“Silicon Valleys” – i nnovation zones in the USA, China, EU, Russia, and other countries

Abstract

The article explores the history of the formation of innovation zones – c enters of scientific and innovative development, their sources and activators, starting with the creation of Silicon Valley in California (USA) in the 1950s, the name of which has become a generic term for a large innovation center and is used in different countries. The aim of the study is a comparative analysis of the conditions and nature of the development of Silicon Valleys and innovation zones in different countries and in Russia. The methodology consists of empirical crosscountry analysis and comparison methods, allowing to identify innovation zones by the degree of influence (scale) on the economy and modern scientific and technological development. As a result of the comparative cross-country analysis, it is concluded that Russia has favorable conditions for creating an extensive “Silicon Valley”, especially in its regions that have large scientific and technical reserves and conditions for such development. However, such conditions and organizational measures are currently absent in Russia, which makes the comparative analysis of the impact of Silicon Valleys and innovation zones on the economic development of advanced countries in the world in terms of science and technology relevant. The article also provides an author’s assessment of the capitalization of unicorn firms created by Russians abroad, not in Russia, which confirms the need for work to create territorial associations of high-tech firms and projects.