The circular economy model and the role of solvates in regional innovative development (the case of Russian regions)

Abstract

Relevance. Recent practice has convincingly tested the fact that the transition to a circular economy is an important goal for society and individual companies, especially in resource-intensive manufacturing industries. Research objective. The purpose of the study is to develop a theoretical and methodological basis for the creation of innovative solvates in regional industry, based on the concept of circular economy. Data and methods. The research methodology is represented by the convergence of system-synergetic, resource-efficient and cluster approaches, which makes it possible to identify regions where integrating industrial enterprises and related fields of activity form conditions and produce values in the concept of the circular economy. Results. The theoretical and methodological basis for the creation of new structures for the innovative development of regional industry on the platform of circularity, principles of inclusiveness, resilience and environmental friendliness has been formed; a new concept - innovative solvates has been introduced into scientific circulation. Based on the cluster analysis, the zones of localization of innovative solvates in the regions of Russia were identified. This made it possible to single out a cluster group with a high scientific and innovative potential, as well as a cluster of regions with the potential to localize innovative solvates, which included regions of industrial and resource specialization. Conclusions. The article presents the directions of solving the problem of achieving the conditions imposed by the circular economy in the innovative solvates of the industrial sector of the region. The study is motivated by several considerations. The first is the formation of an integral conceptual and terminological apparatus, theoretical and methodological basis of research. The second is the establishment of partnerships necessary for the implementation of circularity conditions in an innovative solvate, and the analysis of ways in which a solvate can switch to a circular economy.