Olga Voron.
The new issue of the research digest (Russian version) is available at the link.
Previous issues are available at thelink.