Aim. The work aimed to structure and assess the spatial development issues of the Central Federal District (CFD) regions.

Objectives. The work seeks to characterize current spatial development issues in the CFD entities; to demonstrate the consequences of concentrating economic growth in a limited number of  territories; to study the tendency of declining the share of residents of small and mediumsized cities and rural areas among the Russian population; to examine changes in interregional disparities in socio-economic development; to assess the impact of scientific and technological progress on spatial development in Russia; to analyze interregional disparities in socio-economic development in the CFD regions, as well as to identify leaders and outsiders; to explore international experience in addressing demographic issues; and to assess the demographic situation across Russia.

Methods. We applied general scientific principles of systemic, historical, and comparative analysis of regional issues affecting territorial development indicators. The study is based on an analysis of regional statistics and regulatory documents. Deduction and induction were used to identify the common and specific features in various models of interaction between territorial systems. In order to summarize and systematize the information obtained, we used content analysis to identify examples of the spatial development of the RF regions and examine the causes and context of regional development pathways.

Results. In the course of summarizing and studying the theoretical foundations of regional economics and identifying key methods for its implementation in the scientific works of Russian and international scientists, we analyzed the current state of spatial development in the constituent entities of Russia. Specifically, we structured the problems of spatial development in the CFD regions, highlighted achievements and mechanisms for solving emerging problems, and identified areas of regional cooperation and prospects for spatial development in the federal districts in the context of rapidly developing regional economies and the new geopolitical reality that has emerged in the country.

Conclusions. The study confirmed the existence of regional problems and differences in the spatial development of Russian constituent entities. The work established the need for a differentiated approach, combining consideration of initial potential opportunities and the selection of tools for solving complex regional spatial problems. Russian constituent entities are characterized by a high level of differentiation across many macroeconomic and regional indicators. Interregional disparities in the socio-economic development of individual Russian constituent entities are changing due to emerging social, cultural, household, and economic problems. The growing risk of staff shortage, especially for regions with high population outflow, creates demographic problems not only in the regional labor market, but in the country as a whole. The increasing influence of scientific and technological progress on the spatial development of  the country and its regions is caused by the expansion of industrial innovation potential within the Strategy for the Development of the Manufacturing Industry of the Russian Federation to  2030 and for the period up to  2035.

Aim. The work aimed to develop conceptual methods for a comprehensive assessment of the creative sector of the regional economy as an element of a promising automated hardware and software information and telecommunications system for management decision making support (AHSITS) within formulating socio-economic development strategies at the regional level.

Objectives. The work seeks to substantiate the feasibility of focusing regional socio-economic development strategies on the most promising segments of the economy, primarily on the creative industries sector segments that are relevant to the region; to demonstrate the need to develop a comprehensive methodology for an automated dynamic assessment of the achieved level of development of the creative industries in the region; to consider current methods for assessing the level of development of the creative industries used in Russia and other countries; to develop a conceptual framework for managing the socio-economic development of regional socio-economic systems (RSES), highlighting the factor influencing the creative economy sector, while it will become part of a promising systemic mechanism for managing the RSES socio-economic development, which includes the full range of industries and sectors of the regional economy. The work also seeks to propose monitoring objects used in the methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the creative sector of the regional economy (“Factors influencing creative industries” and “Indicators for the development of creative industries”), as well as specific regional socio-economic indicators, including those related to the creative industries sector; to propose a concept for tracking data in AHSITS, including from the perspective of technical methods for dynamic tracking and obtaining information by the system on selected indicators; to characterize the proposed model for aggregating and processing the received incoming data to form an integrated assessment of the achieved level of overall development of the management object; as well as to reveal the specifics of creating a digital twin of the regional creative economy.

Methods. The study employed logical analysis and synthesis, logical abstractions, modeling, a systems methodological approach, comparative analysis, structural analysis, statistical data processing, expert assessment, and graphical interpretation.

