Development Of Russian Regions Research Articles

ВЫБОР МОДЕЛИ РАЗВИТИЯ СЕЛЬСКОГО ТУРИЗМА В РЕГИОНЕ ДЛЯ УСТОЙЧИВОГО РАЗВИТИЯ СЕЛЬСКИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ

At the present stage of development of the services market, tourism is becoming one of the most developing areas of activity, which requires constant improvement of quality, diversity of tourism offer and modernization of tourism infrastructure. In the context of scientific and technological progress, tourism, as an area that affects many different industries, serves as an important factor in the economic and socio-cultural development of rural areas. Russia occupies a minor position in the global tourism market. Despite the great tourism potential, its competitive advantage lies in the unique objects of architecture, culture, history and natural heritage, as well as in the national flavor of the country. Rural tourism can become one of the most important areas of economic development, which will contribute to the social, spiritual and economic development of Russian regions and the country as a whole. There is a necessity and need to bring domestic tourism services in line with modern world trends, to increase the competitiveness of Russian travel companies in the tourism services market. The Russian Federation has significant territorial potential and enormous opportunities for the development of large-scale tourism activities. According to the Strategy for the Development of Tourism in the Country until 2035, the main goal is the comprehensive development of the key competitive advantages of tourism in the Russian Federation, due to the presence of many points of attraction for domestic and inbound tourist flows. Due to the presence of a larger number of monuments of cultural, historical and natural heritage in Russia, there are prospects for the development of almost any type of tourism. In this situation, agricultural tourism is of particular importance as one of the most important factors in the sustainable development of rural areas and the agricultural sector.

A Complex of Management Tools to Overcome Differentiation of Region’s Spatial Development

A key direction of the state regional policy is sustainable socio-economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation. However, the solution of this issue is significantly complicated by a number of problems associated with the spatial heterogeneity of the country and further inequality in the level of socio-economic development of Russian regions. The relevance of this study is determined by the necessity to solve the problem of systematization of theoretical approaches to the description of mechanisms of socio-economic development of the subjects of the Russian Federation, aimed to overcome the spatial differentiation of territories by basic indicators. The object of the study is the regions of the Far Eastern and Siberian Federal Districts. The aim of the study is to develop the principles of systematization of tools for spatial development of the subjects of the Russian Federation depending on the level of differentiation of regions by basic principles. To achieve the aim, the authors used the following research methods: comparative analysis, empirical analysis, synthesis, statistical method, graphic research methods. Based on the comparative analysis of the existing causes of differentiation of spatial development of the subjects of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts, the objective and subjective factors of regional inequality were identified. The analysis of existing mechanisms of spatial development of the regions of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts revealed their insufficient efficiency in solving the problem of smoothing regional socio-economic inequality. The author’s approach to the formation of a set of management tools to overcome the differentiation of spatial development of regions on the example of the Siberian and Far Eastern Federal Districts on the basis of grouping the subjects according to the studied groups of basic indicators is proposed. The paper proposes the definition of individual characteristics of each subject of the Russian Federation as a basis for the formation of tools for spatial development of the region.

Correlation between income inequality and economic growth in Russian regions: new results based on the Granger causality test

The issue of income inequality is highly relevant in scientific literature. It is caused both by the population’s pursuit of achieving an acceptable level of social justice specific to a particular society and by the property, which is often attributed to income inequality, to negatively influence economic development and growth. This article conducts an analysis of cause-and-effect relations between income inequality in the Russian regions (measured by the Gini index) and the level of gross regional product (hereinafter referred to as GRP) per capita. The primary research method employed is the Granger causality test. The research is based on data from the Federal State Statistics Service on the socio-economic development of Russian regions. Direct and reversal causality tests were performed, revealing that GRP per capita influences income inequality, but not vice versa. Moreover, the logarithm of GRP per capita exhibits a bidirectional relationship with the Gini index for Russian regions. On the basis of the obtained results, it is concluded that for effective management of the issue of regional income inequality, it is advisable to use indirect methods of financial regulation instead of the direct ones and influence income inequality through indicators of GRP per capita in Russian regions, thereby creating conditions for an increase in the standard of living and average income.

