Aim. The work aimed to solve a number of fundamental and applied problems focused on studying the problems, opportunities, and prospects of economic integration of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) countries, including Russia.

Objectives. The work seeks to study the theoretical foundations of economic integration and identify key methods of its implementation; to analyze the current state of economic integration of the BRICS countries and identify the main achievements and problems; to reveal new strands of cooperation and prospects for the development of economic integration within the BRICS.

Methods. The study employed general scientific principles of system, historical, and comparative analysis, methods of deduction and induction to identify the general and the particular in various models of interaction. The content analysis method was applied to generalize and systematize the information obtained, which helped to identify examples of international economic integration of the BRICS countries, as well as to study the causes and context of the development paths of integration processes.
Results. Based on the generalization and study of the theoretical foundations of economic integration, identifying key methods of its implementation, presented in the scientific works of Russian and international scientists, the authors analyzed the state of economic integration of the BRICS countries at the current stage. The main achievements and mechanisms of cooperation were identified, its new directions were defined, as well as the prospects for the development of economic integration within the BRICS in the context of the fastest growing economies in the world and the new geopolitical reality that has emerged.
Conclusions. Further development of economic integration of the BRICS countries requires identification of a number of priority fields, namely increasing trade between the members of the association; expanding the list of the alliance members; increasing settlements in national currencies; assistance and investment in the field of scientific and technological development, infrastructure; creation of alternative payment methods. The BRICS countries should join efforts and develop a more coordinated concept of interaction. The development and deepening of integration processes in the economic sphere is one of the main priorities of BRICS these days.

Aim. The work aimed to assess the impact of industrial production in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) on the dynamics of trade in mechanical engineering products between these countries and the Russian Federation (RF) in the context of the latest geopolitical conditions.
Objectives. The work seeks to analyze statistical data on the dynamics of trade relations between Russia and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in the field of mechanical engineering at the current stage; to construct econometric models for regression analysis of the impact of industrial production on the dynamics of trade in mechanical engineering products; to determine the main trends in trade interaction between Russia and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in the mechanical engineering sector in 2022–2024.
Methods. The study employed research methods, namely statistical and econometric analysis, syntax, description, graphical modeling.
Results. The econometric analysis provided reliable coefficients of regression models; however their values were small. This indicates that the impact of industrial production in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe on the key indicators of trade in engineering products between these countries and Russia was ambiguous and unclear.
Conclusions. Current geopolitical realities have determined unfavorable medium-term trends in the trade interaction between Russia and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe in the engineering sector. The regression models coefficients obtained as a result of econometric analysis showed a small correlation between industrial production in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the export of engineering products to Russia. It implies that the decline in industrial production in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe had little effect on the volume of engineering products exported by them to Russia.

Aim. The work aimed to analyze the issues of using marketing communications on the Internet to promote the organization’s products at the present stage.
Objectives. The work seeks to systematize ideas about the essence of Internet communications; to clarify the concept of Internet communications; to characterize the features and advantages of using marketing Internet communications, as well as to identify related problems that arise at the present stage.
Methods. The study theoretical and methodological basis represented the works of Russian and international scientists on the problems of Internet communications and their use to promote the organization’s products. The article authors used the methods of description, comparison in determining the features and advantages of Internet communications, as well as the method of critical analysis in identifying the emerging problems.
Results. The essence of Internet communication is defined as an exchange of information mediated by technical means, as an interaction between people in a digital environment, characterized by the psychological and linguistic traits of the participants. The article revealed distinctive features of Internet communications, including remoteness and mediation, hypertextuality, multimedia, dichotomy, as well as features of forms of linguistic interaction on the Internet. The work also presents the statistics on the amount of Internet trade and digital advertising, the number of authors in social media, and the use of neural networks to solve marketing problems. It is stated that the advantages of Internet marketing communications are high audience outreach and interactivity of communication, the use of network effects, various digital tools, and social proof to achieve marketing goals. Associated problems include high competition, cyber threats, banner blindness, etc.
Conclusions. In connection with the further development of Internet trade, the shift of marketing communications to the Internet space, it becomes possible to use the advantages of Internet communications and modern digital tools to promote the organization’s products and services. Moreover, high competition on the Internet requires companies to make great efforts to select marketing strategies and tools, and create unique and high-quality content for consumers.

