The presented study addresses the issues of implementation of a quality management system (hereinafter referred to as QMS) in the efficiencyof public and municipal administration (hereinafter referred to as PMA) in the context of the digitalization of society. This study is relevant due to the fact that organizational and methodological issues of the theory and practice of QMS implementation in the efficiencyof PMA in the context of the digitalization of society in theRussian Federationare not sufficiently investigated.

Aim. The study aims to develop efficien approaches to the implementation of QMS assessment methods in the field of PMA in the context of the digitalization of society.

Tasks. The authors examine the methods, approaches, and prospects of improving the efficiency of PMA in the context of the digitalization of society; identify tools for the implementation of the QMS projects according to ISO 9001:2015 in the efficiency of PMA in the context of the digital economy; analyze data for improving the quality management of public and municipal services.

Methods. The subject of the study is the developing filed of public and municipal administration in the context of the digitalization of society. This study focuses on the quality management system in relation to this sphere, including the quality management of public and municipal services in the context of the digitalization of society. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study comprises the works of Russian and foreign scientists, international standards and regulations pertaining to the quality of products/services and management systems. The methodology of the study is based on the application of the systems approach, with quality management considered as a system, the comparative method, and general scientific research methods – analysis and synthesis, benchmarking and comparison, generalization and systematization of the obtained data.

Results. In terms of the prospects, approaches, and methods of development and subsequent implementation of QMS in the filed of PMA in the context of the digitalization of society, the authors substantiate the need to reach a new level of interaction between the government and local authorities and the citizens and business entities by switching this interaction to the digital, proactive, and remote mode. In the course of the study it is established that it is necessary to reduce the time and administrative costs of public and municipal services, oversight functions, and operation of public and municipal bodies. The risks that hinder the creation of a full- fledged digital economy are analyzed (including risk management using ISO standards). It is necessary to improve the efficiency of application of the electronic interdepartmental interaction system following the implementation of the QMS according to ISO 9001:2015. The results of the study include analysis and improvement of the parameters of public and municipal services, identifying the priorities of consumers to continuously improve the QMS and increase the level of customer satisfaction, legal changes and enhanced security of the information environment in the context of the development of digitalization in the field of public and municipal services. It is established that, along with the reduction of administrative barrieres, QMS implementation increases the quality and availability of public and municipal services.

Conclusions. One of the vital goals of the ongoing administrative reform is to improve the procedures for the provision of public and municipal services. Implementation of relevant measures is a process that requires indicators of performance and efficiency of provision of public and municipal services. A quality management system built according to the international standard ISO 9001:2015 could become a proven tool. The theoretical and practical significance of the study consists in the development of approaches and methods for the examination of Russian and foreign practices in QMS implementation in the fieldof PMA in the context of the digitalization of society to further develop an optimal QMS project for this sphere.

The presented study examines the experience of forming a regulatory framework for the integration of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states through the example of standardization as one of the key tools of quality economics.

Aim. The study analyzes the major solutions of the EAEU authorities and member countries aimed at increasing the role of standardization in the economic integration of the Union over five years of its existence.

Tasks. The authors identify efficient methods for developing standardization for the integration of the EAEU states as well as the most problematic aspects in this field that need to be taken into account in the qualitative strengthening of the Union’s economy.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the activities of the EAEU authorities and member states aimed at creating a system for the economic integration of the Union during a period of its transition from separate national markets towards a single (common) market.

Results. Over five years of operation in the field of stadardization, the Eurasian Economic Union has created the necessary organizational and legal framework to ensure the successful development of integration processes. The national legislation on standardization has been modernized with allowance for the harmonization of these laws. In the next five-six years, the development of international standards for 40 technical regulations is expected to be completed, which would create a regulatory framework for unhindered interaction between all participants of the single (common) EAEU market. 

Conclusions. The analysis of activities in the field of standardization reveals a sufficiently thought-out and coordinated policy of the EAEU states in creating the necessary conditions for overcoming legal and administrative barriers in the movement of goods and services within the common economic space of the EAEU.

The article analyzes general reasons of formation of the sustainable development concept and “green” economics based on it, as well as examines the issues of effect of transition to “green’ economics on the financial markets and strategies of development of the countries.

Aim. To systemize information about the role of sustainable development concept in designing the new model of economic growth.

