Aim. The presented study analyzes the economic and legal relations of trade turnover between Russia and the EEU member countries in the context of economic sanctions. Methods. The methodological basis of this study comprises the current advances in the theory of cognition, methods of the evolutionary-institutional theory, econometric modeling, and analytical assessment. The presented study also uses the general philosophical method, systems method, analysis, synthesis, analogy, deduction, empirical methods (observation, comparison, data collection, and examination), routine and prospective analysis, and synthesis of theoretical and practical materials. This study analyzes the sources of the supranational and national law governing foreign trade and statistical accounting for the major export and import indicators in the EEU member countries and Russian foreign trade. Results. The results of the study can be used by Russian and EEU regulatory bodies for solving the existing problems in the foreign trade management system. The developed proposals and mechanisms for the efficient regulation of major problems and inconsistencies in the integration of Russia’s socioeconomic development with other EEU countries in an unstable environment can be used for maintaining and enhancing the competitive advantages of national economies and the EEU as a whole. Conclusion. The main conclusions to be drawn from this study are the developed conceptual approaches to supranational regulation of foreign trade in the EEU. The study emphasizes the importance of improving the regulatory management of the foreign trade activity of the EEU countries, considering globalization and harmonization based on international rules, including those of the World Trade Organization. The originality of the study lies in the substantiation of the need for harmonization of the EEU customs legislation and consistent organization of the international, supranational, and national levels of regulatory management, including customs and tax rules of foreign trade.

The presented study examines the potential directions for the modernization of the research and production complex in the Russian Northwest within the context of sustainable regional development. Aim. This study aims to identify the directions and assess the impact of the national industrial policy on the modernization of the research and production complex. Tasks. The authors identify the opportunities and means for improving the institutional environment for the purposes of economic modernization. Methods. The theories of innovative development and regional economy and the concept of sustainable development serve as the methodological basis of the study. Results. Current trends in the development of the research and production complex in theRussian Northwest macro-region are identified. The impact of government support measures aimed at implementing technological innovations into the production sphere is assessed. Conclusion. Currently, there are several technological waves in the Russian industrial complex. These combine into a single coherent technological system. Implementation of the fifth and the sixth technological waves in pharmaceutics and biotechnology and modernization of conventional production in the mining and timber industry of the Russian Northwest is exemplified. Improvement of research incentives and practical measures in the field of technological re-equipment and modernization of production in the proposed directions will facilitate the development of the research and industrial complex in the Northwest macroregion.

The present study is devoted to the study of the institute of domestic food aid as a tool for ensuring the economic accessibility of food and supporting domestic producers of agro-food products in the face of global challenges. Aim. To substantiate the directions of the development of the state system of food aid to the population in Russia on the basis of generalization of the experience of the functioning of domestic food aid programs in various countries of the world. Tasks. Identify ways to improve the organizational and economic mechanism for implementing domestic food aid to improve the sustainability of the agro-food complex and the social sphere. To study the various mechanisms of food aid in the United States, the countries of the European Union, Latin American countries, to systematize them, paying special attention to the experience of countries using the institute of domestic food aid to support the national agro-food complex. To substantiate recommendations for improving the institutional componentf the food aid system with an emphasis on state support with the help of this institute of small forms of agribusiness. Results. Two types of organization of the system of food aid in world practice are distinguished: an American type that presupposes state support for both agricultural producers and consumers of food; the European approach, consisting of guaranteed opportunities to provide consumers with all types of basic food products through an extensive system of social benefits and the prevalence of food aid by charitable organizations. Conclusions. In the context of the transfer of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and the Regulation of Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Foodstuffs for 2013-2020, from 2018, the project management has justified the need to highlight the issues of domestic food aid, taking into account the regulation of food supplies for small agribusiness in the framework of the food aid program to an independent subprogram of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture.