Results. The work demonstrated the critical significance of scientifically substantiated concentration of constrained regional resources distributed within the socio-economic development strategies, primarily in promising and underutilized growth areas of the regional economy, often located in the creative industries sector. Emphasis is placed on the importance of leveraging the benefits of digitalization in this process. The authors propose a conceptual transmission scheme within a promising information and organizational mechanism for the overall management of regional socio-economic development, and the level of development of the creative economy factor as an element influencing the RSES. The main methods for assessing the level of development of creative industries used in Russia and other countries are examined, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. This paper describes the author’s comprehensive methodology for automated dynamic assessment of the achieved level of development of a region’s creative industries, which incorporates regional factor indicators influencing the development of the creative industries sector and indicators of the achieved level of creative industries development, including specific regional socio-economic indicators related to both the creative industries sector and the RSES as a whole. Methods for dynamic tracking and obtaining information on  selected indicators by the AHSITS are formulated in the paper. Furthermore, the work proposes a model for aggregating and processing the initial data obtained, forming an integrated assessment of the achieved level of overall development of the creative industries in the region using the multivariate mean method. This paper revealed the key concepts and features of  generating a digital twin of the regional creative economy.

Conclusions. In order to support effective management decision-making by government agencies and reduce transaction costs in the creation and adjustment of strategic planning documents, it is advisable to implement an automated mechanism for assessing dynamically the region’s creative economy sector at the regional level during its management. This mechanism would automatically acquire, store, and process big data streams as a set of significant variables that serve as indicators of functioning of this complex socio-economic system. The authors propose implementing this mechanism using the concept of a digital twin, that is, an adaptive cybernetic system that tracks and transforms the inputs of the received big data array into scientifically substantiated assessments of the current state, submitted to government authorities interactively, regularly, and timely, as well as multivariate forecasts for the sector’s development, and draft proposals for decision-making on the creation and adjustment of strategic planning documents. The core of this system is a methodology for a comprehensive assessment of the region’s creative industries sector (hereinafter referred to as the Methodology).

Aim. The work aimed to substantiate national approaches to ensuring technological sovereignty and economic security using the examples of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States of America (USA) in the context of digital economy development.

Objectives. The work seeks to examine issues of ensuring technological sovereignty and economic security in the context of digital economy development; to analyze and systematize the factors, characteristics, and challenges of digital economy development using the examples of the PRC and the USA; to develop a framework for defining national approaches to ensuring technological sovereignty and economic security; and to substantiate national approaches to ensuring technological sovereignty and economic security using the examples of the PRC and the USA.

Methods. The study was based on theoretical research in the field of economic digitalization, economic security, and innovative and technological development in individual countries, as well as empirical studies in the fields of digitalization, scientific, industrial, and technological development using the examples of the PRC and the USA, within the context of their international political and economic ties. The authors employed general scientific methods of systemic, comparative, functional, statistical, and causal analysis, as well as systematization, abstraction, and generalization.

Results. The PRC and the USA are identified as global leaders in technological and digital development, while their influence extends beyond national borders. China’s national approach to ensuring technological sovereignty and economic security in the context of developing a digital economy is characterized by an industrial model of integration into international scientific and industrial chains, determined by external constraints, the implementation of a predominantly planned principle of state presence in the digital economy, and the international transmission of a horizontal architecture of international relations based on national digital sovereignty. The USA approach is distinguished by its integration into international cooperation, combining elements of protective, industrial, and open models. It implements a predominantly market-based approach to state presence in the digital economy, and promotes internationally a vertical architecture of international relations based on digital solidarity with partner countries and the accountability of states that violate the established rules.

Conclusions. The study confirms the assertion that the national approaches to ensuring technological sovereignty and economic security in the context of digitalization in the PRC and the USA differ significantly in terms of government regulation of the digital economy, the quality of participation in international high-tech cooperation, and their concept of the architecture of international relations. These differences are mainly determined by asymmetric development factors and the internal specifics of the digital economies of the countries studied. Numerous restrictions aimed at restraining scientific, technological, and industrial development of Russia hinder the country’s technological sovereignty and economic security, which encourages long-term partnerships with friendly states, particularly China. Despite the differences in economic scale and socio-cultural differences, Russia and China can successfully complement each other, including in scientific, industrial, and technological partnerships.

Aim. The work aimed to define the principles of regulatory consulting that can be used to analyze, evaluate, and forecast the current and future state of the economic regulatory environment.

Objectives. The work seeks to assess the dynamic and static aspects of the regulatory environment based on this analysis; define the scope of the concept of the “regulatory environment” of the economy; identify the government’s regulatory impact on entrepreneurial activity as a material carrier of the emergent property of the regulatory environment integrity; and formulate, systematize, and present a typology of regulatory consulting principles.

Methods. The study is conducted taking into account the evolutionary theory of the functioning and development of the consulting services market and its institutions. In addressing the objectives posed in this article, the methodology of the new economic paradigm, substantiated in the publications of RAS Academician S. Yu. Glazyev and his students, is significant. This methodology aims to critique neoclassical methodology and the theory of neoclassical synthesis in economic science. In the range of various methods, preference is given to the techniques of microeconomic institutional analysis.

