Aim. The presented study aims to analyze the existing approaches to identifying poverty rate indicators in Russia, their behavior, and the factors that have an impact on it, taking into account its effect on the state of national economic security. Tasks. The authors examine theoretical approaches to calculating absolute and relative poverty rate indicators; calculate the said indicators with regard to Russia and the countries of the European Union; identify the limitations of the existing conceptual approaches to calculating poverty rate; develop guidelines on the formation of a comprehensive approach to poverty level assessment and on the measures than need to be taken for the sustainable reduction of poverty rate in accordance with the national goals of the Russian federation. Methods. This study uses the methods of systems analysis and econometric analysis, evolutionary-institutional theory, and historical approach. Results. The study shows that the numerical value of poverty rate in Russia varies significantly depending on the method of calculation, namely, determining poverty rate by calculating the subsistence level and the “relative poverty” level. The subsistence level calculated based on the value of the consumer basket fails to meet the norms of balanced nutrition and should be corrected in this regard. The experience of the countries of the European Union and Russia provides an empirical substantiation for the theoretical conclusion that reducing absolute poverty rate not always leads to a reduction in relative poverty rate. Conclusions. The existing methodology for poverty rate assessment currently used in Russia cannot fully reflect the scale and structure of this social phenomenon. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to the assessment of this indicator needs to be developed. It is necessary to make allowance for indicators related to “relative poverty” in the system of social indicators of economic security and the federal government should do the same when working towards the national goal of reducing poverty in Russia by half by 2024. This requires a multi-level system of targeted support for disadvantaged groups, the authority and resources for the development of which should be adequately distributed between authorities of all levels - federal, regional, and municipal, with allowance for the current level of income disparity across the regions.

The presented study examines the relevant problems of development of the pharmaceutical industry in Armenia. Aim. The presented study aims to determine the prospects of development of medical tourism in Armenia in the medium term. Tasks. The authors identify the source countries, i.e. tourism products, which have been or can be attractive to foreign tourists, and key factors of success to propose a possible scenario for the development of medical tourism in the medium term. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition, including analytical and methodological approaches, and elements of forecasting, structural and comparative analysis. The analytical research method, review of literature, and analysis of medical tourism in Armenia in 2006-2017 are used to determine the potential development path for medical tourism. Results. Since 2013, the number of patients attracted to Armenia has grown, leading to an increase in the proceeds from medical and health tourism. In 2017, these have reached its highest level since 2006, increasing eightfold over the same period. Kazakhstan has become the leading source country in terms of the number of patients who have undergone cosmetic surgery in Armenia, closely followed by Armenians and Russians from Russia (90% of Russian origin). The Armenian diaspora also prefers Armenia for plastic surgery. Dental services are another growth factor in this sector. Competitive prices, professional doctors and medical equipment play a vital role in attracting medical tourists to Armenia. Conclusions. In the medium term, Armenia is likely to rely on medical tourists from both Kazakhstan and Russia as well as Armenians from developed countries and the CIS (including Georgia). Price competitiveness will be the decisive factor. Word of mouth, personal contacts, and social networks, combined with positive articles in medical tourism journals and on websites of specialized consulting companies advertising Armenia as a favorable destination for medical tourism, will serve as efficient distribution channels capable of attracting more patients. New medical centers will be required to meet the increasing demand. Government support for the tour operators that promote medical tourism in Armenia may be crucial, along with government support and incentives for investors to build clinics and buy equipment. As a result, the expenses of foreigners on medical and health tourism may increase more than twofold, reaching 250 million US dollars by 2022. The obtained results can be used by the State Committee for Tourism in the preparation of future plans and strategies for the development of medical tourism, etc.

The presented study examines different types of organizations in the cultural sector and special aspects of their operation, with a focus on the specific methods and methodologies for assessing their performance. Aim. The study aims to examine approaches to organizational performance management in the cultural sector and to propose a conceptual model for organizational performance management in this sector. Tasks. The authors identify the specific aspects of operation of different types of organizations in the cultural sector, determine indicators, methods, and methodologies for the assessment of their performance, and propose a conceptual model for organizational performance management in this sector. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition (analysis, synthesis) to establish a causal relationship in the operation of organizations in the cultural sector and to develop guidelines on improving the performance management of the said organizations. The method used by the authors makes it possible to develop a conceptual model for organizational performance management in the cultural sector. Results. Organizations in the cultural sector are invited to adopt a dynamic system of internal monitoring and regulation of performance for the purpose of having immediate impact on the organizational processes that affect the structural components of the resulting performance indicators. It should be noted that the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation tends to focus on quantitative criteria that reflect the work of organizations in the cultural sector. That said, the performance of commercially oriented organization in the cultural sector is determined using conventional methods for business performance assessment. When assessing the performance of budget organizations, the focus is on the social effect. Conclusions. The specific aspects of performance management in the cultural sector are manifested in: the predominance of social criteria over economic criteria; social responsibility; the need for government regulation of com petitiveness in certain areas of the cultural sector to maintain high moral standards; the dependence of performance on the compliance of processes and results of an organization with the benchmarks set by strategic laws and regulations; the problems of scientific organization and regulation of artistic work; the competition between the organizations in the cultural sector for budget financing. Recommendations: management of performance within the set benchmarks in organizations in the cultural sector requires a dynamic system of internal monitoring and responsive performance management that would allow targeted adjustment of projected figures through immediate impact on organizational processes that affect the structural components of the resulting performance indicator.

