Analysis of entrepreneurial activity in the regions of Russia: Configuration of factors of digital environment

Abstract

Subject. The article investigates a set of factors of digital environment that have a favorable and constraining effect on the regional entrepreneurship development. Objectives. The aim is to analyze the influence of digital environment factors on complex and individuals ndicators of entrepreneurial activity in the region during the pandemic and post-pandemic periods. Methods. The study employs methods of generalization, classification, grouping and systematization, evaluation of correlation relationships and construction of regression models, analysis of panel data. The information base includes regional statistics, data on scientific and technical infrastructure, data from statistical books for the period of the national program "Digital Economy of the Russian Federation". Results. The study generalized and grouped factors of digital environment (financial, infrastructural, scientific and educational, institutional, information resource, and network), the proposed indicators for assessing the level of formation of digital environment and entrepreneurial activity of the region. The practical significance of the findings consists of the built econometric multifactor models of dependence of entrepreneurial activity indicators in Russian regions on complex and specific factors of digital environment. The findings are applicable in the development of regional policies in the area of entrepreneurship support, creation of special environmental conditions and measures on the side of regional authorities and business support institutions to adapt entrepreneurship to factors volatility. Conclusions. The correlation and regression analysis showed that the factors of digital environment mainly affect the growth of the number of fast-growing companies and concentration of business in the region. A greater number of factors with a high level of correlation relate to the development of digital infrastructure and ICT sector in the region.