Results. In substantiating the hypothesis of the identity of the regulatory environment and a system possessing the properties of integrity and emergence, this article presents a consulting assessment of the regulatory environment as a resource for economic growth and efficiency. Following the subject-object model, the authors define the scope of the concept of “regulatory environment” using a dichotomous division. The article results include a definition and development of the principles of regulatory consulting.

Conclusions. The regulatory environment and regulatory consulting, in the context of the transition to a new technological and global economic paradigm, is a crucial endogenous factor in economic growth in Russia. In the light of economic instability, the analysis and assessment of the formal and informal conditions of entrepreneurial activity constitute one of the key tasks for each of its participants. This article presents a regulatory concept for management consulting as a system of principles that includes long-term trends in the Russian regulatory environment during the transition to a digital economy, new industrialization, and technological paradigm change. The consulting concept of the economic regulatory environment is demonstrated as a necessary component of management consulting theory.

Aim. The work aimed to identify the specific features of cross-border business development in the field of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and develop recommendations for the formation of promising strategies for Russian companies and the Government of the Russian Federation (RF).

Objectives. The work seeks to identify the characteristic features of cross-border business and conduct a foresight session on its development prospects in the field of generative AI; to assess the main development trends of international business in the field of generative AI; to determine the specific features of Russian business development in the field of generative AI; to propose conceptual directions for a strategy to support cross-border business in the field of generative AI in Russia.

Methods. The research methods include socioeconomic foresight using the “Four Worlds” technique, an expert survey, a literature review, conceptual and statistical analysis, and data extrapolation.

Results. The work presents a scientific definition of cross-border business in the field of generative AI and characterizes organizational models for businesses using generative AI, commonly used in the modern context. The reasons for the steady transnationalization of generative AI business are substantiated, and its characteristics are highlighted. Approaches to and challenges in assessing the economic prospects for the development of international generative AI business are examined in detail, and the results of a foresight session on cross-border business development in generative AI are presented. The work revealed the potential of cross-border generative AI business originating in Russia, and identified the barriers to its development and opportunities for overcoming them, which are traced in the intensification of strategic interaction between the state and business.

Conclusions. The most probable scenario for the development of cross-border online business in the field of generative AI is a combination of technological integration and competition among major players. For Russian companies and the Russian government, the key challenge in this regard is overcoming external obstacles and creating conditions for integrating own technologies into global value chains.

Aim. The work aimed to study the conceptual content of the digital transformation of industrial enterprises, as well as to identify and systematize the characteristics of digital transformation as an innovation distinct from traditional types of innovation.

Objectives. The work seeks to analyze the approaches to interpreting the concept of “digital transformation”; to substantiate the need to identify a special type of innovation, namely digital innovation, for classification purposes; and to identify the elements and stages of implementing digital transformation as a digital innovation.

Methods. The study employed comparison and classification, analysis and synthesis, and structural modeling within a systems approach.

Results. Digital transformation implies the widespread adoption of digital technologies. It differs from digitalization in the scale and depth of changes, since digital transformation encompasses all aspects of activity and is comprehensive and radical in nature, while digitalization can be targeted. Digital transformation of an industrial enterprise, which contains an element of novelty, is a type of innovation. However, within the traditional classification scheme, it is difficult to determine the type to which it can be classified. It is proposed to consider digital transformation of enterprises as a special type of innovation, that is as digital innovation. The key difference between digital innovation and traditional innovation is its reliance on new digital technologies, while digital innovation can also be involved in the creation or improvement of products and processes, as well as the transformation of business models in general.

Conclusions. Digital transformation cannot be examined only from a technological perspective. It involves changes to the organization’s overall management system (organizational structure and management mechanisms, business processes, corporate culture, employee engagement, and competencies). Due to this composite nature, applying traditional innovation classifications to digital transformation is challenging. Therefore, it seems rational to identify a specific type of innovation, namely digital innovation, that can be associated with both individual products and processes and the business model as a whole. An innovative business model for an industrial enterprise has more capabilities for success than a single innovative product or process. Incremental improvements do not yield radically new solutions for meeting customer needs and the methods for achieving them. Digital transformation has the potential for such change.

Aim. The work aimed to develop a target model of a mature marketplace capable of functioning as the core of a digital ecosystem.

