Prospects and challenges of innovative development of the regions of the central federal district

Abstract

Importance: the subject of the research is the innovative potential of the regions of the Central Federal District (CFD), on the basis of which the dynamics and distribution of the level of innovation activity in the regions are analyzed, as well as groups of regions with similar levels of innovative development are identified. Purpose: the objective of the study is to identify the features of the dynamics of innovation activity of the CFD entities, to distinguish groups of regions by the level of innovative potential, and to formulate recommendations to improve the effectiveness of regional innovation policy, taking into account the heterogeneity of innovative development. Research design: the study uses a comprehensive approach, including the calculation of key indices of innovative products and innovative activity based on official statistical data for the period 2019– 2023. To group the regions by the level of innovative potential, cluster analysis using the K-means method was applied, which made it possible to identify homogeneous groups of regions considering several indicators of innovation activity. The analysis was conducted considering changes in indicators over the years and trends in the redistribution of innovative potential within the district. Results: the study conducted cluster analysis of the Central Federal District regions by innovation activity, distinguishing four groups: innovation development leaders, regional innovation drivers, promising entities, and lagging regions. The heterogeneity of innovative development with dynamic restructuring of group composition during 2019–2023 was revealed. A differentiated regional policy is proposed, aimed at supporting leaders and stimulating innovation in less developed regions to increase the overall competitiveness of the district.