Aim. To analyze the significance and directions of development of foreign economic activities, establishment of twinning for the Leningrad region in modern geopolitical conditions.

Tasks. To substantiate the need to develop twinning relations; to identify mutually beneficial options for economic twinning, as well as to analyze its key ways.

Methods. The research was based on a systematic approach, which analyzed the structure of prospective economic interaction between the Leningrad region and twinned territories (Hebei Province of the People’s Republic of China and the Mogilev region of the Republic of Belarus).

Results. It has been revealed that in the context of a number of directions Leningrad region enterprises can find mutually beneficial options of economic cooperation in the territories of the countries friendly to Russia: China and Belarus. The analysis of economic structures of the Leningrad Region, Hebei Province of the People’s Republic of China and Mogilev Region of the Republic of Belarus substantiated basic recommendations on the selection of the most promising areas of development of twinning relations of the Leningrad Region with these regions: exchange, development and import of technologies and equipment, including in the field of railway engineering (with Hebei Province); cooperation in agriculture and food industry (with Mogilev Region).

Conclusions. Intensification of expansion of twinning relations of the Leningrad region will be one of the most important directions of adaptation of the region’s economy to the policy of foreign economic sanctions. The approach presented in the article can be applied to the management of international activities and other regions of the Russian Federation.

Aim. To identify the features of the global energy transition at the international level and assess the feasibility of its implementation in the given timeframe, taking into account available data on the financial resources allocated for this purpose.

Tasks. To analyze the main trends in the global energy market in the modern conditions, putting an emphasis on the post-COVID period, to identify the main factors influencing the financing of the energy transition at the international level and the amount of investment necessary to achieve the goals of “net zero”.

Methods. The study analyzed statistical data from representative sources of Goldman Sachs, BloombergNEF, LevelTen Energy, IRENA, Climate Bonds Initiative and others, which made it possible to identify current and longer-term (2008-2023) trends emerging in the global energy market.

Results. The global energy transition process appears to be long-term, despite what has already been achieved in the global energy sector, as well as digitalization incentives and opportunities. This restructuring could prove beneficial for both alternative and conventional energy sources. In order to analyze the current situation and identify trends in the global energy market, the main influencing factors are highlighted: high fossil fuel prices, accelerated implementation of environmental technologies, cheaper clean technologies, and reorientation of energy supplies. This trend was evident in developed countries even before the COVID-19 pandemic and is spreading to more and more states, including developing ones. However, the financial resources currently allocated for its implementation are insufficient, which may result in failure to reach the zero goal by the target date of 2050.

Conclusions. The findings of this study have confirmed the intensified use of renewable and alternative energy sources, which is generally consistent with the goals of the global energy transition. It revealed a significant influence of the political factor, as well as such factors as safety, costs and environmental friendliness. It is concluded that more funding is needed, especially in the sectors that are difficult to reduce emissions (cement production, steel production). There is a need for investment in renewable energy (RE) not only in developing countries, but also in developed countries. Since it is a question of creating reliable long-term access to clean energy, the solution to the global energy transition trilemma requires intensified investment in renewable energy and the expansion of sustainable financing at the international level in general.

Aim. To identify the most effective foresight methods for technological forecasting of digital transformation and development of Russian corporations.

Tasks. Analysis of methodological foundations of foresight, its essence, goal setting, and specifics of its practical application; identification of factors for foreign consulting companies to apply foresight methods; review of Russian practice of corporate foresight application by RZD, Gazprom and Rosatom; identification and demonstration of the most effective foresight methods for domestic companies.

Methods. The authors used general logical and special research methods, system and structuralfunctional approaches. The study is based on scientific papers published in Russian and foreign periodicals, publications in leading Russian periodicals, normative-legal documents, as well as data from the Bank of Russia, international consulting companies, etc.

Results. The article is devoted to the prospects and possibilities of using foresight methods for forecasting and strategic planning in Russian companies. The most effective foresight methods that can be used to develop strategies for the digital transformation of domestic companies were identified.