The development of the digital economy provides a unique opportunity for business transformation, but small and medium enterprises need to take significant measures to make the most of it. The fact that the digital economy program has already been adopted and is being implemented in Russia means that companies should start preparing for the transition to a new technological paradigm. Now, there are cross-cutting technologies that not only fundamentally change the structure and technology of production and competition in the existing markets, but also create new markets and new demand. Small enterprises not always understand the tools needed for production development in the context of digital technology: the new role of big data, neural and quantum artificial intelligence technology, blockchain, industrial Internet, virtual and augmented reality. The presented study examines the existing approaches to assessing the digitalization of the economy as well as problems and opportunities for small enterprises in the context of INDUSTRY 4.0 formation. Aim. The study aims to examine the digital economy and tools for evaluating the digital economy itself and its role in the development of small and medium enterprises in Russia, and to determine the necessary conditions for providing efficient support to enterprises, stimulating investments and innovations. Tasks. To achieve the set aim, the authors analyze the intrinsic characteristics of the digital economy and various indices for the assessment of digital economy development in the country, identifying the problems and opportunities for the successful implementation of the «Digital Economy of the Russian Federation» program aimed at improving the efficiency of small and medium enterprises in Russia. Methods. This study uses the systems approach, systematization of statistical information, general scientific methods of cognition and critical re-evaluation of the works of Russian and foreign scientists on digital economy. Results. According to the results of the study, the digital economy in Russia is developing rapidly, making it possible to close the existing 5 to 7-year gap between Russia and the developed countries, provided that the «Digital Economy of the Russian Federation» program is overfulfilled. The factors that hinder the development of the digital economy in Russia and participation of small and medium enterprises in this process are identified, and guidelines on infrastructure support for Russian businesses in the context of formation of an information society are provided. Methodological approaches to the construction of «digitalization» indices are critically analyzed, and the causes of the relatively weak position of Russia in digital rankings are determined. Conclusions. The conducted study substantiates the necessity of implementing a comprehensive approach to the government regulation and infrastructure support for small and medium enterprises in the context of digitalization of the economy, revealing a significant correlation between the development of the digital economy and small enterprises in Russia.

A system of leading indicators serves as one the most common tools for forecasting economic development; it allows to anticipate the transition of the economic system into a different state (from upturn to downturn and vice versa). This is especially important during the transition from post-industrial to digital economy, which is why particular attention should be paid to the formation of information infrastructure and modern information systems within the framework of implementation of priority areas and development programs of the Russian Federation. A new stage in the development of the digital economy is associated with the adaptation of traditional regulation methods to the scientific and technological policy of the regions using modern forecasting tools. The authors propose using a system of leading and alert indicators to assess the level of economy digitalization and develop a way of constructing a composite index. Aim. The presented study aims to monitor the current state and dynamics of digitalization of the Russian economy. Tasks. The authors analyze the leading and alert indicators of development of digital economy in Russia and provide methodological recommendations for increasing the level of digital transformation. Methods. This study uses systematization of the publications of Russian and foreign economists dedicated to the problem of digital economy development using the Russian and international regulatory framework; statistical, economic, and mathematical methods for the analysis of indicators of digital economy development and a systems approach to the assessment of the level of digital economy development in Russia based on leading and alert indicators. Results. Economy digitalization indicators are classified and systematized; the level of digital transformation of the economy is assessed based on leading and alert indicators. Conclusions. According to the calculations, the indicator of digital economy development that reflects domestic expenses on research and development in the ICT sector best signals the digitalization of the Russian economy and may serve as a leading indicator used for forecasting digital economy development. Three indicators (gross added value of the ICT sector, domestic expenses on research and development in the ICT sector, publications of Russian authors in scientific journals indexed in international databases) are essentially “alert” indicators that determine the intensity of economic transformations.