Regional features of modern Russian science (on the example of the republic of Bashkortostan of the Russian Federation)

The article analyzes the regional peculiarities of modern Russian science. In the course of the research the works devoted to the training and reproduction of scientific personnel, as well as to improving the quality and efficiency of scientific activity have been studied. The general trends in the scientific personnel formation system have been revealed, and the factors and indicators that influence science development in the regions identified. A comparative analysis of scientific personnel training in Russia and abroad has been carried out, the distinctive and similar characteristics identified. The data on domestic universities publication activity have been presented. In the Russian universities subject rating the Republic of Bashkortostan universities are mainly in the third ten, which indicates the need to strengthen scientific programs financing, increase salaries and improve working conditions for researchers. An important factor in science successful development in the region is creating attractive conditions for young scientists, who play a key role in science and innovations development, as their participation is considered a scientific progress driver. The author emphasizes the importance of strengthening the science development in Russian regions, which requires not only financial investments, but also systemic changes aimed at supporting researchers and creating favorable working conditions.

Comprehensive analysis of regional disparities in the distribution of income and welfare of the population in the Russian regions

The modern Russian economy is characterised by considerable regional disparities concerning distribution of incomes and well-being of the citizens. These imbalances can be especially noticeable when analysing various sectors which play an important role in the economic progress of the regions. Within the framework of this study, based on a comparative analysis, the degree of dependence of the living standard on the electromechanical industry is assessed. The hypothesis is advanced that the outstripping growth of this sector has a significant positive impact on indicators of employment, income, and quality of life. Testing this hypothesis will make it possible to create a state policy for equalising the socio-economic development of Russian regions with consideration to the industry specialisation of their economies. Statistical data on personal income, quality of life indices, as well as specific indicators of industry progress in different regions of the Federation were used for the study. The employed methods of correlation and regression analysis identified the links between the level of sectoral development and economic well-being of the territorial units. The analysis showed that such regions as Moscow, St. Petersburg, where an infrastructure sector leads, and a number of oil-producing Siberian regions demonstrate higher indicators of income and quality of life. At the same time, subjects with a less developed sector, for instance some areas of the North Caucasus and Siberia, are experiencing difficulties in achieving similar levels of welfare.

Forecasting estimates of the economic complexity of Russian regions

Subject. This article discusses the issues of technological development of Russian regions and their differentiation by economic specialization. Objectives. The article aims to develop a methodology for analyzing the level of development of the region based on data on the volume of production by sector of the economy and type of economic activity. Methods. For the study, we used a regression analysis. Results. The article presents the results of a comparison of indices of economic complexity, built on the basis of data on the volume of production by sector, and indices built on the basis of data on types of economic activity. Relevance. The developed methodology for assessing the economic potential can be applied at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation when determining the most important areas of economic diversification.

Innovative Development of Russian Regions: Assessment and Dynamics in the Context of Sustainable Development

Innovative development of regions is a key factor that determines the level of competitiveness of the economies of all countries in the world. This article uses statistical tools to assess the level of innovative development of the regions of the Russian Federation. The purpose of the work is to assess the innovative development of the subjects of Russia for the period 2010–2020. Objectives of the study: (1) to study the main parameters of innovative development of the subjects of the Russian Federation; (2) to conduct a typology of Russian regions by the level of innovative development on the basis of cluster analysis. The selected time interval (2010–2020) was a period of increasing turbulent flows of development of socio-economic processes at the global, national and regional levels. Cluster analysis was used to identify spatial and functional features of innovative development of Russian regions. The obtained analytical calculations confirm a high degree of differentiation between the Russian regions by all key indicators of innovative development. The results of grouping regions on the basis of cluster analysis showed that there are four clusters based on the sum of normalized indicators, reflecting different levels of innovative development in Russian regions. The analysis revealed that most of the regions belong to the groups with moderate and low levels of innovative development. The regions of the Central and Volga Federal Districts have the highest level of innovative development, while the regions located in the north of the European part of Russia, the North Caucasus, the south of eastern Siberia and the Far East, as well as “new” regions, have a low level. The results of the study can be implemented by regional authorities for systematic monitoring of the level of innovative development of regions, making managerial decisions and developing mechanisms to ensure innovation activity in the regions.