Objectives. The work seeks to characterize the current state of marketplaces; identify areas for their transformation; highlight key elements of operational and infrastructural maturity; and propose a structural model reflecting the relationship between the brand, infrastructure, and management frameworks.

Methods. The study employed systemic and structural-functional analysis, a comparative analysis of theoretical sources on platform economics, and conceptual modeling which can be used to construct a three-tier marketplace architecture and characterize the mechanisms of value creation in the ecosystem.

Results. The paper presents the author’s acceptation of a marketplace as an evolving multi-sided platform that forms an ecosystem based on a three-tier architecture. It also defines the roles of brand and users in creating trust and network effects, and demonstrates the importance of financial, logistics, and IT infrastructures in ensuring the scalability and reliability of services. A closed-loop value creation mechanism is presented, combining internal departments, infrastructure, and users into a single manageable loop.

Conclusions. A mature marketplace forms a sustainable digital ecosystem where the audience growth and product range increase are based on reproducible operational processes and shared data. The proposed model can be used for strategic planning, maturity assessment, and management decision-making in the field of digital platforms.

Aim. The work aimed to assess the global and Russian potential for reducing technogenic CO₂ emissions through carbon utilization technologies with the production of various types of carbon-containing products (CCU), and to consider these technologies as an element of the concept of a carbon circular economy as a promising way to reduce anthropogenic CO₂ emissions in the context of the global climate policy transformation.

Objectives. The work seeks to collect and systematize up-to-date information on the current level of development of CO₂ conversion technologies into various types of products, to analyze the market conditions for these products, and assess the potential for emissions reductions for the period up to 2050.

Methods. The research methodology consists of several stages, including the collection and preprocessing of initial data to forecasting. In the initial stages, marketing analysis approaches were applied to identify key industry trends and tendencies. The work applied a life cycle analysis of products, which manufacture is possible through CCU. After systematizing and standardizing the information on each product, their entry into existing markets was modeled (taking into account the trends in these markets) using a logistics function.

Results. For the production of CO₂-derived products, characterized by long-term carbon storage, the global emission reduction potential could reach 3.6 billion tons of CO₂ per year, and up to 3.9 billion tons of CO₂ per year for options with short-term storage. For Russia, these values are 61 and 251 million tons of CO₂ per year, respectively, which, under favorable scenarios, could increase to 136 and 501 million tons of CO₂ per year.

Conclusions. The work identified key risks associated with the development of CCU projects, including high capital intensity, long implementation periods, and technological barriers to CO₂ capture and utilization. CCU represent an undervalued but strategically significant group of low-carbon technologies, potentially capable of maintaining a balance between industrial development and achieving climate goals. It was concluded that the development of a Carbon circular economy is among Russia’s national interests and could become a significant element of the new climate agenda focused on the rational use of resources and technological modernization.

Aim. The work aimed to analyze the transformation of marketplaces from 2020 to 2025 and identify factors hindering the development of premium brands on these platforms.

Objectives. The work seeks to identify and characterize changes in the structure of consumer demand on marketplaces; assess the impact of the decline in average receipt amount on the positioning of premium brands; and develop strategic recommendations for high-end brands.

Methods. The study employed statistical analysis, comparative analysis, expert assessments, and analysis of secondary data from the Infoline agency and other research organizations.

Results. The study demonstrates a comprehensive transformation of marketplaces from 2020 to 2025, characterized by a significant decline in purchaser’ average receipt amount and changes in consumer behavior. Empirical data confirms that on leading Russian platforms such as Wildberries and Ozon, the average receipt amount is 1,080 and 1,760 rubles, respectively. This creates significant obstacles for premium brands and their effective positioning. The analysis also revealed that over 60% of marketplace sellers generate less than 100,000 rubles in monthly revenue, indicating the prevalence of low-margin business models and intensifying price competition in digital commerce.

Conclusions. The study revealed fundamental transformations in the marketplace ecosystem that are radically modifying the strategies of premium brands. The digital reality requires upmarket companies to take a fundamentally new approach to positioning, where technology and adaptability become key competitive advantages. A promising development direction is the creation of hybrid marketing strategies that integrate traditional brand values with innovative digital communication and sales tools. This will facilitate the formation of a fundamentally new model of target audience cooperation in the context of total digitalization of commercial processes.

Aim. The work aimed to develop and substantiate methodological approaches to a comprehensive assessment of the efficiency of commercial banks’ currency exchange transactions.

