This article analyzes the problems of food security in Russia in the context of intensifying international competition and changes in its forms and methods. Aim. This study aims to assess the competitive potential of the Russian agrifood complex, including its usage efficiency, for the purpose of ensuring food security across the country. Tasks. This study identifies internal and external conditions and factors that affect competitive advantage formation of the Russian agrifood complex, substantiates strategic directions in the competitive development and growth of the industries that comprise the agrifood complex for the purpose of ensuring food security across the country, and examines the implementation of the import substitution strategy in the food market as a mechanism for improving the overall competitiveness of the agrifood industry. Results. Integration of the Russian agrifood complex in the global economic system enhances the influence of external factors on its development. These factors necessitate a new model of economic growth as well as structural and institutional reforms. Based on the identified competitiveness factors, the author analyzes the competitive potential of the Russian agrifood complex, determining and systematizing priority directions for import substitution. The potential for import substitution in the Russian market and opportunities for exportoriented production are substantiated. Scenario-based predictions for the development of the meat and milk sub-complexes of the agrifood complex are provided, aiming to ensure food security across the country. A difference in import substitution opportunities across the industries comprising the agrifood complex due to their unequal competitive potential and possible effects of this process are revealed.

This study examines the nature of territorial and political order in Russia. Despite the fact that issues of spatial organization in Russia have been examined for many centuries, this is not a paper about its history. Instead, this paper focuses on the forms of territorial management in economics and politics examined in various historical contexts. It is impossible to understand contemporary Russian practices of governmental territorial management without analyzing historical analogs. Aim. This study aims to analyze the prerequisites for the formation of territorial and political order in Russia by invoking a theoretical understanding of territorial regulation as an interdisciplinary phenomenon and process. Tasks. This study determines key methods for the scientific analysis of regional management practices and identifies historical analogs of certain modern approaches. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition and scientific practices of economic history to examine the principles of analysis of a country’s territorial and political order and adequate approaches to economic management. Results. The study demonstrates that the restructuring of the Russian economy is an objective process with wide geographical and historical boundaries. Examining past experiences provides an opportunity to avoid repeating the same mistakes and to predict future trends in the development of spatial organization of the economy.

This study aims to analyze the gas industry market in the Pacific Rim. Aim. This study is aimed at assessing the capability of the gas industry to cater to the domestic demand. Tasks. This study evaluates the resource potential of the Pacific Rim, its production capacity, volume, and structure of domestic consumption. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition, in particular, to examine gas demand and supply behavior in the Pacific Rim in various aspects. Results. The Pacific Rim combines two major segments of the gas industry: conventional gas and LNG. Despite the region’s rather extensive resource potential, an unprecedented growth of demand for gas and the ensuing increase in production volume impose a significant burden on the gas industry in the region. Conclusion. The analysis of the gas industry in the Pacific Rim suggests possible further development of the gas market in the region and identifies factors having a decisive impact on its development.

This study is aimed at examining the foreign economic relations of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the postindependence years. Aim. This study aims to examine the position of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the system of global economic relations and their relation in the days of independence. Tasks. This study analyzes the characteristics of the economies of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan based on statistical years, performs a comparative analysis of the indicators of openness of an economy, and identifies the corresponding provisions for the organization of international economic relations. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition to examine the scope and structure of the economic relations of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, identifies trends, and determines major directions in their rationalization. Results. The foreign economic relations of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are substandard. Despite the fact that in the past 20 years over 40 legal and regulatory documents have been signed between the two countries, the existing mechanism for the regulation and development of foreign trade relations requires significant improvement. Conclusion. The examination of the foreign economic relations of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in the post-independence years makes it possible not only to determine the scope and structure of the economic relations of the two countries but also to formulate specific proposals for their rationalization.

This study examines the risks of the national economy’s dependence on imports and state policy measures aimed at overcoming these risks. Import substitution is identified as one of the major measures of long-term national economic policy in this field. Segments of the Russian economy that ensure the stability of the country’s socio-economic system and that are crucial to the implementation of the import substitution strategy are identified. Aim. This study aims to conduct a quantitative and qualitative assessment of the Russian economy’s dependence on imports, propose measures to improve the efficiency of state economic regulation based on retrospective, comparative, and structural analysis with due consideration to the need to reduce the risks of dependence on imports and implement an import substitution strategy. Tasks. This study determines the degree of the Russian economy’s dependence on imports; assesses dependence in comparison with other countries and historical records from the USSR and the Russian Federation; identifies product groups that show critical dependence on imports, requiring implementation of national import substitution policy measures; provides recommendations for improving the efficiency of the national policy aimed at reducing the risks of dependence on imports and implementing import substitution. Methods. This study uses comparative, retrospective, and structural economic analysis, statistical processing of economic information, tools and techniques of systematic analysis, prediction, and modeling. Results. The study finds that a certain dependence on imports is inherent to the Russian economy; current and retrospective trends in its development are presented across major manufacturing groups (product groups). The correlation between the openness of the national economy and the degree of its competitiveness and innovativeness is determined. The limits of applicability, long-term goals, and directions of the national import substitution policy are also identified. The results also highlight the mechanism by which import dependence risk influences national security and economic growth. A complex approach to state risk management that involves import substitution is proposed. Conclusion. Despite dramatic changes in the organization of the economic system, the degree of import dependence and economic openness are relatively stable. It is established that a high degree of dependence on imports is not problematic for national development if it is in sectors that are not of strategic importance and do not make a significant contribution to the maintenance of national security and sustainability of economic growth. Import substitution policy should be regarded as one of the tools of national economic policy aimed at reducing risks associated with national development provided it is implemented selectively.