Main results of the 20-year innovative development of the Russian regions

The key objective of the study is a retrospective statistical indicators’ analysis of innovative development of Russian regions over the past decades. As part of the search for solutions to overcome the “technological impasse” and to reduce dependence on foreign technologies and raw materials export orientation, it is advisable to rely on the implementation of the innovative potential of all regions of the country due to the limited technological and scientific capabilities of individual existing leading regions. It is necessary to accelerate the transition from the current export-raw materials model of economic development to resource-innovative, assuming harmonious development, considering the innovative potential realization of the entire country territory. To fulfill the tasks set in the study, an assessment of innovative progress in Russia on a territorial basis using mathematical and statistical methods was carried out. In the course of the work, it was found that among the regions of the country there is a high degree of difference in the level of innovative financing and, as a consequence, in the pace of innovative development. There are several main leaders on which the main scientific activity and the production of high-tech products are based. Most of the regions show a significant lag, which is primarily due to the high concentration of innovation activity in only a few key points of the country.

Regional Tourism Ecosystem as a Tool for Sustainable Development during the Economic Crisis

The paper aims to examine the perspective on the development of regional tourism ecosystems as one of the pillars of sustainable development in Russian regions. In order to meet the research objective, we combined a variety of methods: the Delphi method to analyse expert views and carry out the process of weighting indicators, mathematical and statistical processing of the evaluation results to obtain a comprehensive estimate of tourism development in Russian regions. We moved through four stages, namely: studying the local ecosystems and natural resources; examination of historical and cultural resources; studying the socioeconomic resources in the regions; evaluating the skills and competencies of regional tourist office staff. Using complex sustainability indicators, we attempted to ascertain, on the one hand, how the current state of the tourism industry in Russian regions affects the overall sustainability of regional development. As a result, we presented rankings of the Russian regions depending on their complex sustainability indicators. On the other hand, we attempted to confirm that the availability, implementation, and establishment of novel approaches determine the future possibilities for the growth and strengthening of regional tourism sustainability. We found that there is a need for pervasive integration of innovations into conventional management approaches, including digital instruments supporting successful regional tourism ecosystem development. Finally, we proposed a model of such an ecosystem as a component of an innovative hypercluster.

Strategic planning in Russian regions: Spatial development issues

Strategies for the socio-economic development of Russian regions must necessarily include sections devoted to spatial aspects, which in some cases, however, fail to reach their goals due to crude methodological recommendations aimed at effective problem-solving within the regional strategy. The paper discusses the theoretical and methodological fundamentals of sections on spatial development included in the socio-economic development strategies of the RF subjects (using the case of the Ural Federal District (UrFO)). The study rests on the theories of strategic management, as well as regional and municipal management. The research data are obtained from regulatory documents and strategies for the socio-economic development of the UrFO subjects. Qualitative analysis methods were used. We reveal the structural specificity, goals, indicators and measures covered in the sections on spatial development. Despite the existence of the methodological recommendations, each RF subject tends to establish the structure of the ‘spatial’ section based on regional priorities and characteristics. The article reports on the most successful practices of spatial planning in terms of agglomerations and clusters, placement of industrial and social facilities, infrastructure, including the functional zoning of territory, identification of the promising areas of the region’s existing and emerging economic centers’ specialization, etc. Based on the research findings, we recommend to more actively use zoning by the level of socio-economic development, pinpoint promising growth points relating them to the current strategic projects, and develop target indicators more accurately considering the dynamics of population settlement, location of production and infrastructure development.