The presented study identifies tools that could help prevent and avert external and internal threats to regional economic security. Aim. The study aims to examine the full range of possible elements, along with their components, of an efficient regional economic security mechanism. Tasks. The authors determine key factors that have a direct or indirect, positive or negative, effect on the state of regional economic security, assess the level of regional economic security, and propose strategic directions for the development of an efficient regional economic security mechanism. Methods. This study uses mathematical and indicative methods to assess the elements of regional economic security and from that to identify the existing threats, making it possible to develop certain preventive measures in the future. Results. By summarizing theoretical and practical concepts of regional economic security regulation, the authors develop a unique approach that involves complex projection of the strategic directions for improving regional economic security. Furthermore, they specify the system of indicators for assessing the level of economic security and propose regulatory tools for different types of regions. Conclusion. Examination of the factors and parameters of regional economic security helps identify internal and external threats, which can be contained by developing appropriate measures based on the results obtained.

The presented study summarizes 28 years of APEC’s coordination and discussion on the economic development of its member countries. Established in 1989, APEC has become one of the world’s largest integration platforms, where solutions to the challenges and threats of the 21st century are discussed and agreed on, and APEC’s long-term development goals and directions are determined. In 2017, APEC was hosted by Vietnam. Aim. The presented study aims to assess the efficiency of APEC, outline the major problems, and propose solutions. Tasks. The authors identify reserves for the sustainable development of APEC and efficient functioning of other integration associations. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the positions of the APEC member countries in various aspects, identify trends in the current state and development of APEC, and determine major long-term directions. Results. Four priority directions of APEC’s activity are identified. The competitiveness and potential of innovations for small and medium enterprises, the degree of food security, and the future of the digital economy are determined. The impact of the trans-Pacific partnership and establishment of RCEP integration structure is assessed, and the benefits of free trade and liberalization of APR’s investment regime are identified. Conclusion. Examination of the activity of APEC, as a major international forum for determining general directions for the development of the Pacific region, allows us to identify trends and peculiarities in the current regional processes as well as problems, threats, and risks in the second half of the 21st century.

The presented study examines the structural elements of national security in the Russian Arctic zone and determines the role of the icebreaker fleet in providing national security. Aim. The study aims to show the role and place of the icebreaker fleet in the provision of national security in the Russian Arctic zone. Tasks. The author examines the structural elements of national security in the Russian Arctic zone and determines the role of the icebreaker fleet in providing national security. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to identify and systematize the elements of national security and the role of the icebreaker fleet in its provision. Results. This is an in-depth examination of the problem of Arctic sea route development in terms of national security improvement in the Russian Arctic zone. It is possible to focus attention, organizational efforts, and funds of public authorities and representatives of the shipbuilding industry on the major problems in RAZ development by implementing a strategy for RAZ Development and national security provision. Improving the level of national security would be possible by gradually solving these problems. Conclusion. Creating a modern icebreaker fleet capable of year-round navigation along the Arctic sea route would significantly bolster national security both in the RAZ and in Russia as a whole.

The presented study assesses the economic efficiency of reactive innovations in import substitution. Aim. The study aims to substantiate a model for the assessment of the economic efficiency of reactive innovations. Tasks. The present study determines the feasibility of developing a model for assessing the economic efficiency of reactive innovations and the potential for developing specialized methods for the economic assessment of reactive innovations implemented as part of import substitution measures. Methods. The methodological basis of the study comprises the scientific concepts of economic theory, innovation theory, and efficiency theory. This study also uses general scientific methods, such as systems and complex approach, economic and statistical analysis, to substantiate theoretical assumptions and rationalize the conclusions. Results. A substantiated and consistent method for the assessment of the economic efficiency of reactive innovations is proposed, based on the calculation of the relative value of the cost of scientific and technical or consumer characteristics for the consumer, that is, the correlation between the cost of an innovation to its consumer and the index of scientific and technical or consumer characteristics that serve as quantitative estimates of the scientific and technical and consumer effects, respectively. Conclusion. At present, the entire Russian economy faces the need for extensive implementation of reactive innovations in order to substitute industrial goods that can no longer be procured from traditional foreign suppliers due to either unavailability or non-merchantability. At the same time, it is necessary to select and assess innovations at early stages of project development, where assessment should account for the commercial, consumer, scientific, and technical effects, which raises the issue of developing specialized methods for the economic assessment of reactive innovations.