The presented study examines the problems in the development of infrastructure (primarily transport infrastructure) within the framework of the Russian spatial development strategy as well as the role of regional and municipal infrastructure in the implementation of major infrastructure projects. Aim. Based on the effects of infrastructure on national and regional socio-economic development, the study aims to find opportunities for synchronizing the goals and objectives of development of backbone and regional infrastructure within the framework of implementation of the Russian spatial development strategy. Tasks. The authors identify potential directions for the integration of the efforts of federal and regional authorities in the formation of regional infrastructure clusters. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the role of infrastructure in national socio-economic and spatial development as well as approaches to the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects with regional participation. Results. The study shows that synchronizing the goals and objectives of development of backbone and regional infrastructure becomes a strategic priority of national importance. A framework scenario of regional infrastructure development in the Russian Federation involves its integration into the global, unified national market. Spatial interpretation of this scenario can be represented by the formation of several regional infrastructure clusters (multi-highway, railway, coastal). Conclusions. Implementation of the spatial development strategy requires transition towards a polycentric model of national development aimed at reducing territorial asymmetries, which would facilitate the integration of regional economies into the global market of infrastructure megaprojects, driven partly by regional infrastructure.

The presented study examines the specifics of formation and the current trends in the transformation of the institutional framework for ensuring economic accessibility of food in the context of the global socio-economic instability and implementation of the import substitution policy in the Russian agrifood sector. Aim. The study aims to substantiate the major directions for the development of the institutional aspects of ensuring economic accessibility of food by synthesizing the existing and new theoretical and methodological approaches, systematizing international and national laws and regulations, and examining foreign experience in this field. Tasks. The authors determine the effects of the dynamics of the population’s real disposable income on the structural changes in the effective demand and consumption of basic foodstuffs by conducting a spacio-temporal analysis of food consumption in 2015-2018 at the federal level using a differentiated approach; examine the regulatory, normative, and cognitive aspects of the institutional framework for ensuring economic accessibility of food; substantiate guidelines on developing the institutional component of the system for ensuring economic accessibility of food, including institutions in the agrifood sector and institutes for social development. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition, analysis of economic indicators, comparison, and synthesis. Results. The major directions of expanding the institutional framework for ensuring economic accessibility of food under the current conditions of increasing strategic risks include continuous strategic planning of consumption, implementation of an integrated approach, gradual development of food aid in various forms, development of institutional planning in the food consumption sector, and transplantation of national food aid institutions in the form of institutional import. Conclusions. In the context of emerging new challenges and threats to ensuring the stability of the national agrifood sector and stable functioning of the food market, the study substantiates the need to make a transition towards continuous strategic planning in the field of food consumption involving consistent, rather than sporadic, adjustment of the developed strategies and concepts. The authors show the practicability of coordinating the efforts of ministries and government agencies to harmonize the major operating parameters in the agrifood sector, economic accessibility of food, and social development aimed at improving the efficiency of problem-solving in national food security matters. The Food Security Doctrine of the Russian Federation serves as a positive example of adjustment of strategic documentation. That said, it would be appropriate for the Doctrine to include such social risk as income disparity by family, territory, and region.

The presented study examines the importance of the factors that affect the formation of conflict potential in the society. Aim. The study aims to determine the effect of the quality of the social and labor environment and income distribution policy on the formation of conflict potential. Tasks. The authors substantiate and identify socio-economic factors that determine the formation of conflict potential and analyze factors responsible for the formation of conflict potential and social tension. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition based on the analysis of assessment indicators and the results of sociological surveys conducted at the Higher School of Economics and the Institute of Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences to substantiate the authors’ standpoint regarding the importance and composition of socio-economic factors of formation of conflict potential. Results. Conflict potential is viewed as the resulting indicators of disproportions in the system of income distribution and destructive relationships in the labor and capital sector, which lead to high social polarization and unreasonable bipolarization of the social medium, where the level of inequality translates into social distance, in extreme situations resulting in a state of social exclusion for the most vulnerable population groups. Conclusions. The quality of government regulation of the factors that affect conflict potential can both counter its effects or escalate the conflict between social groups. In the context of the priorities of socio-economic development, Russia needs to improve the system of regulation of social and labor relationships, income distribution policy, and wage level.