This study continues a series of academic papers on the problems of innovative development of the Russian economy. This study is conducted as part of a research project on the following subject: “strategic management of the development potential of socio-economic systems at different levels from the perspective of national security”. Aim. This study is aimed at examining the causes of low innovativeness in the Russian economy and its effect on property reproduction. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition, results of foreign studies, and evaluation data provided by the Russian Federal State Statistics Service. Results. The major criteria comprising problematic aspects of economic innovativeness formation and their effect on property reproduction are identified and substantiated, including deindustrialization, labor satisfaction, and specificity of demand for innovation. It is established that a new methodology is required to solve the problems in question. Such an approach should allow the current trends and features of socio-economic development in Russia to be determined, paying due attention to the existing economic paradoxes.

Aim. This study aims to systematize regulatory documents used in organizations and classify them based on one of the fundamental categories of regulatory documents, i.e., standardization documents. Tasks. This study aims to provide a brief description of regulatory documents based on the field of their application. Further it clarifies (specify) the definitions of “binding,” “registration,” “legal and regulatory,” “voluntary and regulatory,” and “conditionally voluntary” clauses relating to regulatory documents and a number of other types of regulatory documents. It determines the conditions (restrictions) required for changing the legal status of regulatory documents and identifies the goals and objectives, principles and objects of standardization provided for by the Law of the Russian Federation No. 162-ФЗ “On Standardization in the Russian Federation” dated 06.29.2015. It classifies the standardization documents based on their status and systematizes the documents of the national standardization system with the subsequent explanation of each type of document. Methods. This study uses a systems approach to classify the totality of regulatory documents used in organizations, shows the correlations between them, and demonstrates (visualizes) the fundamental provisions of the law “On Standardization in the Russian Federation”. Results. A viable classification of regulatory organizational documents based on their fundamental characteristics is proposed, and the fundamental provisions of the Law “On standardization in the Russian Federation” are methodically analyzed. Conclusion. The proposed formulation, based on a systems approach, makes it possible to increase the productivity and efficiency of managing a large amount of regulatory documents in the organizations.

This article outlines the nature and specific features of contemporary participatory management. Aim. This article aims to summarize some of the methodological and practical aspects of the participatory management concept in the operation of organizations in the real sector of the economy. Tasks. This study analyzes the features and benefits of participatory management, assesses the consequences of its application, and proposes a set of tools in the form of a participatory management matrix. Methods. This article provides insights into the features and benefits of the implementation of participation in the operation of an organization based on the analysis of existing data and literature on the problem under examination. Results. It is established that participatory management is not only an organizational concept but also a profound philosophy underpinning organizational management. The main features of the concept and the probable results of its implementation are determined using the example of OAO Zapadelektrostroy. A participation matrix for different departments in the organization to implement managerial functions is proposed. Conclusion. By engaging employees in the management process, the manager benefits from the opportunity to utilize the artistic, organizational, intellectual, and other potentials of employees efficiently. Participatory management is based on the recognition of the mutual interests of every employee within an organization, which facilitates the integration of these interests, and fosters more committed involvement in the working process. The proposed matrix of participatory management can be an effective tool for the assessment of participatory management.

This study is aimed at examining the mechanisms of public-private partnerships as applied to the industrial sector. Aim. The study aims to apply the mechanisms of public-private partnerships in the preparation of a program for industrial enterprise development. Tasks. In this study, the author analyzes the forms and legal basis for the implementation of projects based on the mechanisms of public-private partnerships and opportunities for their application in the preparation of a program for industrial enterprise development working by government order. Methods. This study uses general scientific principles of systematic analysis to examine the forms and legal basis for the implementation of projects based on the mechanisms of public-private partnerships. Results. This article presents the results of a study on public-private partnerships in an industrial context. The forms and legal basis for the implementation of projects based on the mechanisms of public-private partnerships are examined. The author outlines development directions and develops a system for industrial enterprise planning, working by government order with due consideration to the mechanisms of public-private partnerships. Conclusion. The use of PPP in the industry has great potential, particularly in the context of an unstable modern economy and the implementation of the import substitution strategy. It has the potential to create new jobs, attract investment in innovative projects, and improve the efficiency of capital investment in the industry.

