Features of scientific and technological progress in the regions of the European North of Russia: A population perspective

Abstract

This study contributes to and extends the theoretical and analytical foundations of the theory of the creative class, in which the population's perception of science and innovation processes is considered to be one of the key factors influencing the level of scientific and technological progress. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that the transition of the domestic economy to an innovative business model is of particular importance at present, when there is an unfavorable economic situation and high geopolitical risks. In this regard, it is necessary to identify the attitude of Russian society towards science and innovation, with due consideration for regional nuances. The study hypothesizes that by understanding the nature of innovation processes, the factors influencing them, their relationships, and the interplay between individual interests and social values, it becomes possible to explain the forms and nature of the influence of communities on scientific and technological progress. The goal of the study is to analyze the perception of science and innovation by the population at the regional level. The object of the study is the population of the regions of the European North. The subject of the study is the population’s perception of science and innovation. The study relies on systems analysis and uses the core methods of socio-economic research (quantitative, qualitative, and predictive). Particular emphasis is placed on the questionnaire method; it was used to survey the population of the Vologda region, which is representative of the European North of Russia. The novelty of the study lies in the development and testing of sociological tools for assessing the population’s perspectives on the problems and prospects associated with progress in science and innovation at the regional level. Our survey results reveal that, overall, the region's population holds a positive view of national achievements in research. The results correlate with those of surveys conducted earlier on the same topic, which enables us to conclude that the perception of science and innovation by the population of the Vologda region does not differ significantly from the general opinion of Russians. However, the Vologda region's population places lower trust in national researchers and the Russian Academy of Sciences — almost 25% lower than the national average. In the final part of the article, conceptual recommendations are proposed to enhance an innovative culture and public receptivity. The outcomes of this research contribute to the advancement of economic science and provide insights into the latest tools in this sphere. They can also be used to improve population engagement in economic progress by fostering an innovative culture. Moreover, they can inform key projects in public policy.