Aim. The work aimed to study the consequences of implementing products using artificial intelligence technologies in economic security systems.
Objectives. The work seeks to analyze the development directions and results of artificial intelligence technologies; to assess the capabilities (beneficial effects) of these technologies in economic security systems of organizations; to identify specific threats to economic security, associated with the use of artificial intelligence technologies in organizations; to develop recommendations for mitigating these threats.
Methods. The study employed comparative and retrospective analysis, economic-statistical and index methods, as well as special methods for studying economic security, expert-analytical and system approaches.
Results. It has been established that the use of artificial intelligence in economic security systems can produce a significant beneficial effect. The advantages of its use in the field under consideration are associated with the fact that in formal analysis (from the standpoint of its rate, accuracy, consistency and taking into account the maximum possible number of factors), the artificial intelligence products surpass human capabilities. This results in a gradual replacement (moreover in the future) of human intelligence with artificial intelligence in the field under consideration, at least in cases of tasks that do not require non-standard, creative solutions, based sometimes on the paradoxical nature of human thinking. At the same time, such a development of events gives rise to a number of specific threats to economic security, namely “engagement” of many products using AI technologies; the possibility of manipulating information; loss of critical thinking skills by officials; the growing importance of cyberattacks.
Conclusions. The development of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence technologies, has an ambiguous impact on economic security at all levels of the economic system. Overcoming the problems identified in the study requires activities in a number of fields, namely the formation of national products using artificial intelligence technologies, within the implementation of state policy to achieve technological sovereignty; strengthening the information component of systemic measures to ensure economic security; revision of approaches to the formation of competencies of specialists in the field of economic security, who use (or can potentially use) artificial intelligence products in their activities.

Aim. The work aimed to develop scientifically based recommendations for optimizing the process of implementing intelligent transport systems (hereinafter referred to as ITS) in urban agglomerations based on the systematization of the organizational and technical aspects of their functioning.

Objectives. The work seeks to review modern approaches to the implementation of ITS in the process of managing traffic flows; to identify key organizational and technical barriers in this process; to assess the effectiveness of existing models of implementing ITS in the transport management system; to formulate recommendations for optimizing the process under consideration.
Methods. The study employed system analysis, comparative analysis, monitoring, and statistical methods of data processing.
Results. The key organizational and technical barriers to the implementation of ITS were identified, and a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of managing traffic flows in various urban agglomerations was performed. In addition, a methods for assessing the ITS effectiveness were developed. The authors have formulated comprehensive recommendations for optimizing the implementation process, including organizational and technical aspects.
Conclusions. Effective implementation of ITS requires a systematic approach and balanced development of all its components. The most effective projects are those based on phased implementation, ensuring scalability of the architecture and integration of all management subsystems. The proposed recommendations will improve the efficiency of transport management in urban agglomerations.

Aim. The work aimed to identify key problems in the functioning of the internal control system in budget (bookkeeping) accounting centers in the context of public sector modernization and tightening requirements for transparency and rational use of budget funds.
Objectives. The work seeks to analyze the difficulties of implementing internal control in budget accounting centers; to identify discrepancies between regulations and the specific aspects of particular institutions; to determine the causes of insufficient effectiveness of existing control mechanisms; to propose measures to improve the internal control system.
Methods. The study employed methods of analyzing scientific literature, current regulations, and the results of practical implementation of internal control systems. The author’s methodological approach is based on a comprehensive review of regulations, risks, and management feedback.
Results. It has been established that the internal control system in budget (bookkeeping) accounting centers is characterized by a high degree of regulatory framework, but demonstrates a significant discrepancy between formally established procedures and their actual implementation. A number of problems were identified, namely excessive formalization of the control environment, low level of technological equipment, weak relationship between control procedures and management, lack of system analysis of violations. Improvement measures were proposed, in particular, the introduction of personal responsibility of controllers, mandatory certification of specialists, automation of the accounting environment, regulation of control procedures, monitoring of corrective actions, and logging of transactions. The proposed solutions are aimed at increasing the reliability and transparency of financial control in institutions using budget funds.
Conclusions. Analysis of the functioning of the internal control system in budget accounting centers revealed that, despite the presence of a regulatory framework, in practice, control is often performed formally, does not ensure the prevention of violations and the reduction of financial risks. The implementation of the proposed solutions will increase the reliability of reporting and strengthen the financial discipline. As a result, internal control will become a full-fledged management resource that reduces financial risks and promotes greater efficiency in the use of budget funds.

