Econometric Analysis of the Effectiveness of Government Incentive Measures for the Development of the Region

Abstract

This study aims to identify the main factors that can influence the growth of the regional economy in order to assess the effectiveness of the government support measures for regions, designed to stimulate the regional domestic product growth. The subject of the study is the relationship of socio-economic indicators in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia. The authors apply the method of correlation-regression analysis. The scientific novelty lies in the development of an econometric model based on statistical data of the constituent entities of the Northwestern Federal District to forecast the levels of regional domestic product and consumer spending per capita. The main socio-economic indicators of the development of the Northwestern Federal District have been identified, which make it possible to quantitatively assess the measures taken by the government to financially support the population and the economy of the region. The Menges model was chosen as the basis for the study, which allows analyzing the relationship between such significant financial and economic indicators of an economic entity as gross regional product, investments, profit of organizations and consumption. The article developed an econometric model in the form of a system of interconnected econometric equations, the coefficients of which were estimated in the Gretl package of applied econometric programs. Based on the analysis and modification of the classical Menges model, the authors were able to determine the key indicators that have a significant impact on the dynamics of the economy of the Northwestern Federal District. These include the following factors: investments; consumer spending per capita; taxes; social payments; household deposits; personal loans; industrial production; income from business activities; profit of organizations. The authors conclude that financial support for entrepreneurs and businesses does not have a significant impact on the economic growth of the region, and measures aimed at increasing the wages of employees of organizations for the economy of the Northwestern Federal District are more effective than measures associated with an increase in social benefits. The research results will be useful to those who make regional management decisions to stabilize the post-pandemic economic situation in the Northwestern Federal District.