Spatial Irregularity in Innovative Development of Macro-Regions and Regions of Russia

Abstract

Innovation activity embodies the integrative and associative features of the economic space, since its implementation involves the interaction of innovators, innovators and the state, embedded in the innovation cycle. The article examines the theoretical and methodological aspects of the spatial development of the innovation sphere of the Russian economy in the macro-regional and regional context. The attention is focused on the distinctive features of the spatial approach to economic research. To substantiate the structural and dynamic trends in the innovation space of the federal districts, the traditional properties characteristic of the economic space are used: density, structure, concentration, convergence and cohesion. Analytical calculations confirmed a high degree of differentiation in the development of macroregions and regions for all key indicators of innovation. The main conclusion is that the trends of spatial unevenness of the innovative development of territories that have developed over the past decade are stable, due to the state scientific and technical policy and budgetary opportunities. Taking into account international experience, one of the most effective ways to bridge the gaps in the interaction of the main participants in the innovation process and to level the spatial heterogeneity of regions is the development of national innovation networks.