Factors influencing the initiative budgeting development in Russian regions

Factors influencing the initiative budgeting development in Russian regions

ДИАГНОСТИКА ПРОБЛЕМ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ РЕГИОНОВ В ПЕРИОД КРИЗИСА

The article aims to study issues of regional development in Russia during a crisis, as well as to design and test a method for examining issues of economic security in a region. A theory on evaluating the social and economic development of Russian regions based on the assessment of the economic security level was reviewed, and the most outstanding methods proposed by the Russian academics were considered. The authors introduced their own method for conducting such evaluation based on the index approach. Three groups of indicators were identified and included economic, social, and indicators of the population’s life quality. These indicators were assessed as individual indexes and grouped into a consolidated index of the economic security level. In addition, the authors suggested combining regions in clusters according to the obtained index values. The method was tested in the Russian regions from 2016 to 2021. As a result, 11 regions were recognized as having low economic indexes. It is recommended to focus mainly on increasing the level of economic security in these regions. The target group of regions with the highest values of indexes was determined.

Strengthening fiscal decentralization in Russia: causes of the 2020 failure and prospective directions

Relevance. Strengthening fiscal decentralization is viewed as a crucial strategy to foster the economic development of Russian regions. Research Objective. The research aims to assess the potential impact of redistributing tax revenues, particularly VAT, among various budget levels. Data and Methods. The study employs regression analysis to investigate the correlation between the Gross Regional Product (GRP) of Russian regions and the expenditures of their consolidated budgets. A comparative analysis is also conducted, using data from the Federal Tax Service on VAT receipts to the federal budget and data from the Federal State Statistics Service on GRP and expenditure components of regional budgets from 2005 to 2021. Results. The research confirms the Russian government’s concerns regarding a possible increase in economic disparities if 40% of VAT is shifted to sub-federal levels. It reveals the negative impact that such a measure would have on specific regions. Instead, a more promising approach is to implement a special budgetary regime in select regions to stimulate their development. Conclusions. The study showcases adverse effects associated with transferring 40% of VAT to the sub-federal level. It proposes a mechanism to enhance fiscal decentralization in Russia, aiming to advance regional economic development, address economic disparities among regions, and offset any potential reduction in federal budget revenues.

Innovative and technological development of the regions during the period of economic instability

Currently, the world economy has entered a period of unsteady development, characterized by the aggravation of problems that cannot be solved within the framework of existing equipment, technologies, management methods, etc. These problems are caused by the completion of the 5th technological order and the birth of the 6th, as well as the beginning of the 4th Industrial Revolution. The existing world experience convincingly proves that during periods of economic transformations caused by changes in technological structures, innovative development in the direction of innovative advance is a priority. The countries that have embarked on the path of advanced innovative development are the leaders of economic growth, ensuring the economic well-being and high quality of life of their peoples. For the enterprises of the domestic industry, which retains a significant innovative potential, the strategy of advanced innovation is virtually no alternative. The article examines the state of innovation and technological development of Russian regions during the period of economic instability. Attention is paid to the peculiarities of innovative growth of regions. Based on statistical data, the analysis of the main indicators reflecting the innovative activity of enterprises in the country’s industry is carried out. The main regional problems hindering innovative development are identified and a number of priority measures necessary for decision-making in the field of innovation promotion are proposed.

Russian Volga federal district regions’ digitalisation as a factor of their sustainable development

The article presents the author’s methodology for calculating the integral index of the level of sustainable development of Russian regions, taking into account the digital component. The object of the study is the sustainable development of the subjects of the Volga Federal District of Russia. The results of the assessment made it possible to divide the subjects under study into three groups depending on the value of the integral subindex for 2021. These groups include regions of the first group (sustainable development leaders), regions of the second group (regions with moderate sustainable development) and regions of the third group (sustainable development outsiders). Based on the results obtained, conclusions are drawn regarding the level of sustainable development of the subjects of the Volga Federal District of the Russian Federation, taking into account the digital aspect. The proposed methodology can be used for annual monitoring of the sustainability of Russian regions in four areas of development and public administration.

