Differentiation of the Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation for the Implementation of Regional Scientific, Technological and Innovation Policy

Abstract

Scientific, technological and innovative development in Russia is becoming increasingly important at the state level. The study aims to differentiate the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to identify approaches to the implementation of a systemic regional scientific, technological and innovation policy. It is hypothesised that socio-economic, spatial, and administrative and historical factors should be considered for developing such a policy in Russian regions. Axiomatic and descriptive methods, economic and statistical analysis, and mapping were utilised. A system of 3 indicator blocks for the differentiation of Russian regions was compiled; the obtained results were presented in a table and a map. The described heterogeneities and commonalities of regions can be used to develop directions for implementing regional scientific, technological and innovation policy. Russian regions were divided into 23 groups of 4 types, ranging from most to least scientifically, technologically and innovatively developed. Corresponding recommendations for successful scientific, technological and innovative development of each type were generated. Advanced regions need to implement a policy of research leadership, guidance for other regions, and international cooperation. Developed regions have to focus on the best practices of advanced regions, develop their target scientific areas, and establish interregional research cooperation within groups to strengthen their competitive advantages. Regions with development potential should be involved in the federal scientific and technological agenda, which can become a powerful impulse and attract federal funding. Regions with a low base can cooperate with more developed regions similar in terms of economic structure and location and become their satellite. The presented differentiation of Russian regions by key characteristics and parameters confirmed the hypothesis, proving the need for consistency of regional scientific, technological and innovation policy and scientific validity of decision-making.