Conclusions. The complexity of technological forecasting is also due to the high degree of uncertainty in the digital economy environment, which is confirmed by the authors’ research in the context of analyzing the data of numerous forecasts of analytical and consulting companies. Significant differences in the methodology of calculating the indicator can be seen in the example of estimates of the size of the global Internet of Things market, which shows a significant scattering of analysts’ opinions, from $300.3 billion to $1,186.2 billion in 2021 (from $75.28 billion to $740.47 billion in 2020). Corporate foresight serves as a strategic technology foresight tool in a highly uncertain digital environment, unreliable forecasts of Industry 4.0 technology market development and other socio-economic processes, which are of primary importance in developing strategies for digital transformation.

Aim. To analyze the meaning and peculiarities of the implementation of the complex of marketing communications through the website of the organization.

Tasks. To characterize the website of the organization as a tool for implementing a complex of marketing communications; to consider the opportunities and disadvantages of the sites of the organization, functions and methods of analysis of effectiveness.

Methods. In the present study with the help of general scientific methods of knowledge the peculiarities of the website of the organization as a tool for implementing a complex of marketing communications are considered. Shows the possibilities of analyzing the effectiveness of the site based on the definition of usability and conversion.

Results. The study defines the importance of the site in the development of external and internal corporate communications. The capabilities of websites in obtaining information about consumers and creating a portrait of the target audience, the involvement of consumers, the promotion of goods (services), as well as the main disadvantages were identified. They include brand inconsistency, weak sales proposition, difficulties with downloading on mobile devices, unoriginal, uninteresting content and poor navigation. Requirements for websites are formulated and types of the latter are considered. The rating of the most visited sites in Runet and statistics of the average site conversion rate by industry. Factors influencing the usability of the site and conversion, methods of analysis and improvement of usability have been established.

Conclusions. The website can act as an effective advertising and sales platform for the organization, provides the last modern ways to analyze the target audience, allows to solve the problems of formation and maintenance of the image. The site should correspond to a brand of the company, to support its positive image, to show competitive edges, to give the actual information on consumers and opportunities of interactive interaction with them. The main methods of website effectiveness analysis include the definition of usability (effectiveness and user satisfaction when entering the organization’s website) and conversion (the ratio of the number of website users who performed the target action to the total number of website visitors). Analysis of traffic at the site will develop a strategy for marketing promotion of products (services) organizations, to implement a set of marketing communications, effectively affecting the consumer.

Aim. The study of the prospects for the use of digital financial assets in the Russian Federation, as well as the justification of their advantages and disadvantages.

Tasks. Determination of the essence and types of digital financial assets, the study of foreign experience of their use by different states; justification of the legal status of the digital ruble, analysis of it as a new form of national currency, including the history of its development; identification of problems, prospects for digital financial assets and description of proposed models for the implementation of the digital ruble.

Methods. The study uses systematic and logical approaches, general scientific methods with the use of methods of comparative, economic and financial analysis.

Results. The trends in the use of digital assets in the financial system of the Russian Federation, as well as the step-by-step process of their introduction in the payment turnover of the economies of different countries are considered. The typology of financial assets by issuers, forms, availability and technology is given. The growth of the market capitalization of cryptocurrencies in 2015-2023 is shown. The prospects for the use of digital financial assets in Russia are determined. As part of the concept of digital ruble in its implementation, the process of using different models is described.

Conclusions. Digital financial assets based on blockchain technology can be used to bypass traditional financial systems and banking institutions. Therefore, a fundamentally new approach can be taken in the field of monetary circulation when introducing cryptocurrencies. Due to the fact that cryptocurrency, having significant advantages over traditional payment solutions, is gaining popularity every year, exponential growth in the market capitalization of cryptocurrencies in 2015-2023 is shown. The establishment of prospects for the use of cryptocurrencies in Russia allowed us to determine that one of the main advantages of the digital ruble is the ability to accelerate and simplify the payment process. The introduction of digital ruble can lead to increased transparency, security of financial transactions and generally become a significant step in the development of the economy of the Russian Federation. However, according to the author’s position, all aspects and risks associated with this process should be carefully considered. There should be broad public support and openness. The digital ruble is intended to be a substitute for paper money, which cannot be traced in the “gray zone” of the economy. Unlike conventional cryptocurrencies, which are not tied to a company or a country, national cryptocurrencies have a clear framework of circulation: only within the country in which they are created. At the same time, the formation of a legal framework will make the process of implementation of digital financial assets more transparent and accessible for understanding and further use.

