The present study is based on discussions held at a seminar entitled “Innovation processes in the Russian mineral resources sector: problems, barriers, and directions for development” that took place at the Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Novosibirsk) during the years 2016-2018. Aim. The study aims to examine major approaches for the analysis, assessment, and management of innovation processes discussed at the seminar. Tasks. The authors identify key elements across the major topics of discussion at the seminar; namely, resource regions and innovative development, geology in the context of innovative development, conditions for innovations and economic development, and demand limitations on the development of the mineral resources sector. Results. Resource regions and innovative development: Particular attention was paid to the sustainable development of resource regions and innovations, analysis of the functioning of the mineral resources sector, innovation systems pertaining to resource territories, and the impact of resource development corporations operating in resource regions. Geology in the context of innovative development: The focus was on investments in geological exploration and development of mineral resources (sources and approaches to attracting investment), creation of conditions for the development of hard-to-exploit reserves (including tests sites for new technology trials), consideration of risks during the implementation of projects in the field of subsoil usage, and training of specialists in the geological industry. Demand limitations on the development of the mineral resources sector: This direction was particularly important because, in the modern economy, demand fluctuations are determined by the dynamics of mineral resources development. The discussion revolved around the cooperation between Russia’s eastern territories and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region along with the integration of the Russian mineral resources sector into the global chains used to create added value in the context of fluctuating demand for raw materials and the role of the government in demand-generation for products of the mineral resources sector (particularly the new, “high-tech” types of raw materials). Conditions for innovation and economic development: The focus was on the regulation of innovation processes and creation of conditions (including those in the banking and financial sector) for the development and application of innovative technologies in the fields associated with the extraction of mineral resources.

Aim. The present study aims to examine, through empirical research, the problems and opportunities of job placement for two categories of the unemployed population: 1) graduates from universities and secondary specialized educational institutions and 2) persons of pre-retirement and retirement age, who find themselves caught in uneven competition in the Moscow labor market due to their sociodemographic characteristics. Tasks. The study identifies major factors hindering the employment of two vulnerable categories of Moscow citizens who are actively looking for work. Methods. This study uses the scientific sociological quantitative method-collection and processing of information through a questionnaire survey of the unemployed who have contacted the Moscow employment bureau. Results. The distribution of responses of university and secondary specialized educational institution graduates and persons of pre-retirement and retirement age were analyzed by blocks of questions relating to ways of finding career opportunities, criteria for the potential place of employment, readiness to be trained for a new occupation, assessment of the salary level at positions offered by the employment bureau, and difficulties in communicating with potential employers. Conclusion. The authors conclude that both the examined categories of the unemployed population are vulnerable in the Moscow labor market. Despite possessing different sociodemographic characteristics, both face a number of similar problems: biased or indifferent attitudes of employers and difficulties in attempting to present their skills and expertise during interviews.

Under conditions of growing internal and external threats and challenges, the growth rate of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is surprisingly high, thus attracting foreign investors. Is the brand of its development a combination of a market economy and the traditions of late socialism? Aim. The present study analyzes the results of socioeconomic development in 2015-2017 and identifies real threats to the development of Vietnam. Methods. The study uses general scientific methods of cognition as well as actual and statistical data provided by the National Statistics Bureau of Vietnam. Results. Data confirm the stability of major macroeconomic trends, Vietnam’s place in the global rankings, and predictive assessments. It is proved that the past positive trends as well as factors hindering current economic development remain unchanged.

The Republic of Korea is among of Russia’s three largest trading partners in Northeast Asia, the other two being China and Japan. Diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea were established in 1991, which resulted in rapid growth in mutual trade based on mutual interests within a wide framework of signed agreements. In addition to trade, investments, and high technology, Russia collaborated with the Republic of Korea as part of the Russia - Republic of Korea - DPRK triangle. Negotiations on trilateral agreements with Moon Jae-in, president of the Republic of Korea since 2017, appear to transition from confrontation to cooperation with North Korea. These initiatives might alleviate the tension on the Korean peninsula and strengthen the collective security system in East Asia. Aim. The present study analyzes the bilateral cooperation between Russian and the Republic of Korea, as well as the position and role of the Republic of Korea in boosting Russian science and technology, thus predicting possible combinations of bilateral and trilateral cooperation between the two countries. Methods. The study uses scientific methods of cognition, expert assessment, and actual data on the scope and dynamics of cooperation between Russian and South Korean. Results. The study results prove that the Republic of Korea plays a significant role in Russia’s transition toward an innovative model and in normalizing relations between North and South Korea.