Objectives. To summarize the history of establishing the concepts of “sustainable development” and “green economics”, to find out transformations of  financial markets and changes in the investment process caused by transition to “green” economics; to describe the developing system of the governing effect on investors and financial markets that is being established in transition to “green” economics; to summarize contemporary experience of the countries in terms of integration of the topic of sustainable development and “green’ economics into the national strategic plans.

Methods. The features of financing of sustainable development in a global scale were identified and characterized by means of both methods of scientific inquiry, as well as its representation in the national policy of the countries.

Results. Transformation of the concept of “sustainable development” stipulated by integration of ESG-criteria, as well as the concept of “green” economics was described. Areas of transformation effect of the concept of sustainable development on financial markets and investment behavior of the economic entities were dentified. Description of the system is proposed, through which the governing effect on investors and financial markets (structure, levels, and key companies) is made. Objectives of the countries that entered on the path of sustainable development and “green” economic growth are specified.The main areas and measures taken by the countries for establishing the policy of sustainable development financing are summarized.

Conclusions. Despite that the countries significantly differ in quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the factors affecting development of the national priorities, they demonstrate similar approaches to establishing the policy aimed at financing of sustainable development.

The presented study discusses the issues of applying the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) rates of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on rough diamonds and the impact thereof on the exports of stones cut and polished inArmeniaand then exported toRussia.

Aim. The study aims to identify the possible strategies Armenian diamond cutting and polishing companies could adopt as a response to the application of the CCT rates on rough diamonds and how it would affect exports to various destinations, namely to Russia.

Tasks. The authors analyze the current state of the gems and jewelry sector and substantiate the need to either integrate it into the jewelry manufacturing sector or to apply various strategies to facilitate exports to either Russia or other destinations in the medium term in response to the application of the CCT rates.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition, including analytical and methodological approaches and elements of forecasting. Possible strategies the Armenian diamond cutting and polishing companies could adopt in the medium term in response to the application of the EAEU CCT rates are determined using the analytical research method, forecasts in the context of the developments in the Armenian gem processing and jewelry market and global trends, statistical data on the imports and exports of cut and polished gems and jewelry for 2014–2018 published by the UN Comtrade Statistics.

Results. Statistics on the exports of processed diamonds from 2014 to 2018 highlights the issue associated with the loss of competitiveness suffered by Armenian companies (mainly in comparison with Indian diamond cutters). The major global trends in the diamond cutting and polishing business indicate that it could be virtually impossible for Armenian cutters and polishers to compete with Indian companies in the medium term if they do not comes to investing in new technology to achieve operational efficiency. For these companies, it is important not to lose the Russian market due to an increase in the tariff rate and concentrate on the processing of gems that are larger than 1 carat. Another strategy to avoid an increase in the customs tariff rates would depend on the Armenian government’s ability to negotiate with Russia in respect of direct imports of diamond stones from Russian manufactures. Two other options for Armenian cutters involve focusing on cutting and polishing of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, etc. or integrating into the jewelry sector either by being the primary supplier or by considering this business as a channel to sell processed diamond stones by setting up their own jewelry manufacturing companies.

Conclusions. With CCT going into effect in January 2021 and India’s dominant role in the diamond cutting and polishing business, Armenia needs to carefully consider all of the strategies the Armenian companies could adopt, as discussed above. As a member state of the EAEU, Armenia freely exports to Russia, however, further exports to Russia would depend on Armenia’s ability to ensure that cost-effective operations are in place, or to concentrate on the processing of precious gems rather than diamonds, or to switch to the manufacturing of jewelry items as a major export item.

Practical Implication. The findings of this study could be of interest to the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and Business Armenia that could be used in elaborating the strategy for the development of Armenian gems and jewelry sector of the economy.

Aim. The presented study aims to develop a conceptual framework for the coordination and development of the competitive advantages of international transit between the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in an attempt to create a unified transport system within the SCO space.

Tasks. The authors assess the prospects of the interconnection and innovative development of the transit transport systems (TTS) of the SCO member states to create a common network of railroads and motorways and a unified transport system within the SCO; analyze the directions and prospects of the digital transformation of the transportation process at interstate junctions; prove that the development of cargo transit by rail, primarily through the improvement of transit transport communication with Afghanistan, is an important prerequisite for ensuring integrated security within the SCO space.

Methods. This study uses the methods of systems analysis, evolutionary-institutional theory, econometric modeling, and historical approach.

