This study examines the impact of uneven distribution of capital investment between municipal entities on the differentiation of rural area development. Aim. This study aims to test a scientific hypothesis for the differentiation of rural area development under the influence of localization of capital investment in a limited number of rural settlements and the impact of the close proximity of municipal district centers and centers of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation on this process. Tasks. This study considers the specific aspects of capital investment distribution between rural areas across all economic levels, examines the localization of investment in rural settlements within municipal districts through the example of the North-West federal district, and tests a scientific hypothesis for the impact of municipal district centers and centers of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation on investment localization. Methods. This study uses a typological approach, clustering method, Lorenz curve plotting, and localization index computation. Results. The distribution of capital investment between the rural areas in the North-West federal district is uneven. The differentiation is more pronounced between first-level municipal entities, where the investment is localized in a limited number of rural settlements. Under the influence of market mechanisms, investment is localized in the areas near municipal district centers and centers of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation that have higher rental potential due to their location, which confirms the tested scientific hypothesis. Conclusion. Governing bodies of all levels should pay attention and produce regulatory mechanisms aimed at smoothing the irregularities in investment distribution. Otherwise, the existing resource potential of the emerging rural areas will fall out of economic turnover with all ensuing negative effects. When making managerial decisions, federal authorities should use data on the differentiation of rural areas not only at the level of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, but also at the level of federal entities. Failing this, the existing insufficiency of information will make it impossible to make informed strategic decisions.

This study is aimed to assess the economic transformation in the Russian North-West in the context of economic sanctions. Aim. This study aims to determine the focus and priority of structural economic transformations in the Northwestern Federal District in the context of sanctions. Tasks. This study identifies key directions of the technical and technological re-equipment of the District’s economic complex, organization of more profound processing of raw material resources, and ensuring the competitiveness of domestic products and services in the domestic and international market. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition, situational and institutional approaches. Results. The mutual damage from economic sanctions for the countries participating in the sanctions activities is shown through a number of examples. The necessity of transformation of the economic complex in the Northwestern macroregion in the context of sanctions based on technical and technological re-equipment and import substitution is substantiated with due regard to the specific territorial and historical features, natural and geographical factors. The Eurasian vector (as a possible alternative to the European one) of macroregional development for the Northwestern transit transport complex is examined with due regard to the geo-economic environment. Conclusion. The transformation of the economic structure in the Russian North-West stipulated by economic sanctions should be based on technical and technological re-equipment and import substitution with due regard to the existing potential for self-development, specific territorial and historical features. Along with the obvious European vector of macroregional development burdened with sanctions, the Eurasian direction should be considered for the Northwestern transit transport complex in the conjunction of a unified Russian space.

The structural transformations occurring in the world economy over the past few years are largely due to the transition towards another wave of innovation. Almost every area of activity underwent monumental changes, including the traditionally conservative infrastructure industries. This study focuses on such industry-the energy industry, the directions for the development of which are viewed from the perspective of their conformity with the priorities of the sixth wave of innovation. Aim. This study aims to identify the problems and prospects for the development of the Russian energy industry in the context of the transition of the world economy towards the sixth wave of innovation. Tasks. This study determines the place and role of the energy industry in the modern economy; identifies the extent of the industry’s impact on the dynamics of economic growth; systematizes the directions of energy system innovation processes; and substantiates the effects of the energy industry on the innovative development of various sectors and areas of activities. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition, inferential analyses (correlation and regression), and a scenario approach to the examination of the prospects for innovative development of the energy industry in the context of the transition of the world economy towards the sixth wave of innovation. Results. It is determined that the energy industry is gradually moving beyond solving narrow infrastructural problems associated principally with meeting persistent demands for energy. Burgeoning needs of the energy industry for system technology solutions of a fundamentally new quality are already shaping new global high-tech product markets, where Russian manufacturers could hold important positions. Further, under an emergent conditions frame, the energy industry itself has become an experimental platform not just for approbation, but also for the development of advanced solutions in the field of intelligent tracking of energy solutions, implementation of distributed generation technologies, smart energy transfer, etc. During the development of such solutions, intensification of innovative processes can be expected, resulting in a large number of high-tech, export targeted solutions. Conclusion. The traditional dominance of the fuel and energy complex in the Russian economy is likely to continue. However, while it was previously focused on extraction and commercialization of energy resources, now the focus is on creating a diversified range of energy-oriented products and technologies with high processing levels and, therefore, higher added value.

