Assessing the resource potential of countries in the context of the formation of the knowledge economy

Abstract

Subject. Taking into account the existing world experience in the development of the knowledge economy in modern conditions, there is a need to study the current state and further development of the knowledge economy throughout developed and developing countries. Objectives. The study aims to assess the resource potential of countries from the perspective of the knowledge economy formation. Methods. We employ general scientific and special methods, i.e. monographic, abstract-logical, and methods of comparative analysis. The applied part of the article is implemented using the modern tools of economic research. Results. To assess phases of the knowledge economy development in different countries, we specified a list of indices (human development index, digital competitiveness index, global innovation index) that characterize the current state of the knowledge economy development, and studied their dynamics for 2016–2020. Based on the data obtained, we classified international indices, assessed key aspects of the knowledge economy by calculating an integrated indicator of the knowledge economy. In the consolidated ranking of countries we identified Russia's position and determined the main factors hindering its progress towards the knowledge economy. Conclusions. To reduce the gap between Russia and other countries, we offer a set of measures to stir up the process of promoting intellectual and digital technologies as the main strategic resource. If implemented, these measures can act as a basis for the development of a general conceptual model of the knowledge economy.