Development of Clusters in the Irkutsk Region in the Context of Import Substitution

Abstract

The Irkutsk Region's economic growth in the context of import substitution requires modernizing industrial policy and developing a cluster system. Clusters can become a major factor of growth in the Irkutsk Region's economy. A cluster involves creating special conditions, assisting in funding and marketing the products of its member organizations. Cluster residents enjoy such benefits as tax preferences, support in the implementation of investment projects, and infrastructure provision in the form of technoparks. Introducing the cluster approach boosts efficiency of production and implementation of import substitution policies. The purpose of this study is to study special features of cluster formation in the Irkutsk region and the specifics of their functioning in the context of import substitution. The article studies the functioning features of the following clusters in the Irkutsk region: machinery, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, construction materials and technologies, Baikal cluster of light industry, agro-industrial, tourist and recreational clusters. The research methodology is based on a theoretical analysis of the main aspects of cluster development. The study analyzes the data on the development of clusters in the Irkutsk region. The problems of cluster development in the context of import substitution are outlined. The scientific novelty lies in identifying two approaches to the formation of clusters: one forming around an anchor resident and the other forming as a tandem of equivalent companies. It is proposed to expand the geography of sales by cluster companies via employment of anchor resident distribution centers in various territories. Interregional cooperation and establishing the Federal Center of Chemistry cluster are closely looked into. The relevance of a timber industry cluster and a cluster for the disposal of municipal solid waste in the Irkutsk region is substantiated.