Results. The prospects for TTS interconnection are rooted in the implementation of the Agreement between the SCO member states to create favorable conditions for international road transport. Another promising direction involves creating a common network of railroads to achieve the global goal of establishing a unified transport system within the SCO. Given the fact that the container market has been occupied by Chinese manufacturers, the authors believe that Russian companies can and should take up a significant part of the container platform market (including innovative) within the SCO. The coordination of international transit transport should also be aimed at reducing the empty mileage rates of containers and container platforms. One of the directions for reducing empty mileage includes the formation of a backhaul cargo base and development of logistics schemes. Multimodal (combined) transport requires a single transport document as well as development and implementation of electronic workflows for cargo transit along international transport corridors. To ensure the national security of the SCO member states, first of all, it is necessary to develop rail transport of goods and passengers, which is more subject to control than road transport. It is also necessary to enhance the application of stationary and mobile inspection and examination complexes for the customs and border control of cargo.

Conclusions. Realization of the transit transport potential of the SCO member states and creation of a unified transport system within the Organization’s space requires the following conditions to be met: construction of high-end transport communications; expansion of the capacity of overland borders, development of port infrastructure; interconnection of infrastructure integration projects and transit transport systems; interoperability of the transportation process, construction of multimodal transport and logistics centers; digitization of the transportation process, implementation of transport technologies based on artificial intelligence; creation of multimodal digital international corridors; implementation of electronic workfl ws; traceability of cargo transit using electronic seals.

Aim. The study aims to analyze the major trends in the formation of workforce to ensure the socioeconomic development of particular territories.

Tasks. The authors compare data on the employment of Russian graduates depending on their level of education for the period from 2015 to 2017, examine the composition of the employed population by the level of education and the unemployment rate in the Far Eastern Federal District.

Methods. This study uses quantitative research methods, such as collection and comparative analysis of statistical data characterizing the trends in the development of the modern Russian youth workforce, and secondary analysis of the results of sociological surveys.

Results. The study shows the dynamics of employment and unemployment of graduates and the outmigration of youth – a major labor resource – from the Far Eastern regions.

Conclusions. The availability and quality of youth workforce in a particular territory is determined by a set of factors, including the level and quality of education, living standards of the population, economic and social conditions for the realization of professional opportunities. These factors affect the supply of regions with human resources that are ready and able to apply their labor competencies.

The presented study addresses the current problems in the implementation of the distributed ledger (blockchain) technology in supply chain management mechanisms in the context of the digital economy. 

Aim. The study aims to analyze the application of the blockchain technology in modern economic processes from the perspective of logistics.

Tasks. The authors consider the possibility of using the blockchain technology in the supply chain management system and explore ways to use the findings of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) in the fieldof digital economy to organize information standardization processes within the supply chains of foreign and mutual trade.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine approaches to the implementation of the blockchain technology in transport and logistics processes and to find opportunities for the implementation of smart contracts to ensure the traceability of the entire chain of commodity and information fl ws.

Results. Implementation of the distributed ledger (blockchain) technology in the logistics processes of foreign and mutual trade increases the transparency of information fl ws and the speed of decisionmaking. This technology would allow the parties to negotiate directly, minimizing potential risks and the time required to approve a supply deal.

Conclusions. The authors consider the possibility of using a systematic approach to the digitalization of transport and logistics processes and the subsequent standardization of information interaction at the B2B, B2G, and G2G levels, segmented by separate fields of transport and foreign trade and individual economic sectors. As a conclusion, the study assesses the prospects of the practical implementation of blockchain mechanisms in the creation of industrial platforms — digital platforms that provide integrated services for businesses and the government using a single window system.

Regional economics received an additional field of research by attempting to combine its provisions with the doctrines of economic growth. The causes and effects of spatial clustering for economic growth are examined in the works of Lichtenberg,Vernon, Hinitz,Marshall, etc. The hypothesis of this study is based on theory of the IDA and the theory of localization economics.

Aim. The presented study aims to review the current doctrines of regional economics.

Tasks. The author analyzes the classical and modern scientific doctrines in the field of regional economics.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition, axiomatic, hypothetical, abstraction, and general logical methods to systematize the results of studies of the current doctrines of regional economics.

