Development of Sport and Recreation Clusters as an Innovative Approach to the Solution of Regional Socio-economic Problems

Abstract

As part of the concept for long-term socio-economic development in Russia until 2020, the Russian government has set goals and priority directions for achieving sustainable development of the national economy and socio-economic indicators, improving the quality of life and forming tourism and recreation zones in many regions.

 Aim. This study aims to substantiate the need for the development of sports and recreation clusters as a form of innovative business  to support regional socio-economic development.

Tasks. This study analyzes the distribution of economic indicators of 20 countries to determine the economic effect of the business activity of sports and recreation clusters, determines the specific aspects of organizing public and private support for sports and recreation clusters, and provides a plan for the operation of sports and recreation clusters.

Results. Positive trends are determined in the growing number of organizations engaged in sports and recreational activities both in Russia and abroad. The operation of sports and recreation clusters within the territory of Russian regions is a matter of not only creating a highly efficient and highly competitive object of economic activity but also improving the quality of life of the region’s and country’s population, and developing the society as a whole. Major strategic objectives for the long-term formation and development of sports and recreation clusters are defined.