The presented study comparatively analyzes indicators of the level of poverty and social inequality in Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, and the European Union (EU) as a criterion of national economic security.

Aim. The study aims to examine existing approaches to determining the level of poverty and its dynamics and to consider suggestions for improving this methodology.

Tasks. The authors examine and comparatively analyze approaches and methods for determining the level of poverty and its dynamics in the European Union and the CIS countries that are not members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

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

Results. Determining the level of poverty based on the number of citizens with incomes below the subsistence level can lead to misrepresentation of the actual state of this phenomenon. Calculation of poverty indicators based on consumer spending provides more accurate data on the level of poverty in a country where a significant share of the population’s income is generated by remittances from individuals living abroad, which are not reflected in official income statistics. A comparative analysis of poverty dynamics shows that in 2013 the level of poverty in all four examined countries decreased compared to 2006. Poverty dynamics in Russia and Belarus is more synchronized than in Ukraine and Moldova. A common methodology for calculating the level of poverty in all EU countries makes it possible to conduct a more thorough comparative analysis of poverty dynamics and to formulate more accurate recommendations in the field of anti-poverty policies. Based on the identified poverty dynamics in the EU and Russia, it is highly possible that strategic objectives on poverty reduction in the European Union and Russia will not be completed.

Conclusions. To exclude the possibility of interested authorities influencing the dynamics of the poverty indicator by changing its threshold values depending on the current economic or political situation, it is necessary to switch to comprehensive assessment of this indicator in Russia. For comparative cross-country data analysis, it is advisable to consider the possibility of creating a Eurasian Statistics Service within the EAEU that would collect statistics and standardize statistical methods among the EAEU member states.

The presented study summarizes the results of the implementation of import substitution and innovation policies in Russia. It is established that cluster structures created and supported by the state are primarily meant to solve the problems of import substitution and innovative economy formation in the country.
Aim. The study aims to assess the prospects for the development of cluster initiatives as a key tool for implementing import substitution and innovation policies in the country.
Tasks. The authors examine the role and importance of clusters in the development of regions and countries; summarize theoretical models of cluster structures; determine stages in the development of cluster initiatives in modern Russia; analyze the results of the formation of industrial and innovative clusters; formulate conclusions regarding the problems of innovation policy implementation; provide recommendations to facilitate the development of cluster initiatives and innovative economy in Russia.
Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition to analyze the results of the formation of cluster structures meant to facilitate the implementation of innovation and import substitution policies in Russia and proposes possible directions and tools for the formation of Industry 4.0 in the country.
Results. The study shows that the current solution to the problem of import substitution based on industrial clusters is unsatisfactory. Effective support for the activity of innovation clusters also does little to increase the share of innovative products created in Russia. At the same time, it will obviously take at least 10-15 years to see the effects of the implementation of innovation and import substitution policies, which makes it impossible to draw a definitive conclusion about the effectiveness of the examined policies or to assess the overall activity of cluster structures in the country.
Conclusions. Based on the results of the study, it is concluded that instead of extractive development institutions that hinder the country’s development, civil and entrepreneurial initiatives, Russia needs inclusive development institutions that are now practically absent but would allow citizens, organizations, and companies to influence economic and political processes. Furthermore, special government support is required for the rapidly growing medium-sized tech companies, which can become a source of economic growth for the country and a factor of global competitiveness in the world market in the next 10-15 years. Without their active development, building Industry 4.0 is impossible.

Aim. The presented study aims to develop the methodology for assessing the quality of management of organizational transformation processes.
Tasks. To achieve the set aim, the authors solve the following problems: determine the essence and content of socio-economic transformation, formulate quality assurance principles for the management of transformation processes, draw attention to the problem of selecting a unified quality criterion for the management of organizational transformation processes.
Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition, including analysis and synthesis. It also applies a systems approach to identify the major problems of assessing the quality of management of transformation processes, including the problem of selecting a unified quality criterion for the management of transformation processes and formulating the principles of ensuring the quality of management of transformation processes.
Results. The global problem of managing transformation processes in the economic system consists in the complexity of the managed processes, which increases due to the multidimensionality, mutual influence, and the resulting uncertainty of interactions between the elements of the system. It is concluded that the methodology for assessing the quality of management of transformation processes is based on the principle of integrating separate measures to improve the quality of management of system elements into a single system of management actions and the principle of ensuring that management actions are primarily aimed at preventing possible negative consequences of the transformation of economic systems, i.e. reducing the potential impact of unfavorable events and their consequences. To assess the effectiveness of targeted management actions and productive actions aimed at organizing, controlling, and guiding the transformation process, the authors actualize the problem of selecting an adequate quality criterion for the management of transformation processes in economic systems and put forward a hypothesis about a possible unified criterion of management quality.
Conclusions. The principle of integrating separate measures to improve the quality of management of system elements and the principle of ensuring that management actions are aimed at preventing possible negative consequences lie at the core of the methodology for assessing the quality of management of transformation processes in economic systems. The quality assessment methodology should be developed in the direction of finding a unified quality criterion for managing transformation processes in economic systems.

