Spatial and structural patterns in the distribution of R&D, innovation and production activities in Russia

Abstract

A modern innovative economy relies on the continual integration of knowledge and tech­nologies into production, monitoring, and management processes. Therefore, territorial proximity and sectoral complementarity of the activities of scientific, technological and industrial organisations are crucial factors in fostering innovation. This article aims to assess the relationship between a region’s economic and scientific specialisation and the level of its innovative development. The object of the study is the industrial and research profile of Russian regions’ economies with a focus on the strength of connections between them. We identified and measured Russian regions’ industry-specific research, technolog­ical and economic specialisations. Additionally, we described the spatial and structural patterns of interregional distribution and concentration of research, technological and in­novative activities. Methodologically, we compared data on the product output by industry, using the OKVED classification subgroups and information on the costs and implemen­tation of R&D. To gather the latter data, we employed our methodology, which involved juxtaposing GRNTI and OKVED codes. Overall, we analysed data from 17.3 thousand re­search, development and technological projects conducted between 2017 and 2021 across 18 fields. Specialisation coefficients for both the supply and demand of R&D outcomes and production were computed for each region. The econometric analysis made it possible to distinguish four clusters of regions based on their research and industrial specialisation: agro-industrial regions, mechanical engineering regions, precision engineering regions and diversified regions. The study demonstrated a correlation between a region’s innova­tive product output and the structure of its innovative economy.