According to the Strategy for long-term development of the pension system until 2030, the Russian Federation is transitioning to a three-tier model for the pension system. Successful implementation of this strategy requires mechanisms and additional incentives that would facilitate the development of corporate pension systems. For this, in turn, it will be necessary to systematize the Russian and international experience in the field of formation of corporate pension programs, to identify the factors that hinder the development of corporate pension programs, and to propose key measures aimed at facilitating the development of corporate pension plans. Aim. The presented study aims to determine the role and place of corporate pension plans in the pension system of the Russian Federation. Tasks. The authors assess the necessity and importance of corporate pension, evaluate the demand for defined contribution pension plans, and identify the key characteristics of the modern non-state pension market. Methods . This study uses theoretical and empirical research methods: retrospective analysis of economic indicators, comparison, synthesis, and the monographic method. Results. The role of corporate pension in the overall pension system is determined. The obstacles to the implementation of corporate pension plans are identified. The major pension indicators and performance indicators of nonstate pension funds in the Russian Federation are assessed. Conclusions. The study identifies the non-state pension market indicators that stipulate the limitations in the development strategy of most funds. A number of measures are proposed to enhance the sustainability of the pension system by increasing trust in non-state pension funds and creating an efficient tax system for investment income.

The presented study is relevant due to the regularly emerging numerous changes in the monetary sector in the context of economy digitalization. These changes reflect the implementation of new financial technologies in banking services and the emergence of new types of financial products and intermediaries spawned by the reality of the forming digital economy. Aim. The study aims to identify the evolutionary transformations of the banking business model based on the implementation of information and communication technologies. Tasks. The authors determine the causes and conditions of formation of a new banking business model as well as its major differences from the traditional model of banking services. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to assess the potential effects of implementation of advanced financial technologies on the ways a bank interacts with its clients in the context of the forming digital economic space. Results. The causes and conditions of formation of a new servicing model are stipulated by the implementation of advanced information and communication technologies in the banking business. An overview of the stages of implementation of financial innovations in the banking business is provided. The growth rate of remote banking services in the Russian Federation is analyzed. The technological components of distribution of financial innovations across the existing banking institutions are characterized. Conclusions. In the foreseeable future, blockchain technology has the potential to become a conceptually new institutional environment for building monetary relations based on a new system of trust. While the existing system of trust in banks is reputation-based, in a blockchain system trust is based on the mutual control of its participants, regardless of their individual financial interests. Further studies should focus on finding ways of integrating the banking business with non-banking financial intermediaries based on the emerging major elements of digital economy.

The presented study substantiates the practicability of risk management using the Oracle Crystal Ball software. Aim. Through the example of investment projects in the field of multi-family housing, the study aims to demonstrate that the Oracle Crystal Ball application makes management of market risks quick and easy, which leads to more relevant project results. Tasks. The authors design an investment project in the field of multi-family housing using Oracle Crystal Ball and prove the efficiency of this program in considering the market risks of an investment project; they also analyze the design of the investment project with consideration of market risks using the Monte Carlo method in comparison with static calculations using the discounted cash flow method. Methods. The theoretical basis of this study includes works of Russian and foreign scientists on the problems of using the Monte Carlo method for considering market risks in the design of investment projects and studies dedicated to the use of the Oracle Crystal Ball software. The authors use such scientific methods of cognition as analysis and the systems approach. An investment project in the construction field is designed using Oracle Crystal Ball. Economic press, analytical reports, and documents published in official digital media comprise the informational basis of the study. Results. The main results of the study are as follows: an investment project in the field of multi-family housing is designed using the Oracle Crystal Ball software, showing that this software can be used easily and efficiently and that considering market risks in the design of an investment project makes the results more relevant. The novelty and practical significance of this study consist in its substantiation of the efficiency of the Oracle Crystal Ball program for the design of investment projects in the field of construction in Russia. The results of the study can be used when making managerial decisions in the field of investment project design. Conclusions. The presented study shows that the Oracle Crystal Ball software allows for fast and simple risk management using the Monte Carlo method. The use of Oracle Crystal Ball in the design of an investment project in the field of multi-family housing makes the results more relevant by determining their probability.

The presented study describes the key problems of economic cooperation between Russia and the countries of Indochina, overcoming which is a crucial task for the Russian economic diplomacy. Aim. The study aims to summarize the experience of Russia’s trade and economic cooperation with the countries of Indochina, particularly ASEAN members. Tasks. The authors determine the promising directions and areas of cooperation between Russia and the countries of Indochina in the medium term until 2025 and identify the challenges of interaction between Russia and the countries of Indochina in the medium term. Methods. This study analyzes the current state of Russia’s foreign trade and foreign economic relations with such countries of Indochina as Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Results. The conducted analytical study reveals the directions for economic cooperation with the countries of Indochina that have formed by now and show the most potential for development. Conclusions. With clear understanding of the goals and potential directions of cooperation, mutual interest and amalgamation of the countries’ experience should drive the cooperation between Russia and the countries of Indochina in the medium term and provide a solid foundation for mutually beneficial economic integration in the future.