ОПЫТ САНКТ-ПЕТЕРБУРГА В ПРЕОДОЛЕНИИ ПОСЛЕДСТВИЙ НЕУСТОЙЧИВОСТИ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ВСЛЕДСТВИЕ АНТИРОССИЙСКИХ САНКЦИЙ И ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИИ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ БЕЗОПАСНОСТИ

The article is devoted to the study of the features of regional governance in conditions of increasing uncertainty and exacerbation of threats to economic security due to anti-Russian sanctions. The purpose of this article is to analyze the existing regional experience in overcoming the consequences of unstable economic development due to anti-Russian sanctions and ensuring regional economic security. This analysis was carried out on the materials of one of the largest (in terms of contribution to the gross domestic product of the Russian Federation) subjects of the federation - the federal city of St. Petersburg. The study assessed the impact of anti-Russian sanctions on regional development in Russia; the experience of St. Petersburg in ensuring stable and economically secure development of the regional economy was studied; recommendations for using this experience in other regions of the Russian Federation are proposed. The study focuses on studying the mechanisms of influence of anti-Russian sanctions on the economic systems of the constituent entities of the federation, as well as assessing the results of this influence, including from the standpoint of ensuring regional economic security. The results of the study show that this influence is multidirectional. The strength of its manifestation and assessment of the consequences significantly depend on the characteristics of a particular regional economic system, as well as on the measures taken in regional economic policy. As a result, the sanctions macro-shock leads to increased differentiation of Russian regions. This aggravates existing problems of economic security at the regional level. Against this background, the experience of those regions that during 2022-2023 deserves a more careful consideration. not only remained stable, but also achieved an increase in key economic indicators. One of these regions is St. Petersburg. The article analyzes the system of anti-crisis measures taken in this region that ensured stability and protection from sanctions-related threats to economic security. The article emphasizes the feasibility of using this experience in other regions. At the same time, the need for their adaptation to regional specifics is noted.

Economical and statistical analysis of the basic parameters of sustainable development of leading Russian regions

Subject. Sustainable development of Russian regions. Basic parameters of sustainable development of Russian regions in three spheres: economic, social, and environmental. Objectives. To determine the regions with similar social, economic, and environmental parameters reflecting their level of sustainability and to group them into virtual clusters. To develop a methodological approach to the analysis of the basic parameters of sustainable development of leading Russian regions and to determine the points of stabilisation and destabilisation for these regions. Research methods. Dialectical method, monographic method, comparative analysis, structuring of an array of information - virtual clustering method. Using the dialectical and monographic methods to assess the sustainability of Russian regions, we justified the use of 10 parameters characterising the economic, social, and environmental subsystems of Russian regions. The information array included data about 82 regions for the period between 2017 and 2021. In the study, we calculated the average values of sustainability indicators for each region over the said time period. The regions were grouped using the k-means algorithm and the Statistica software. The degree of sustainability of clusters was assessed based on the sum of mean normalised values of the analysed parameters. A comparison of the mean normalised values obtained for each cluster with mean values for each cluster and each parameter allowed us to determine the points of stabilisation and destabilisation for the leading clusters. Results and discussion. By dividing the regions into groups, we managed to form six homogeneous clusters with a high degree of reliability. They differ in their structural composition of the studied parameters reflecting the level of development of social and economic subsystems of the regions comprising the clusters. The sustainability of clusters was assessed based on the sums of normalised values of the analysed parameters. The leading clusters are A and B. They are far ahead of the medium cluster C. Clusters D, E, and F form a group of outsiders. Economic, social, and environmental parameters were used to determine the points of stabilisation and destabilisation for the leading clusters.