The presented study examines the regional differentiation of Russian economy as a result of the transformation of the national socioeconomic system over the past 25 years from the perspective of economic security. Aim. The study aims to assess the significance of indicators that characterize the lack of homogeneity in the development of the economic space in the Russian Federation, which is viewed as a threat to economic security, and that affect its integrity. Tasks. The authors identify key indicators of spatial development in Russia and, based on the results obtained, make an expert assessment of these indicators, evaluate their impact on economic security, and substantiate the reasons for the existing differentiation. Methods. This study uses general methods of scientific cognition (institutional, structural, retrospective, and comparative analysis, etc.) to examine trends in the transformation of the Russian economic space and identify the features that need to be accounted for in the harmonization of spatial development in Russia from the perspective of economic security. Results. Differentiation is shown to be an urgent problem with a long history of development in Russia. Differentiation indicators have been increasing in contemporary history (e.g., differentiation by GRP per capita has increased from 20.3 in 2010 to 56.1 in 2016). The development gap between certain regions of the Russian Federation and the leading regions is sometimes determined by the national economic policy and the major factors that affect the said gap (the region’s geographic location; availability of vital natural resources; demographic factors, development level of the production, market, and social infrastructure, degree of territorial development; areas of specialization; mentality of the population and the authorities, etc.). Conclusion. The study shows that differentiation of territories in terms of socioeconomic development is typical for almost any developing economy in the world, including resource based economies similar to Russia. The problem of differentiation in present-day Russia is becoming critical in terms of economic security. The need to eliminate this threat provides the rationale and opportunities for finding alternative paths for economic modernization with allowance for its regional diversity.

The presented study examines the problem of food consumption, which is one of the vital socioeconomic indicators representative of the material well-being and quality of life of the population in a territory. Aim. The study aims to assess the level of food consumption in the Vologda region and to model the socio-demographic determinants of staple food consumption. Tasks. The authors examine the structure of consumer expenditure and indicators of food consumption in the Vologda region, including the correlation between the level of well-being and the territory of residence, and analyze the sociodemographic factors of consumer behavior formation. Methods. This study uses data of sociological surveys and statistical methods to model sociodemographic determinants of staple food consumption. Results. The study shows that the Vologda region retains an unfavorable structure of household consumer expenditure, in which the share of food expenditure is prevalent. The structure of consumer expenditure, particularly the share of food expenditure, depends primarily on the material well-being of the population. At the same time, consumer behavior is significantly influenced not only by material, but also by socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, level of education, marital status, and place of residence. Modeling of consumer preferences with regard to a number of foodstuffs based on sociological data and mathematical methods shows that major determinants of regular food consumption include such indicators as level of income, level of education, and the number of children. Conclusion. Examination of the socio-demographic factors of consumer behavior formation allows for an in-depth analysis of the social situation in a region and makes it possible to determine the level of social deprivation and unrest and, consequently, the social potential of economic changes, which is important for the planning and assessment of socioeconomic policy options for different population groups.

The presented study examines the strategic management cycle with due regard for the provisions of alternative schools of management. Aim. The study aims to analyze the content of the strategic management cycle and its constituent elements - strategic analysis, strategic choice, and strategy implementation - with regard to the mission and objective of the organization, correlation between strategies of different levels, and the need for a competitive organizational structure in a turbulent external environment. Tasks. The study substantiates the importance of using tools for strategic management of enterprises in the real estate sector of Russian economy in an increasingly uncertain external environment, analyzes estimated figures of strategic and operational control, identifies shortcomings in management systems based on financial indicators, and demonstrates the necessity of implementing balanced nagement systems. Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the process of designing an enterprise development strategy with due regard for the correlation between strategies of different levels (corporate, international, business), to determine stages in the evolution of financial indicators of enterprise activity, and to identify the benefits of balanced management systems. Results. Analysis of alternative schools of strategic management helps identify the key elements of the strategic management cycle. Examination of traditional strategic management systems shows their reliance on financial indicators to be a significant factor for their lack of efficiency in an uncertain external environment, which creates a gap between strategic and tactical management. Conclusion. The identified benefits and shortcomings of individual financial indicators (return on assets (ROA), return on investment (ROI), return on capital employed (ROCE), cost to revenue rate (CRR), etc.) substantiate the need for implementing a balanced scorecard system and adapting it to the specific aspects of functioning of each economic entity under the current economic conditions in Russia.