At the current level of social development, more attention should be devoted to improving the effectiveness of public and local administration, which should be results-oriented to serve as the basis of regional socio-economic development. Aim. The presented study aims to determine major directions for improving the effectiveness of public and local administration from the perspective of workforce capacity as the basis of regional development under current conditions. Tasks. The authors analyze scientific and methodological approaches to staffing as the basis of improving the effectiveness of public and local administration. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition and special methods to examine public and local administration as the basis of regional development and to propose a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of public and local administration from the perspective of staffing of government authorities. Results. In the context of uneven socio-economic development of territories and different levels of territorial potential of local economies, using unified approaches to the assessment of administrative effectiveness is unreasonable. Under current conditions, it becomes increasingly important to find new methodological approaches to the assessment of administrative effectiveness that would make allowance for local specifics and reflect the actual contribution of the authorities into the improvement of the life quality of the population within their jurisdiction. Conclusion. Approaches to the assessment of the effectiveness of public and local administration are changing. Formation of new approaches requires adequate methodological support. Therefore, new approaches should be aimed at examining the activities of executive authorities and the subject of administration as a unified system that includes economy, population, and territory.

Aim. The presented study aims to analyze methods of monopoly price determination as part of public supervision and to identify ways of preventing violation of anti-monopoly legislation. Tasks. The authors examine methods of monopoly price determination by the supervisory body and the existing litigation approaches, identify problems of monopoly price determination, and summarize judicial practices of antimonopoly authorities relating to the determination and application of monopoly prices. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine litigation practices relating to the determination and application of monopoly prices. Results. Determination and support of a monopoly price by the dominant economic entity is a violation of anti-monopoly legislation. In order to be able to make informed decisions on the improvement of the anti-monopoly policy, it is necessary to thoroughly examine the practices of monopoly price determination, analysis from the legal and economic perspective, generalization, and systematization. Conclusion. Price growth and high level of profit embedded in the price should be economically justified. A monopoly price can be determined by analyzing target cost calculations, if there are no actual costs for a particular service.

The present study examines the sources of corporate funding as a factor that affects a company’s revenue generation and expenditure. Aim. The study analyzes the major trends in generation of financial resources that affect the operation of an enterprise. Tasks. It identifies the basic funding methods, examines the applicable tool set, and specifies the data on the use of different sources of working capital funding. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine funding methods from various aspects and to identify current trends in corporate financial resource generation. Results. Russian Federation is focusing on improving the efficiency of corporate financial resource generation as a critical factor for company’s economic development. In an unstable economy, financial management plays a vital role in finding additional methods of funding. Conclusion. Focus on finding additional sources of funding allows to identify specific problems in efficient utilization of financial products and provides insight into factors that ensure generation of financial resources.

Aim. The present study aims to examine the concept of “analytical culture,” focusing on its role and importance in organizational management under current economic conditions and the possibility of its implementation in higher education institutions. Tasks. The authors develop a novel approach to the definition of “corporate culture,” identify key elements of the analytical culture of an organization, and develop a model for the management of processes and projects within an organization. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition and project object modeling. Results. The authors propose an original definition of “analytical culture” and emphasize its importance for strategic development, operative and tactical management, and enhancement of the competitiveness of higher education institutions. Conclusion. Russian and foreign approaches to the definitions of corporate culture, databased management, and analytical culture are analyzed. Decomposition of analytical culture is proposed, and its elements are examined from the perspective of its potential application in higher education institutions.

The present study examines several problems in ensuring economic security in Russia and its regions in times of geopolitical crisis and sanctions policy adopted by the world’s leading countries. Aim. The study examines the system of regional economic security amid new national and regional challenges and threats. Tasks. The study identifies the substance, content, and role of economic security mechanism aimed at creating a novel concept of national and regional economic security. Methods. This study validates the comprehensive self-organization and institutional-evolutionary approaches to examine the problems of regional economic security. Results. The study results substantiate the viability of new theoretical models and concepts of economic security under modern conditions, identify the main elements of a regional economic security system, propose a proprietary system for the classification of regional economic security factors, and make practical recommendations on ensuring the economic security of the regional management system. Conclusion. The problem of economic security at the national and regional levels is relevant because of the growing need for economic growth and stimulation of domestic production, which requires efficient institutional measures aimed at creating favorable conditions for the protection of national economic interests.

Aim. The presented study aims to determine and provide a rationale for the application of the optimum structure of factors affecting the competitive growth of small and medium construction companies. Tasks. The main task of the study is to find a new classification criterion for the approaches to competitive growth of companies in this sector. Methods. The methodological basis of the study includes works of Russian scientists dedicated to the problems of enhancing the competitiveness of construction companies and also based on practical examination of the specific features of small and medium construction companies. Results. The results of the study show that the key parameters in selecting the competitive growth strategy for small and medium construction companies are personalized approach, focus on implementation of innovations, market analysis, assessment and monitoring of the company’s competitive position, and efficient marketing system. The innovative information component and the company’s own marketing research should become the basis of a classification of the modern ways of enhancing competitiveness. Conclusion. Knowledge of the market and focus on the most efficient functioning systems would allow small and medium construction companies to assess and improve all construction and installation processes and adapt their offers to the requirements of investors and consumers, which, in turn, should have a positive effect on the financial performance and competitiveness of the company. In this context, the key feature of SME in the construction industry is mobility in terms of changes, the implementation of which that would require more time and resource from large corporations.