Aim. The work aimed to develop the theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of financial support for socio-economic development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation (RF).
Objectives. The work seeks to systematize the theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of financial support for regional development; classify the strategies for financial support for socio-economic development of constituent entities of the Russian Federation; analyze the sources of financing and financial instruments for implementing measures of strategies for socio-economic development of constituent entities of the Russian Federation; issue practical recommendations for solving problems of financial support for socio-economic development of constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Methods. The study employed general scientific research methods, including analysis of the current legal and regulatory framework, strategic documents, scientific description, synthesis, generalization, deduction, theoretical interpretation, and comparative analysis.  A system approach was used, that enables to consider the financial support of constituent entities of the Russian Federation as a system consisting of certain parts and elements interconnected by financial relations for the implementation of measures of regional development strategies.
Results. The theoretical and methodological approaches to the analysis of financial support for regional development are systematized, and the necessity for their improvement is substantiated. A typology of strategies for financial support for socio-economic development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation is developed. A relationship is established between the choice of sources of financing for the strategy activities, the level of estimated fiscal capacity and the tax potential of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The advantages of implementing the model of cofinancing programs and projects for the socio-economic development of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation are substantiated.
Conclusions. The analysis of financial support for the socio-economic development of regions can be used to develop practical recommendations for government bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation to improve the efficiency of financial resource management. Recommendations based on the research results can be useful for practitioners in developing regional development strategies and improving regional finance management, as well as for teachers of economic and financial disciplines in developing and updating work programs and learning and teaching aids.

Aim. The work aimed to develop the conception of subsidized mortgage products and their role in the transformation of the mortgage lending paradigm in the Russian Federation (RF) in early to mid-2020s.
Objectives. The work seeks to determine the key stages in the development of subsidized mortgage products in Russia; to identify the specific risks of subsidized mortgage products for borrowers and credit institutions; to assess the impact of subsidized mortgages on the credit and financial system, the construction industry, as well as the affordability of housing in Russia.
Methods. The study employed general scientific research methods, such as analysis, comparison, analogy and scientific abstraction, as methodological tools. The study was based on the analysis of regulatory and legal acts of the Russian Federation, reports of the Bank of Russia and the financial institution for development in the housing sector of Russia, DOM.RF, addressed to mortgage lending issues. The empirical base of the study consisted of the data of the Bank of Russia and DOM.RF, posted on their official Internet portals.
Results. Despite the high socio-economic significance, subsidized mortgages have not received sufficient attention in the works of Russian scientists. Scientific works are mainly focused on studying the conditions and effectiveness of state-subsidized soft-window mortgage programs. The objective necessity for a comprehensive study of the impact of subsidized mortgages on the Russian economy determined the relevance of this article. The author attempted to develop ideas about subsidized mortgage products and their impact on the construction industry, the credit and financial system, and the population of Russia. The institutional foundations were studied, as well as the key stages of the development of subsidized mortgages were identified. The article presents the economic mechanism of formation of near-zero rates on “soft-window mortgage from the developer”, as well as the impact of subsidized mortgage on the distortion of fair value in the primary real estate market. Delayed side effects of bulk soft-window and subsidized mortgages in the short and medium term were revealed.
Conclusions. Subsidized mortgages did not induce an increase in the availability of either housing or mortgage loans, but enabled developers to ensure additional sales, thereby stimulating the functioning of the construction and related industries in the short and medium term. The bulk soft-window mortgages with state support achieved their goal as a short-term anti-crisis measure, serving as a prime engine of the development of housing construction in all regions of the Russian Federation. However, it is currently not possible to assess objectively its impact on the economy due to the limited period of the study.

Aim. The work aimed to systematize and evaluate the existing methods for determining the market share of a trademark in the segment of vehicle components, taking into account the specifics of the B2B market and the limited statistical data.
Objectives. The work seeks to classify direct and indirect methods for assessing the market share; to determine their applicability; to identify the limitations of applying methods in modern market conditions; to indicate practical examples of use.
Methods. The study employed comparative analysis, expert assessments and secondary analysis of market statistics, including data on imports, warehouse representation and digital activity of market participants.
Results. The study identified six methods for assessing the market share, grouped into direct and indirect ones, applicable to the B2B segment of the vehicle components market. A comparative analysis of their accuracy, applicability, and limitations was performed given the limited availability of statistics. The study included practical testing of the methods using data on one brand and a comparative analysis of the results.
Conclusions. The need for a combined application of various methods in assessing the market share was substantiated, especially given the limited availability of reliable data in the B2B market. It was established that the isolated use of one approach often results in distorted or incomplete conclusions. Practical recommendations for new and independent brands were developed, including the use of online analytics, parsing of warehouse availability and taking into account the specifics of the product range. The work emphasizes the importance of adapting assessment tools to the specifics of the selected product group and logistics model. Directions for further research were proposed, including the construction of a comprehensive assessment model using weighting factors to improve the objectivity of the results.