Main Factors of Uneven Development among Russian Regions

The article explores the primary factors contributing to the uneven social development of regions in Russia, providing a general classification. It pays particular attention to the influence of historical, cultural-civilisational, and geopolitical factors on the development and modernisation of Russian regions. This includes regional traditions, ethno-social and cultural specificities, and an analysis of how all these factors impact regional dynamics.
 The study illustrates that disparities, significant differences, and inequalities in the socio-economic development of Russia's regions are a result of the combination and interaction of multiple factors that require consideration when formulating and implementing regional policies. The interaction of different factors in each specific case creates key and acute social problems and risks for that region. Therefore, regional authorities and active local community groups must focus on timely responses to prevent the radicalisation and politicisation of these problems, preventing them from escalating into social-political conflicts.
 Among such problems and associated risks are issues of social inequality perceived by local residents as fundamentally unjust. These include challenges related to the lack of access for many inhabitants to quality healthcare and education, as well as ecological problems. Additionally, concerns arise regarding interethnic relations, particularly between local populations and migrants arriving from other states, along with demographic challenges.
 However, the concerted efforts of regional authorities and concerned citizen groups at the grassroots level alone cannot entirely solve the key problems of a region. This demands close cooperation and the pooling of efforts from local communities, regional, and central authorities. Presently, in Russia, such collaboration and concerted efforts across different levels are implemented only fragmentarily and far from being adequate. Consequently, it is concluded that to ensure social stability in Russian regions, regional and local authorities need to consider the interests of local communities and their initiatives for development. This includes areas such as culture, preserving and developing local traditions, education, regional studies, local and regional identity, historical memory, and ecology.
 Moreover, it is crucial to prevent the gross destruction of natural and social environments and the predatory use of natural and human resources in Russian regions by large corporations, holdings, and financial structures. The author concludes that while devising and implementing any projects for socio-political and economic development, it's essential to consider both the general civilisational specifics of Russia and the peculiarities of development within regional and local communities. Ignoring these aspects could lead to irreversible damage to the social environment and the degradation of fundamental social, cultural, and value structures within Russian society.

Comprehensive assessment of the development prospects of Russian regions (using the example of the Altai Territory)

The current geopolitical situation requires more attention to the development of Russian regions due to the need to develop new sales markets, as well as the urgent need to diversify Russian exports and increase the share of finished products. The purpose of the presented study is to test the author’s methodology for an integrated approach to assessing the prospects for the development of Russian regions, which was originally created to assess the prospects of modern trade unions. The empirical basis of the practical part of the study was the data of the analysis of general and particular indicators of the development of the Altai Territory. In the course of the study, the high efficiency of the development of the Altai Territory was revealed, which is confirmed by the growth of most general and particular indicators that make it possible to most fully describe the socio-economic component of the development of this region. During the study period (from 2015 to 2021), the foreign trade turnover of the Altai Territory increased from 927.8 to 1828.90 million US dollars, respectively. In turn, net exports showed mixed dynamics with a 9.9 % drop in 2016 due to lower prices for hydrocarbon energy carriers and a signifi cant drop in 2020 (29.4 %) due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It should be noted that, in addition to other foreign trade indicators, we analyzed the export-import coverage ratio, which shows how many times the region’s exports exceed its imports. Based on the results of the analysis, it was revealed that the export-to-import coverage ratio had multidirectional dynamics. So, in the period from 2015 to 2017, there was a drop in the designated indicator from 250 to 199 %, then in 2019 this indicator in the Altai Territory reached its maximum value of 229.71. Then, by 2021, there was a sharp decrease in the value of this indicator to the level of 168.61 %, which indicates the preservation of a positive trade balance throughout the entire study period.

The role of water transport in the development and development of economic entities in the regions of Russia

The article examines the role of water transport in the development of various economic entities in Russian regions. Due to the fact that Russia has vast territories with a huge number of rivers, lakes, seas and a long coastline, water transport plays a vital role in almost all spheres of society without exception. Therefore, the article also examines the main aspects of the relationship between the development of water transport and the regional economy, including increasing accessibility for businesses and residents, facilitating the transport of goods and increasing their volumes, as well as creating jobs and stimulating various types of investment. The article also pays attention to the role of water transport in the development of hard-to-reach and remote areas, where it is a key factor in overcoming geographical and socio-economic restrictions. Thus, the article examines various types of challenges and problems associated with the development of water transport in various economic entities. The main goal of the article is to expand understanding of the role of water transport in the development of Russian regions, as well as to draw attention to the importance of balanced infrastructural development for economic and social progress.