Most of the plans on supporting the development of small business either fail to achieve practical implementation or end up having a significantly less-pronounced effect than anticipated. Methods. This study uses statistical data analysis and economic and mathematical methods that provide forecasts of the prospects for the development of small or individual businesses in Russia and the Nizhny Novgorod Region to 2020. Results. Guidelines for supporting the development of small business are provided, based on the formation and improvement of a system for government regulations of small business in the Nizhny Novgorod Region. The proposed measures are based on an in-depth analysis of the current state of small business in the Nizhny Novgorod Region and the efficiency of existing programs to support the development of small business in the region, as well as the associated infrastructure. The prospects for the development of small and individual businesses in Russia and the region are predicted to 2020, based on the conducted study. An analysis is performed of the current state, the dynamics of development, and the trends of socioeconomic development of small business in the region. The fundamental statements and conclusions of the article can be applied to the scientific and academic communities, when considering the nature and trends of the development of small business.

This study is dedicated to summarizing the international aspects of the application of the efficient institutional forms of investment process implementation, examines the experiences of the US, China, and Mexico in the operation of special economic zones (SEZs), and determines their features, advantages, and disadvantages. Aim. This study aims to specify the interpretation of SEZs in the Russian and foreign sciences, compares them with the SEZ category, examines the foreign experiences in the development of various types of SEZs, identifies the pros and cons, and examines the experiences of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan in the operation of SEZs. Tasks. The study examines the positive experiences in the operation of SEZs worldwide, with the purpose of their application in the Russian economy; summarizes the existing system of common and special incentives for investors in various types of SEZs; performs a scientific analysis of the features and trends of SEZ development in the US, China, and Mexico; and examines the experience of the Republic of Tatarstan in the operation of the Alabuga SEZ. Methods. This study uses systematization, generalization, processing and analysis of factual data, comparative analysis and synthesis, and dialectical methods of scientific research. Results. An interpretation of free economic zones as an institute of world economy; i.e., a special form of international economic integration, is provided; the effect of SEZ operation is shown; and a system of common and special incentives for investors is described. It is substantiated that the practical experience of the US, China, and Mexico should be considered as positive. The operation of various types of SEZs in Russia and Tatarstan is analyzed. Conclusions. The accumulative global practical experience in creating efficient forms of investment activity, such as SEZ, makes it possible to expand this field of activity in Russia, to improve the investment climate, to increase employment, and to increase the economic growth rate, which is highly relevant, considering the difficult economic situation that has been created in the global system in recent years.

Under the current economic conditions in Russia, characterized by a slowdown in economic growth and an unstable external environment due to political factors, the concept of economic security and the conditions for its achievement become particularly important. The problem of developing threshold values for the key macroeconomic parameters is a subject for study on its own, and the number of such studies has been growing significantly over the past few years. Aim. This study aims to focus on the qualitative correlation between economic growth and economic security. 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. A theoretical and methodological examination is conducted of the aspects of development of a system of economic security indicators. A correlation between dynamic economic growth and economic security is determined in terms of the quality of life. In particular, the elasticity of the population’s reaction to the deteriorating macroeconomic parameters is identified. A list of indicators is proposed for the assessment of economic security.

This study is aimed at comparing two methods for organizational management recognized in global management practices: management by objectives (MBO) and management by results (MBR). Aim. This study aims to identify the advantages and disadvantages of MBO and MBR as well as their applicability in contemporary economic contexts. Tasks. This study determines the scope of application of management methods; analyzes their advantages and disadvantages; defines the benefits of the MBR method; proposes modern methods for describing the functioning of MBR; and illustrates the efficiency of the practical application of MBR under Russian conditions. Methods. This study uses the ontological engineering method based on soft computing theory. The proposed method allows using the knowledge base in situational management. Results. It is proven that management by objectives (MBO) is not applicable in situational management in a stochastic environment subject to varying risks. A new approach, management by results, is proposed based on dynamic management models centered around the ideas of ontological engineering and functioning through the knowledge base (KB). A means of providing information support for the functioning of MBR using CLADO software is presented. Conclusion. Operationalizing MBR based on ontological engineering involving soft computing concepts makes it possible to manage corporate objectives and resources efficiently across various organizations with due regard to the human factor. Practical implementation of MBR in various Russian organizations proves the potential of the proposed approach supported by CLADO software.