Aim. To determine the breadth of application of digital twins in the automotive industry in Russia and abroad, and to compare the level of implementation of innovative technology in production.

Tasks. To consider the general issues of digitalization of the automotive industry and the tools by which it is carried out, including such a tool as a digital twin; to characterize the problem issues that need to be solved in the production of cars with digital twins; based on the analysis of examples of digital twins in the automotive industry in Russia and foreign countries to show the level of technology development and advantages of its use.

Methods. The objectives were solved by using empirical research methods, in particular based on the study of various sources of information, including the scientific works of researchers, as well as the analysis of the data obtained with subsequent conclusions.

Results. Along with many other effective tools of digitalization, the digital twin helps enterprises from the automotive industry to reach a new technological level of development, optimizing production processes and increasing the competitiveness of manufactured products and companies. There are several facets of digital twin technology that enable critical tasks at every stage of vehicle design, production and testing, while reducing time and material costs. The technology is gradually beginning to be used in leading car manufacturing companies, both in Russia and abroad. Especially effective is the use of digital twins in the production of electric cars.

Conclusions. Digital twins serve as an effective tool for the digitalization of the automotive industry, allowing to reduce costs and time spent on product development and production, as well as on various vehicle tests. In addition, due to the use of technology, manufacturers have the opportunity to identify new ways to improve products, expand the model range, and improve safety and comfort for customers. Due to these advantages, the technology is actively being introduced in the production of foreign and domestic cars. However, in the absence of all necessary resources in Russia, the production of cars using digital twins is not as active as in other countries.

Aim. To investigate the forms of non-standard employment that have a positive impact on the ecology, the environment and contribute to the formation of a “green” economy, as well as the criteria for selecting “green” jobs.

Tasks. To identify and characterize forms of non-standard employment that have a positive impact on the ecology and the environment; to assess the main directions of their positive and negative impact on the environment, as well as on the social sphere and quality of life of workers; to develop assessment criteria for “green” jobs; to offer a set of recommendations necessary for the successful transformation of the labor market towards the “green” economy.

Methods. The authors used system and comparative analysis, analysis of statistical indicators, sociological methods (questioning).

Results. The transformation of the employment sphere under the influence of the development of green economy is manifested in the creation of “green” jobs and the development of nonstandard forms of employment (freelancing, distance employment, virtual employment), which have a positive impact on the environment. This changes the social status and quality of life of workers. These changes can be not only positive (increased employment opportunities for socially vulnerable groups, lower unemployment in depressed regions of the country; lower risks of injuries due to traffic accidents; the possibility of attracting workers with the required competencies to labor-deficient regions; the opportunity to choose more interesting and wellpaid work), but also negative (the need to form digital competencies for successful employment; risk of social isolation; o Positive influence prevails. According to sociological research, the number of workers who work in non-standard employment forms that contribute to the “green” transition is increasing. At the same time in Russia the number of remote workers, freelancers and virtual workers, as well as the number of “green” jobs is not taken into account on a national scale.

Conclusions. The lack of statistical information on the number of “green” jobs and the number of workers who work in forms of employment that contribute to the “green transition” significantly complicates the possibilities of labor market regulation and the development of measures to support socially vulnerable groups of workers, as well as organizations that create “green” jobs. In order to successfully transform the labor market towards a green transition, it is necessary to keep statistical records of green jobs based on selected criteria; to develop green job evaluation indicators to assess the impact on the environment, the economy of the organization and the country as a whole, the health and the working capacity of citizens who work in such jobs; to annually analyze the status of green jobs and jobs to be transformed into green jobs in individual organizations and sectors of the eco-industry.

Aim. To identify the key stages and features of the development of logistics paradigms, as well as to justify the place and role of technology in their evolution.

Tasks. To determine the main reasons for evolutionary changes in the development of logistics at different stages of its history in the context of technological development; to identify general patterns and key stages in the development of logistics paradigms; to characterize the features of each paradigm, including principles, tools and logistics concepts.

