Technologies for the development of methods for evaluating an innovative system

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to develop proposals for improving the methodology for assessing the innovative development of the socio-economic system of Russian regions based on the achievements of international theory and practice in this field of research. To accomplish the task, the authors considered both conceptual and empirical approaches to the assessment of regional innovation systems in modern conditions of development. The article presents a new structure of the integral innovation index of the regions of Russia based on a critical review of the results of well-known scientific research and approaches that are used by leading development institutions. The authors have proposed the grouping of primary indicators into subindexes, reflecting the potential, conditions for development, activity and effectiveness of the innovation system of the region. The calculation of the value of the final integral index is carried out by taking into account the weights of the subindexes, while the study presents theoretical and practical developments that largely shift the emphasis on the effectiveness and efficiency of innovation activities. Special attention is paid to the interpretation of assessment results. Based on the range of possible values it was proposed to group regions by the identified types of innovation systems. The authors have tested the developed method on the example of the subjects of the Central Federal District of Russia, the results of which are illustrated by the innovation map of the regions. Based on the clustering of assessment results, a typology of regional innovation systems has been developed reflecting their heterogeneity. The work substantiates the need for a differentiated innovation policy for different types of regions, taking into account the complex of identified barriers and weaknesses. This will allow to level the obstacles to regional innovation and industrial growth. Thus, we are talking about the need to form a “smart strategy” of the region’s innovative development.