Aim. This study aims to assess the current state and prospects of the population aging in Russia. Tasks. This study aims to: examine the changes over the last decade in the age structure of the population of Russia as a whole as well as its federal districts and territorial entities; examine the changes in old age boundaries; and determine possible effects of the population aging on the labor market and the changing size of the population beyond working age, including differences by gender. Methods. This study uses two specific demographic methodologies to address its aims. The conventional approach is based on a complex of age structure indicators. The other approach invokes the concept of “prospective age” based on age-dynamic life expectancies. Results. Russia belongs to the group of countries with the oldest populations. Over the last five years, the population of all Russian regions has aged rapidly. Further, the aging of the population is more pronounced in the European part of Russia and among the rural population. The older age groups are dominated by women. Therefore, a possible increase in the economic activity of elderly people is contingent upon the consequences of this demographic observation. Using St. Petersburg as a case-study, it is shown that old age boundaries are upward-shifting and converging towards gender parity. With the implementation of an effective demographic policy, in the next 15 years, most of the population of Russia will be elderly. Conclusion. The use of two methodological approaches to the study of the aging population makes it possible to consider it as a multifaceted process. The irreversible rapid aging of the population along with the shifting of old age boundaries presents new socio-economic challenges.

This study is aimed to describe the formation and assessment of regional entrepreneurial development strategy. As of today, federal and regional entrepreneurial support programs cannot solve the problem of protection of the in terests of entrepreneurs, since the objectives of these programs are defined in such a way so as to protect the interests of public authorities. Additionally, specific regional features of entrepreneurship may be taken into account not entirely. Aim. This study aims to determine the role of entrepreneurship in the regional development management; propose stages of entrepreneurial development strategy formation in the region as a vital element of the concept of creating favorable conditions for the development of entrepreneurship. Tasks. This study integrates the goals and objectives of all participants of regional development (public authorities, entrepreneurs, population, expert communities, non-governmental organizations, etc.) into the proposed strategy for entrepreneurial development; proposes new principles of planning in regional strategic development; and considers the necessity of entrepreneurial responsibility in the systematic assessment of the regional entrepreneurial development strategy. Methods. Favorable conditions for the development of entrepreneurship are created at a conceptual level, and tools for the development and assessment of the regional entrepreneurial development strategy are proposed. At the theoretical and methodological level, this is represented by the specification of the definition of entrepreneurial development, provisions for the preparation and implementation of measures constituting the regional entrepreneurial development strategy. Results. For the purpose of assessing the regional entrepreneurial development strategy as part of the concept of creating favorable conditions for such development, the definition of “entrepreneurial development” is specified as a process involving the consolidation of progressive and conservative changes that improves the sustainability of its functioning; stages of entrepreneurial development strategy formation in the region are developed; a “business profitability” criterion for strategy assessment is introduced; principles of “necessity”, “maximum capacity” are proposed for estimating the efficiency of operation of the municipal education administration in the regulation of entrepreneurial activity. Conclusion. It is proposed that the principles of equity and strategic partnership should be considered on par with such principles as openness and transparency of information during the planning of regional strategic development. The author’s suggestions are based on the idea that entrepreneurs should bear a part of the responsibility provided that they participate in the systematic assessment of the implementation of the stages of the entrepreneurial development strategy.

Current government policy in the field of taxation and the generation and use of budgetary funds occupies the minds of economic researchers. The entire range of corresponding decisions and measures is called fiscal policy. Depending on the current macroeconomic situation, it may be aimed at encouraging or restraining economic activity, ensuring full employment, or combating inflation. Aim. Fiscal policy ultimately serves to reduce fluctuations of the economic cycle and ensure sustainable economic growth with high employment and a moderate inflation rate. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition. The works of Russian and foreign scientists and legislative documents in the field of tax policy improvement serve as the theoretical basis of this study. Results. A comparative analysis of the Russian and foreign fiscal policy formation is performed. The extent of the fiscal policy’s impact in ensuring sustainable economic growth is determined in the context of the macroeconomic equilibrium between government expenditures and net taxes from corporations and households. The study concludes that the role of the fiscal system in economic theory and practice is underappreciated. The same applies to the Russian fiscal system, which is in many ways measured by the indicators of Western fiscal systems that became standard in Russia over the last 25 years. It is established that the fiscal system plays a key role in the harmonization of national, sectional, and personal material interests as well as in rectifying the deficiencies of market coordination.