Results. The results of the study, which include the examination and generalization of the current doctrines of regional economics, become even more relevant and receive new incentives for development by combining with other economic theories in an attempt to cover the whole spectrum of problems of regional economic development, which is a direction for further research in this subject area. Regional economics gained momentum through interaction with international and interregional trade theories. The development of a new trade theory based on the Dixit–Stiglitz model inspired a new interest in trade at different development levels. These changes in the trade theory facilitate the creation of multiple spatial economic models in the form of a new economic geography.

Conclusions. The approach to the current doctrines of regional economics is realized through the international business theory. The structural component of regional economics in this field of research should be determined through the formation of territorial clusters. The second group of works conducts analysis using more complex economic models based on statistical methods. The corresponding research methods make it possible to identify clusters by measuring local effects.

This study1 presents a methodology for assessing the strategic sustainability of enterprises in Russian regions at the micro level as a part of assessing the strategic sustainability of the complex of enterprises in a region. The authors suggest directions for fostering the economy of the depressed regions ofRussiaby improving the management of strategic sustainability of the complex of large, medium, and small enterprises in a region. The recommendations developed for federal and regional authorities on how to improve the management of the complex of enterprises in the regions are based on the hypothesis proved in the study about the dependence of economic development indicators of a region on the strategic sustainability of the complex of enterprises operating in its territory.

Aim. The study aims to suggest directions for improving the management of the strategic sustainability of large, medium, and small enterprises in the depressed regions of Russia based on the formation of regional profit centers.

Tasks. The authors identify the peculiarities in the development of large enterprises in the depressed regions of Russia by calculating an integrated index of economic and financial sustainability of enterprises; conduct a comparative analysis of the activities of large enterprises in depressed and developed regions to prove the hypothesis about the dependence of the economic and financial sustainability of large enterprises on the region’s level of socio-economic development; develop recommendations for federal and regional authorities on how to improve the management of the complex of large, medium, and small enterprises, including a proposal on the formation of regional profit centers.

Methods. The theoretical and methodological basis of this study includes theories and concepts on the role of enterprises and entrepreneurship in the economic development of a region. The study uses general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, comparative and statistical analysis, systematization, calculation of an integrated index, financial ratio analysis.

Results. The economic and financial indicators of large businesses in depressed regions are comparable to those of large businesses in developed regions (including the development indicators of the largest enterprises included in the Expert 600 rating), with some indicators showing values that are even higher than in developed regions. This confirms the hypothesis that the level of socio-economic development of a region does not have a dominant effect on the sustainability of development of large enterprises. The level of development of regional economies depends on the regional business structure. The revealed patterns make it possible to propose directions for improving the management of strategic sustainability of enterprises in depressed regions to federal and regional authorities.

Conclusions. The improvement of development management in depressed regions should be aimed at developing government support tools that facilitate the development of the complex of enterprises in the regions. It is necessary to integrate the sustainability management of the complex of enterprises in a region into the strategic management system at the federal and regional levels. Along with the implementation of national projects aimed at developing small businesses, increasing labor productivity, supporting innovation and development institutions, in depressed regions it is also necessary to implement projects aimed at developing large businesses and integrating them with medium and small enterprises based on cooperation roadmaps. A new approach to the development of depressed regions based on the formation of regional profit centers would facilitate the formation of the sustainability of the complex of enterprises in depressed regions, allowing rational use of national project funds.

This study is a continuation of the article “Approaches to assessing the strategic sustainability of large, medium, and small businesses in the depressed regions of Russia” published in Ekonomika i upravlenie No. 10, 2019.

The presented study identifies the channels through which digital transformation affects the system of socio-economic relations, particularly relations associated with employment, and substantiates the transformations in the system of government regulation caused by digitalization.

Aim. The study aims to develop proposals to improve the national economic policy in the field of employment regulation with allowance for the current and future challenges of digitalization and the experience of developed (in terms of information technology) countries.

Tasks. The authors provide a brief description of the modern revolution in information technology manifested in the form of large-scale digitalization of socio-economic relations; assess the speed, focus, and problems of development of the digital sector of economy in Russia in comparison with other countries; determine the scale and channels through which digitalization affects the well-being and employment of the population; propose directions for improving the national economic policy in the field  of employment regulation with allowance for Russian peculiarities.