Aim. The work aimed to develop and justify strategic priorities of the coal chemical industry of the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass.
Objectives. The work seeks to perform critical analysis of arguments for and against the creation of the coal chemical industry in Russia and the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass; determine the leading directions of the strategic transformation of the coal industry of the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass; create the mission of the coal chemical industry of the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass, as well as develop strategic principles, priorities, and aims of the industry.
Methods. The study was conducted having consideration for the general theory of strategy, the methodology of strategizing by V. L. Quint, the “triple helix” model, and the theory of open innovations by D. Chesbrough. The study employed the structural-systemic approach, methods of analysis and synthesis, deduction, and scientific abstraction.
Results. The work substantiates the necessity of strategic transformation of the main function of the coal mining and processing industry complex from selling raw materials in low-margin markets to constructing a high-tech economy. It also defines the mission of the coal chemical industry of the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass and the principles of its strategizing. Six strategic priorities were identified, which involve the formation of the best system for making management decisions on the creation of the coal chemical industry, the development of an innovative ecosystem, the development of breakthrough technologies, the organization of own production of industrial equipment, the maximum extension of technological chains, and access to export markets.
Conclusions. The creation of the coal chemical industry in the Kemerovo Region — Kuzbass corresponds to scientific ideas about strategic development. When developing and implementing the industry strategy, it becomes possible to achieve leading positions in this field at the global level, ahead of competitors in terms of the time factor.

Aim. The work aimed to reveal the features of the proposed model and formulate recommendations for the generation of a system of interaction between innovation actors in Russia and China, as well as to identify the relationships between the intensity of interaction between participants and the effectiveness of clusters using the example of these two countries.
Objectives. The work seeks to perform a comparative analysis of the models of interaction between participants in innovation clusters in Russia and China; to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the institutional environment in these countries.
Methods. The study employed comparative analysis and synthesis to identify the features of the national approach, the main factors influencing the effectiveness of interaction and the author’s model development; empirical data were collected and processed, including expert surveys, analytical reports, and regulations governing cluster interaction.
Results. A model is presented and evaluated, that takes into account the features of the tripartite interaction of actors (government, scientific, business structures) and their relationships, with highlighted national differences in the institutional environment. It is proposed to develop a digital platform in Russia, similar to those that are actively used in China, for uniting participants. This digital platform consists of several modules, namely project management, big data analytics, AI-based partner search, and performance monitoring. Adaptive mechanisms (mediation module) can enhance the sustainability of clusters. Practical recommendations in the article also include measures to improve coordination, borrow best practices, and develop strategies adapted to the specifics of each country.
Conclusions. The model developed and comparative analysis of the innovative specifics of Russia and China indicate that effective cluster management requires a deep understanding of the institutional context and the use of adaptive network modeling tools. These results set the vector for transforming cluster policy in both countries in the context of the new technological actuality. The analyzed experience showed that Russia needs to strengthen coordination by creating a national platform that includes all actors of innovative interaction. China needs to focus on developing self-organization of cluster participants and reducing administrative barriers.

Aim. The work aimed to develop a conceptual model for assessing the economic efficiency of using artificial intelligence (hereinafter referred to as AI) technologies in healthcare, which includes taking into account not only direct costs, but also indirect, hidden, and transactional ones.
Objectives. The work seeks to consider the key fields of AI impact on the healthcare system with an emphasis on identifying the main effects and costs of its implementation; to develop a methodological approach for a multi-level and comprehensive economic assessment of AI solutions both at the level of individual medical institutions and on the scale of the state healthcare system.
Methods. The methodological basis was the analysis of scientific publications for 2020–2024 and a systemic analysis of the effects and costs of AI implementation. The study employed interdisciplinary and institutional approaches to integrate various aspects of the impact of AI and form a universal evaluation model, not just one that takes into account economic efficiency.
Results. A conceptual model was developed, comprising the short-term and long-term effects of AI implementation in the clinical, organizational, economic, social, scientific, and regulatory spheres. A classification of costs was proposed, which includes four groups (direct, indirect, hidden, and transactional). The model is adapted to the level of analysis and can be used for a comparable assessment of the economic efficiency of AI solutions.
Conclusions. Creating a sustainable and objective system for assessing the economic efficiency of AI in healthcare requires taking into account the entire range of effects and costs. Ignoring hidden and transaction costs can lead to distorted forecasts and a decrease in the assessment of effectiveness of the solutions being implemented. The developed model represents a universal tool for supporting strategic decisions at the level of institutions and government agencies, and it can also serve as a basis for further development of methods for assessing digital technologies in medicine.