Phenomena such as inflation and unstable exchange rates have a significant impact on the world economy. Overcoming these phenomena remains a major concern for the governments of countries of the world community, international economic organizations, and numerous academic economists. Therefore, issues related to the functioning of modern monetary unions such as the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union (EMU), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) have become crucial. Aim. This study aims to examine the institutional structure and development of the ECCU, the UEMOA, and the CEMAC over recent years. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition. The works of foreign scientists serve as the theoretical basis of this study. Evaluation data from the International Monetary Fund serve as the statistical basis of this study. Results. A comparative analysis of the main economic indicators of the member countries of the unions mentioned above is performed. It is established that the ECCU member countries share a very similar economic structure, which is an important factor for the formation of a monetary union. Major problems in facilitating balanced economic growth of the member countries of monetary unions are identified, namely, the low level of integration processes, need for intensive development of the financial sector, more exhaustive implementation of fiscal policy, etc. The study concludes that in the examined monetary unions, cooperation is achieved in the broadest spectrum- in transportation, industry, energy, agriculture, natural resources, and culture. Elimination of customs barriers, the resolution of monetary problems, and creation of a single market for community members opens up very real prospects for the establishment of large enterprises. The same applies to the creation of common infrastructure (for example, road systems and access roads, ports, and airports).

This study is aimed to describe the quantitative methods for the substantiation of managerial decisions. Aim. This study aims to develop a formalized approach to the allocation of work and resources during the implementation of long-term projects under government order by several participating bureaus. Tasks. This study develops methods for determining the structure of bureaus participating in the project and conceptual approaches to the current management of funds allocation between the projects implemented by the organization. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition, management theories, and systems analysis to examine the formalized framework for the optimization of an organization’s work and resources during the implementation of projects under government order. Results. Methods for optimizing the structure of geographically dispersed organizations participating in a government-financed project are presented, making it possible to identify the largest participating bureaus and minimize their total number in order to improve the quality of management and reduce management expenses. Optimization procedures for the current management of funds allocation between the projects implemented by the organization and business processes within their framework are proposed, intended for the quantitative substantiation of the corresponding decisions. Short recommendations on the use of theoretical provisions are provided. Conclusion. Formalized approaches to the optimization of work and resource breakdown structures of long-term projects implemented by a central coordinating body in association with participating bureaus under government order are developed, making it possible to eventually improve the efficiency of allocation of the limited government funds.

Recently, the economic literature has devoted increasing attention to the study of clusters emerging in the social sphere: culture, education, healthcare, sports, and social services. Such clusters are viewed independently and are practically arranged into individual groups. So, what features justify such classifications and allow one to determine the characteristics of social clusters? Is such an approach legitimate? There is no single answer to these questions. Different studies rely on different approaches and assessments, which are not often methodically substantiated by fundamental management theories and, therefore, do not allow one to develop a universal theoretical approach toward analyzing these types of clusters. Aim. This study aims to substantiate a methodological approach to the identification and analysis of social clusters. Tasks. The study develops a methodological approach to an examination based on fundamental management theories, provides a definition of a social cluster, develops a methodology for analysis, substantiates the arrangement of social clusters into separate groups, determines the features of these types of clusters and the approaches to their classification, and develops a social cluster model. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition, systems analysis, and a standard cluster model as a general scientific model. Results. The definition of a social cluster is specified, a cluster classification in terms of statistics codes is substantiated, and clusters are structured and modeled based on a standard model. A practical application of this scientific approach is proposed, based on the social cluster of the Masterpiece School. Conclusion. Scientific cluster models should be based on the use of statistical data for the purpose of practical planning in regional development. A social cluster is a cluster that has an effect on the social sphere. The structure of a social cluster is determined based on a standard model.

This study is aimed to describe the formation of a system for small and medium enterprise (MSE) regulation and support in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO). Aim. This study aims to analyze trends in the improvement of small and medium enterprise management in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug in the evolving institutional environment. Tasks. This study examines the strategic documents governing the development of small and medium enterprises in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug that form the institutional environment of business; considers the processes of SME regulation and support at the level of an autonomous region; identifies trends in the improvement of the system for SME regulation and support in the NAO. Methods. This study analyzes the functioning and development of the system for SME development management based on the use of a program-oriented and goal-oriented approach. Results. The basis for the formation of small and medium enterprise support and government regulation in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug is provided. Major directions, priorities, and mechanisms of SME support are discussed. Government regulation and support of enterprises are implemented using a program-oriented and goal-oriented approach. Conclusion. The institutional basis for the development of small and medium enterprises and a system for managing this development are created in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. The main directions for the improvement of the system of small and medium enterprise development management in the NAO are proposed.