Methods. This study uses the methods of institutional, structural, and statistical analysis with regard to digital transformation processes and in the context of the examination of changes in the socio-economic system and employment structure. The problems of the impact of digital transformations on socio-economic relations are examined using a systems approach and the methodology of comparative analysis and benchmarking — in a comparative analysis of the situation in Russia and other countries. 

Results. The authors believe digitalization to be a new trend that determines the direction of socioeconomic development in the medium term. In terms of the level of digitalization, Russia is significantly lagging behind developed and many developing countries, which impairs the sustainability of the national economy and national economic security. At the same time, the existing lag allows us to critically study the foreign experience of large-scale digitalization, particularly in terms of its impact on the labor market, employment, and social structure, to form an efficient national policy for regulating the digital transformation of the economy and society. The study proposes several directions aimed at early recognition and neutralization of the potential negative effects of digitalization on the Russian socio-economic system.

Conclusions. It is advisable to improve the national economic policy in the field of employment regulation and related fields with allowance for the current and future challenges of digitalization and the experience of developed (in terms of information technology) countries with a focus on certain areas, such as taking into consideration the prospective requirements of the labor market for “future specialists” (creativity, humanistic orientation of thinking and actions, leadership skills, psychological stability, cognitive flexibility, etc.) when developing and updating educational standards, and paying more attention to the development of continuous education. It is also necessary to strengthen government support for self-employment and individual entrepreneurship as legal forms serving as substitutions for hired labor in the digital economy, taking into account the “forced” (in some cases) nature of such entrepreneurship, which calls for government support in both economic and social terms. Convergence of the national policy in the field of social protection and social security with business policy plays an important role, as does the prevention of digital inequality and its “fusion” with traditional property and income inequality.

In the competitive, rapidly developing e-commerce market, most of the costs of organizations are associated with logistics and sales promotion. Implementation of fulfillment, i.e. the full range of services provided to e-commerce companies by a universal logistics operator, reduces the costs of goods delivery while ensuring the safety of goods and high quality of service.

Aim. The presented study aims to examine and develop methods for improving the logistics processes of companies operating in the e-commerce market.

Tasks. The authors examine the specific features and trends on the Russian e-commerce market, analyze the existing methods of delivering goods from online stores to the end consumer, and substantiate the need to apply modern methods of goods delivery.

Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to examine the logistics processes of e-commerce and formulate basic approaches to improving the logistics of online stores.

Results. The statistics of the Russian e-commerce market is analyzed. The specific features of logistics in e-commerce and methods of goods delivery are determined. Different types of logistics operators acting in the e-commerce market are examined. The benefits and drawbacks of fulfillment – the full range of services provided to e-commerce companies by a universal logistics operator from the moment a customer places an order to the moment they receive the goods – are identified. It is established that fulfillment for an online store includes the acceptance nad storage of goods, correspondence, and other types of cargo at a specially equipped warehouse, proper packaging of goods that are to be shipped to the consumer, and selection of an optimal delivery scheme depending on urgency and other factors. The necessity of implementing this delivery technology in the operation of an online store is substantiated.

Conclusions. Improvement of the methods of goods delivery to the consumers of online stores can reduce logistics costs while providing quality service.

The research is aimed at the study of the institutional investments in sustainable development of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Taking into account the large scale of agenda in the area of sustainable development, the article is focused on financing by the institutional investors of the environmental set of goals of sustainable development.

Aim. To identify factors promoting introduction of the sustainable financing principles in the operation of RSA institutional investors.

Objectives. To identify main components of the implemented strategies of sustainable financing and priority areas of “green’ investments on the example of the number of largest institutional investors of RSA. To study the key initiatives of introduction of the ESG-factors into the institutional analysis and the decision making process by the institutional investors.

Methods. Such general scientific methods of inquiry as analysis, synthesis, and method of scientific abstraction were used for research.

Results and conclusions. NedbankGroup and GEPF started introduction of sustainable financing principles in their operation in early 2000s. The key components of strategies of sustainable financing implemented by them include clear goal setting, availability of internal policy and procedures that allow taking into account the environmental and social risks when making financial decisions, as well as adaptation of the best international practices in the area of financing the projects of sustainable development thanks to participation in the large international initiatives and associations of investors. Since the end of 2011, pension funds of RSA are legislatively obliged to take into account the ESGfactors when making investment decisions. In contrast, in the bank industry the sustainability factors are taken into account on a voluntary basis. Currently, the National Treasury manages development of the national strategic system of sustainable fi