Objectives. The work seeks to define the stages and components of currency exchange transaction analysis, to characterize the indicators used in the method, including quantitative and qualitative criteria, taking into account the influence of currency risk factors, fee-based income, and regulatory requirements.

Methods. The study is based on theoretical developments in the field of banking efficiency theory, as well as on a study of the practical application of management performance assessment tools to achieve positive financial results for credit institutions from currency exchange transactions. The authors used qualitative analysis methods, as well as a quantitative approach based on statistical analysis and quantitative methods, including performance assessments through financial indicators.

Results. It has been established that an increase in the number and volume of currency exchange transactions will lead to an increase in fee-based and, consequently, operating income. This will positively impact the credit institution’s bottom-line result. However, inefficient currency exchange transactions can not only reduce profits, but also nullify them or make them negative. The proposed method can be used to evaluate the efficiency of cash transactions, non-cash currency exchange transactions, and the performance of relevant departments with a credit institution’s open foreign exchange position. It also enables to calculate ratios and, while using them, draw conclusions about the positive or negative impact of currency exchange transactions on the final financial result.

Conclusions. Analyzing the efficiency of commercial banks’ currency exchange transactions may have a positive impact in the future on the functioning of not only individual banks but also the Russian financial system as a whole.

Aim. The work aimed to examine talent management strategies in resource-constrained small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), taking into account effective methods for acquisition, retaining, and developing personnel.

Objectives. The work seeks to analyze the theoretical foundations and practical experience of talent management in SMEs; to identify key issues and constraints related to the SME resource base; to develop tailored strategies to improve the effectiveness of human resource (HR) management in SMEs.

Methods. We used systemic and comparative analysis, reviewed the scientific literature, and examined empirical data from industry research and HR statistics from leading platforms. The study also employed critical analysis and synthesis methods.

Results. The integration of digital tools, development of a corporate culture, and use of nonmaterial motivational mechanisms increase the attractiveness of SMEs as employers. These strategies help reduce staff turnover and improve employee professional development under financial constraints. Low-cost practices (flexible work hours, remote work, mentoring) have proven effective in empirical studies.

Conclusions. A comprehensive approach to talent management, taking into account the specifics of SMEs and resource constraints, is particularly important for the sustainability and competitiveness of organizations. The developed recommendations (personalization of motivation, digitalization of HR processes, and employer branding development) have high practical significance for SME managers and HR specialists. Implementing these strategies enables the effective use of human capital without major financial outlays, while strengthening long-term competitive advantages.

Aim. The work aimed to develop and test an integrated multi-level model using the Northwestern Federal District (NWFD) as an example, confirming the stimulating effect of energy efficiency improvements on the region’s socioeconomic development rates.

Objectives. The work seeks to conduct a quantitative analysis of energy efficiency in the regional economy using the proposed integrated multi-level model and identify challenges in improving it in the NWFD regions; calculate an integrated energy efficiency index; and develop a typology of regions and clusters based on energy efficiency.

Methods. The methodological background is based on the scientific principles of modeling theory, regional development theory, and economic system management, presented in the works of prominent Russian and international scientists. These were applied for the development of an integrated multi-level energy efficiency assessment model that integrates economic, environmental, and social parameters. This model provides a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency assessment and is used to develop strategies aimed at minimizing negative environmental impacts and improving the quality of life of the population. The author of this article applied economic modeling and integrated assessment methods, as well as regression, cluster, and index analysis.

Results. Testing the proposed integrated multi-level model using the NWFD regions as an example enabled to conduct a study of energy efficiency in the regional economy, identify challenges in improving it across regions, as well as substantiate indicators for calculating and defining an integrated energy efficiency index. Based on this index, a typology and cluster groups of the NWFD regions were developed. This methodological framework, which provides a comprehensive approach to analyzing and assessing energy efficiency in regional economic systems, takes into account the unique socioeconomic and natural conditions of each region.

Conclusions. The territorially differentiated approach underlying the proposed modeling is aimed at creating a tool that ensures the relevance of energy situation assessments in each region, thereby facilitating the development of targeted strategies to improve energy efficiency and quality of life in the NWFD regions. The study confirms the need for an integrated approach to energy efficiency analysis and assessment, which combined economic and mathematical modeling, systems analysis, and a territorially differentiated approach. This enables the development of strategic measures that help adapt to changing conditions and ensure the long-term socioeconomic development of the NWFD and other regions of Russia.