On the Activity of Major Cluster Groups in Russia as a Key Tool for Implementing Import Substitution and Innovation Policies

Abstract

The presented study summarizes the results of the implementation of import substitution and innovation policies in Russia. It is established that cluster structures created and supported by the state are primarily meant to solve the problems of import substitution and innovative economy formation in the country. Aim. The study aims to assess the prospects for the development of cluster initiatives as a key tool for implementing import substitution and innovation policies in the country. Tasks. The authors examine the role and importance of clusters in the development of regions and countries; summarize theoretical models of cluster structures; determine stages in the development of cluster initiatives in modern Russia; analyze the results of the formation of industrial and innovative clusters; formulate conclusions regarding the problems of innovation policy implementation; provide recommendations to facilitate the development of cluster initiatives and innovative economy in Russia. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to analyze the results of the formation of cluster structures meant to facilitate the implementation of innovation and import substitution policies in Russia and proposes possible directions and tools for the formation of Industry 4.0 in the country. Results. The study shows that the current solution to the problem of import substitution based on industrial clusters is unsatisfactory. Effective support for the activity of innovation clusters also does little to increase the share of innovative products created in Russia. At the same time, it will obviously take at least 10-15 years to see the effects of the implementation of innovation and import substitution policies, which makes it impossible to draw a definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of the examined policies or to assess the overall activity of cluster structures in the country. Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that instead of extractive development institutions that hinder the country’s development, civil and entrepreneurial initiatives, Russia needs inclusive development institutions that are now practically absent but would allow citizens, organizations, and companies to influence economic and political processes. Furthermore, special government support is required for the rapidly growing medium-sized tech companies, which can become a source of economic growth for the country and a factor of global competitiveness in the world market in the next 10-15 years. Without their active development, building Industry 4.0 is impossible.