Methods. In this article, using general scientific methods, as well as systemic, comparative and historical approaches, the features of the development and change of logistic paradigms, taking into account the factors of their evolution, are revealed.

Results. The stages of evolution of logistic paradigms are systematized. It is shown that the most important reasons and conditions that triggered the changes in logistic approaches were technological changes. The conclusion about combining analytical and informational logistic paradigms in the production paradigm, reflecting the possibility of using information technology for modeling logistic processes, has been substantiated. It has been proved that the current stage in the evolution of logistic paradigms is determined by the spread of so-called end-to-end technologies (big data, artificial intelligence, etc.) to the field of logistics, which defines a new logistic paradigm as digital. The results of the study can be used to develop new approaches and concepts in logistics, increase the efficiency of logistics processes and improve the quality of services provided to consumers.

Conclusions. The main reasons for evolutionary changes in the development of logistics and the change of logistics paradigms are new economic challenges and technological development, which creates opportunities for improving the efficiency of logistics systems under new conditions. The change of each logistic paradigm is a natural process of evolution, which is associated primarily with the accumulation of knowledge and the development of new technologies that create new opportunities for improving the efficiency of logistic systems.

Aim. Development and realization of the innovative approach to forecasting of financial risks of profit and profitability decrease of retail industry companies on the basis of correlation and regression analysis of macroeconomic factors.

Tasks. To identify and substantiate the macroeconomic risk factors of decrease in the retail trade turnover of the Russian companies of the retail industry; to develop a methodology of construction and build regression dependence of the total turnover of the companies of the retail trade industry in the Russian Federation (RF) on the macroeconomic factors; to define parameters of the analytical dependence of the retail trade turnover of the leading Russian retailers on the macroeconomic factors; to reveal and argue the position concerning the restrictions of application of correlation and regression analysis.

Methods. The authors applied a systematic approach, providing a comprehensive study of the impact of macroeconomic factors on financial risks of profit and profitability reduction, as well as the correlation and regression analysis, methods of mathematical statistics and econometrics.

Results. The methodology of estimation and forecasting of financial risks of profit and profitability decrease of the retail industry companies under the influence of external macroeconomic risk factors based on the use of the regression dependence of the retail industry companies turnover on the selected and grounded macroeconomic factors built in the present article is offered.

Conclusions. The methodology of building regression dependences of retail turnover on external macroeconomic factors and the methodology of assessing the impact of these factors on the financial risks of reduced profit and profitability indicators proposed in the study are a methodological basis for forecasting changes in the results and efficiency of economic activities of companies in the retail industry and developing preventive measures aimed at reducing the financial risks of such companies. The quantitative assessments of the impact of macroeconomic factors on the retail turnover of leading Russian retailers obtained in the work allow to identify the most significant external macroeconomic risk factors for each of the companies and give a reasonable forecast of changes in retail turnover, profit and profitability indicators of these companies under the influence of macroeconomic factors.

Aim. To analyze the impact of adherence to ESG practices on investment performance and financial performance in hedge funds.

Tasks. To study methods of ESG-criteria integration into hedge funds, their decision-making principles and influence of basic ESG-rating on the hedge funds performance; to analyze the dynamics of two selected hedge funds with different strategies on the basis of their assets and profitability levels; to formulate the recommendations for ESG-criteria use in the investment decision-making in hedge funds.

Methods. The author of the article used a mixed method of analysis, combining qualitative and quantitative data, to form the empirical base of the study. The method of content analysis and empirical methods were used to analyze qualitative data. In turn, quantitative data were processed by statistical and logical tools. In addition, the author used methods of comparison and analysis of data on the profitability of selected hedge funds.

Results. The funds BlackRock Sustainable Advantage World Equity Fund and BlackRock Systematic Global Long/Short Equity Fund, which have high and low ESG-rating respectively, were analyzed. The research showed that both funds are successful and perform well. However, the BlackRock Sustainable Advantage World Equity Fund has higher returns and performance. This can be attributed to the fact that this fund focuses on companies that perform well in sustainability and social responsibility. Moreover, the ESG fund has a high volume of assets and returns due to both sound investment policies and the development of government support for ESG companies, as well as external factors and the “low base effect.”