This study focuses on developing a cost optimization model for air transportation during multimodal transportation. Aim. This study is aimed at developing a cost optimization model for air transportation during multimodal transportation of goods that can be practically achieved without much difficulty. Tasks. This study examines the interaction among the participants in transportation and trade during multimodal transportation, notes the principles guiding this interaction, and provides possible cost optimization solutions for air transportation during multimodal transportation of goods. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition to examine multimodal transportation in various aspects in order to minimize the loss of time and the risk regarding loss, theft, or damage of cargo. Results. Multimodal transportation is becoming increasingly popular in the transportation market as suitable infrastructure for different modes of transportation facilitates the economic growth of regions and the country as a whole. The interaction among participants in international trade and transport during multimodal transportation is examined, and the principles guiding this interaction are noted. A cost optimization model for air transportation during multimodal transportation of goods is developed. Conclusion. The ability to predict and reduce the cost of air transportation during multimodal transportation of goods improves the commercial appeal of the entire process, which is particularly crucial in the face of declining passenger traffic and the shrinking profitability of all participants in the transport industry. The authors propose a cost optimization model for air transportation during multimodal transportation by predicting the optimal arrangement of aircrafts in the airlines. This model analyses a linear programmig problem, where operating costs serve as the optimality criterion.

Aim. This study aims to provide a general understanding of the Islamic finance model and the prospects of its implementation in the Russian context. Tasks. This study analyzes Islamic methods of finance by identifying similarities and contradictions with the conventional Western models. Methods. This study examined the major principles of the functioning of the Islamic finance system and identified and analyzed key mechanisms of banking capital formation. The author provides insight into the major finance models designed to evade interest rate. Both international and Russian experiences in the implementation of the Islamic finance system are examined and major problems are identified. Results. Islamic finance represents a rapidly growing industry recognized internationally as a promising alternative to the conventional financial system because it exhibited greater resilience during the financial crisis compared to the Western banks. The issue of Islamic banking implementation in Russia has become of crucial importance in light of the sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union combined with the need for an alternative financial model. Comparative analysis of major tools used within the Islamic and conventional financial systems indicates that despite their differences, it is possible to implement the same range of operations in Islamic banks as in conventional banks, making allowance for the observance of the basic principles of Sharia. The steps that are being taken towards the implementation of an alternative financial system in Russia may suggest rapid development of this industry in the near future. However, its efficient functioning would require not only legislative changes, which are viewed as the main challenge by researchers, but also a number of other reforms relating to financial education and training of specialists capable of working in the Islamic finance system. The author believes that coordinated efforts in both directions are required to optimize the likelihood of success.

Heat supply systems are a crucial element of the utility system in Russian cities and towns. High system breakdown rates are largely a function of pipeline material, quality of installation, and the parameters of heat insulation that prevent heat loss and metal corrosion. Breakdown of heat supply pipelines imposes additional repair costs, jeopardizes the safety of people around the accident site, and causes discomfort in buildings that use thermal energy. Aim. This study evaluates the possibility of using multilayer heat insulation in heat supply systems. Results. This study analyzes the possibility of using multilayer (hybrid) heat insulation in which each layer performs a specific function: prevents metal corrosion, dampness penetration, or provides heat protection. Mass implementation of such insulation requires an economic indicator-based assessment of different types of heat insulation (mineral wool, polyurethane foam, hybrid) with a specific thickness of the protective layer in each case determined by regulatory requirements depending on type-specific thermal properties. It should be noted that mineral wool and polyurethane foam insulation have a limited area of application. The former is non-durable and loses its thermal properties when wet. The latter cannot be used in pipelines where the temperature exceeds 150°С, i. e., temperature that is set when the heating system is designed. Therefore, the use of hybrid heat insulation is advantageous in terms of both thermal efficiency and economic indicators (the cost of the material and installation, payback periods).

According to the Edict of the President of the Russian Federation, V. V. Putin, five Russian universities shall be included in the list of the world’s top 100 universities by 2020. This decree provided the impetus for the launch of Project 5-100 that is aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Russian universities in the global market of educational services. Aim. This study aims to analyze the provisional results and expediency of further implementation of the project to ensure the inclusion of five Russian universities among the world’s Top 100 global universities (Project 5-100). Results. The structure and method of ranking in major global university competitiveness rankings is analyzed, strategic choice is identified, and tactical measures taken by national governments and universities with the purpose of responding to global competitiveness rankings are substantiated. A qualitative analysis of the officially declared and implicit objectives of the implementation of Project 5-100 in Russia is performed and hypotheses explaining its expediency are suggested and discussed. The results of the study indicate that despite appropriate direction and certain positive outcomes, the provisional results of the implementation of the project suggest a less significant development of the higher education system in Russia or improvement of its global competitiveness rather than the effectiveness of the particular university management models aimed at meeting formal criteria.