Development of Science and Education as a Factor IN THE Formation of an Innovative Economy in Russia

Abstract

The presented study examines the current problems of global economic development: the transition of economically developed countries to a new economic model associated with the formation and development of an innovative economy based on the generation, dissemination, and application of new knowledge. Aim . The study aims to formulate proposals for the formation of an innovative economy in the Russian Federation and to determine the effects of the development of science and education on the major macroeconomic indicators of countries and regions. Tasks . The authors determine the correlation between scientific and educational potential and the major macroeconomic indicators in Russian regions, including the average income of the population and level of unemployment; find and compare the ratio of the share of domestic spending on research and development in the gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita in Russia and countries with innovative economies; determine the dynamics of patent activity in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in recent years; recommend measures to develop science, education, and innovation in Russia. Methods . The methodology of the study is based on the analysis of statistics and macroeconomic indicators relating to Russia, countries of the European Union (EU), developed and developing countries in recent years. The authors use the databases of the Russian Federal State Statistics Service and the databases of the World Bank. Results . The correlation between the indicators of development of science and education and macroeconomic indicators in Russia and other countries is determined. It is established that the unevenness of development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation remains a significant economic problem. The study presents the dynamics of changes in the number of personnel engaged in research and development and the dynamics of changes in the domestic spending on research and development per researcher. The diagrams show that the high number of researchers is Russia’s competitive advantage that allows the country to maintain the competitiveness of its high-tech industries. The study provides a graphic representation of domestic spending on research and development in GDP and GDP per capita in Russia and countries with innovative economies and the dynamics of patent activity in Russian regions. Conclusions . The authors predict a positive scenario of economic development in Russia providing that the proposed recommendations on the development of science, education, and innovation are followed.