Conclusions. Despite the fact that ESG funds are not a categorical anti-crisis measure, comparative analysis of funds with different ESG ratings revealed that ESG funds may show more stable results due to their more diversified portfolio strategy and consideration of ESG factors. Having studied the trends and dynamics of these hedge funds over several years, the author has come to the conclusion that the use of ESG-principles can give an advantage to investment companies in the market with a high degree of volatility. Additionally, a number of limitations of the study are highlighted.

Aim. To identify key conditions and factors that determine the prospects of implementing digital twins as part of improving the mechanisms of information support for management decision-making (controlling) in banks and business processes for customer service.

Tasks. Research theoretical and methodological foundations of the concept of digital twins, peculiarities of their implementation in the banking business processes; estimate market capacity and potential; identify prerequisites for the concept; analyze the effectiveness of digital twins; reveal the main approaches to the concept of digital twins in Russian banks, systematize directions of application and development.

Methods. We used general scientific methods to analyze articles and publications, held surveys (including Yandex forms) and interviews that were systematized and generalized.

Results. The need to optimize the historically high operating costs of the banks and the importance of ordering disparate databases to support the management decision making has been confirmed. One of the variants for solving these problems is implementation of digital twin technology by banks, which is implemented primarily in replacing physical processes with digital ones (credit conveyors, automated modules of account opening by companies, borrower and project monitoring systems, business analytics systems, antifraud monitoring, etc.). Examples were identified and expert opinions were obtained confirming high efficiency of this technology and its elements which in its turn defines its perspectives against the background of intense competition on the banking market. The key factors of implementation are determined: optimization of banks’ operational business processes, improving the quality of modeling and stress testing. Shortage of qualified specialists in IT sphere, lack of Russian analogues of software and equipment, high cost of implementing technological solutions, departure of foreign developers and integrators from the Russian market were singled out as the most significant problems, associated with the technology implementation. The majority of respondents point to the inevitability of progress, but condition the final decisions based on the formed practice of implementation. It was determined that, given the significant costs of the complex implementation of digital twin technology, it is currently appropriate for banks to focus on individual processes, tasks.

Conclusions. The use of digital twins as an integrated multifactor model based on modern digital technology in banking improves the efficiency of bank controlling, customer service and ensures the reduction of the cost of business processes. It is this concept, using modern technological solutions, will contribute to the replacement of a number of physical processes by virtual ones, which will affect the cost of operations and provide banks with direct economic effect.

Aim. This article deals with the evolution of the development of organizational structures depending on the technological paradigms (industrial revolutions), the characteristics of manufacturing and consumer preferences.

Tasks. To analyze the relevant research papers in the context of the chosen topic; to systematize the used organizational structures, taking into account production features and consumer preferences; to systematize and offer a classification of organizational structures as applied to a technological paradigm (industrial revolution); to describe the requirements to the new organizational structure in the sixth technological paradigm (Industry 4.0).

Methods. Theoretically, the study was based on a review of the scientific literature on the evolution of organizational structures, revealing the relationship between technological patterns (industrial revolutions) and the applied organizational structures.

Results. The analysis of the literature showed that, depending on the historical stage, technological and economic conditions, companies used different types of organizational structures. New organizational structures emerged as a response to the needs of enterprises in certain historical conditions: the rigid bureaucratic structures used in the third and fourth technological stage (1880–1970), supplemented by flexible types of structures in the fifth technological stage (1970–2010). The new technological stage, which emerged after 2010, implies further changes in manufacturing technologies and consumer preferences, develops under resource and logistical constraints, and therefore requires new approaches to organizational design from companies.

Conclusions. The development of organizational design implies an evolutionary enrichment of previously used types of structures with new properties. We believe that in the framework of the sixth technological paradigm, management will need to supplement its toolkit not only with flexible virtual structures (e.g., agile structures), but also with new types of organizational structures that have the necessary properties and characteristics. In addition to having an internal “framework”, agility and adaptability, organizational structures must provide dynamism (speed of change), elasticity (self-recovery) and maneuverability to companies.