Aim. The presented study aims to conduct a comprehensive phenomenological analysis of creativity as a resource for the development of a service enterprise through the example of the creative activity of event agencies.
Tasks. The authors examine the phenomenon of creativity and develop a theoretical framework for considering creativity as a resource for the development of a service enterprise through the example of event agencies; identify the indicators of creativity of a service enterprise; develop a scale of creativity of event agencies operating in the modern services market.
Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of this study includes the works of Russian and foreign scientists and experts in the field of creativity and its use as a resource for the development of service enterprises. The authors use the phenomenological method (to examine the phenomenon of creativity as a whole), comparative (comparison of approaches, ideas, and experience of different countries in the field of creative activity), hermeneutical (interpretation of various aspects related to the analysis of creativity), and systems analysis. To examine the indicators of creativity of event agencies, this study uses quantitative and qualitative analysis of information materials published on the official websites of the examined cities, convention and event agencies, statistics of professional associations of congress and exhibition organizations, including the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), as well as other analytical reports, expert opinions, and applied research on the topic. The study analyzes statistics on the number and themes of events held in each city, event infrastructure, the range of provided services, and the level of service. The cities are then comparatively analyzed based on the results of examination of each city, and general conclusions are formulated.
Results. The main problem addressed by this study is associated with the concept of “creativity”, its content, degree, limits, and risks. The scientific novelty of the study is predicated upon the insufficient investigation of the problem of creativity as a resource for the development of a service enterprise. This study is one of the first attempts to develop a methodology for comprehensively analyzing the phenomenon of creativity with regard to event agencies. The results obtained during the study are vital for the theoretical conceptualization and practical solution of the problem of creativity in the context of economic knowledge: the key indicators of creativity of an event agency are identified and a creativity assessment model is developed based on the range of possible manifestations of creativity in the professional activity of event agencies. Creativity is analyzed as a resource for the development of a service enterprise through the example of the activity of event agencies. Eight indicators of creativity of an event agency are identified and an assessment scale is developed. The creativity indicators include “fluency”, “flexibility”, “originality”, “elaboration and synthesis”, “redirection”, “redefinition”, “reinitiation”, and “generation”. These eight indicators are incorporated into a creativity scale based on the Likert scale, which makes it possible to assess the degree (level) of creativity of an event agency on a scale of one to ten. As a result, the following problems are solved: the essence of the concept of “creativity” is determined and its main features are identified by analyzing the specific aspects of the modern MICE industry landscape. Scientific information on the topic is analyzed, systematized, and generalized. Russian and foreign experience of using creativity as a resource for the development of a service enterprise is comparatively analyzed.
Conclusions. The special role of creativity as a resource for the development of an event agency is revealed, and the indicators of the agency’s creativity are formulated. A creativity scale is developed. The correlation between the competitiveness of a service enterprise and the use of the creative resource in its development is determined. This study is one of the first attempts to develop a methodology for comprehensively analyzing the phenomenon of creativity with regard to event agencies. The results of the study are important for the theoretical conceptualization and practical solution of the problem of creativity in the context of economic knowledge.

Fundamental changes within a country and at the global level can have contradictory consequences for society. The more areas are affected by changes and the deeper these changes are, the more significant the necessary innovations can be. Considering the scale of digitalization and application of artificial intelligence technologies based on it, it can be concluded that we are dealing with an unprecedented phenomenon that needs to be thoroughly assessed by different experts.

Aim. The presented study aims to assess risks associated with the implementation of platform solutions without appropriate legislative initiatives, which, in turn, should facilitate the creation of the platform law institution. Today, legal science assesses risks associated with the legislative regulation of processes and creates conditions for safe and productive interaction with new mechanisms.

Tasks. The authors examine current legislation to create conditions for protecting the rights and legitimate interests of legal entities in their interaction with cutting-edge digital solutions and for analyzing the possibility of full-scale application of digital platforms on this basis; estimate the legal risks of applying digital innovations under current conditions.

Results. Analytical work has shown that platform solutions are a new technological unit that cannot be fully regulated by existing legal norms due to its technological features. The lack of personalized legal regulation of platforms not only infringes the rights of citizens providing various public and other services using digital technologies, but also creates conditions for the aggravation of the crime situation and the development of new types of crime.

Conclusions. The main risks of mass digitalization are considered. The technological features of innovations make it necessary to develop a branch of law that would regulate public relations during interaction with platform solutions and other information technologies. The authors propose a new complex mechanism of legal regulation — platform law, which will make using platforms completely safe and efficient in all sectors of society.

Aim. The presented study aims to assess the impact of Internet platforms on the efficiency of commercial and economic activities of agents, through the example of the European Union (hereinafter — the EU).
Tasks. The authors consider the characteristics of the European Union’s marketplaces, assess the impact of social networks on consumer shopping habits, examine e-commerce statistics in the European Union and the initiatives taken by the EU to improve e-commerce.
Methods. This study uses general methods of cognition to identify the specific features of product promotion in the online space, analyze statistical indicators, and determine the relationship between the use of digital information processing channels and the demand for goods.
Results. Examination of marketplace platforms shows that they are not a perfect channel for promoting products online. However, their significance has been growing rapidly in recent years. Platform solutions such as mobile networks and social networks significantly increase online sales. However, online channels have both advantages and disadvantages, which the European Union solves by introducing supranational regulation of online sales agents.
Conclusions. Further improvement of e-commerce processes requires supranational regulation and consumer engagement to increase their awareness of the opportunities provided by e-commerce.

The development and improvement of the digital economy has laid the groundwork for the transformation of competitiveness management in industrial enterprises. These processes need to be studied in depth.
Aim. The presented study aims to assess the importance of the digital economy for maintaining and improving the competitiveness of industrial enterprises.
Tasks. The authors examine general trends, Russian and foreign experience of ensuring the competitiveness of industrial enterprises in the digital economy and develop a strategy for enhancing competitiveness under the influence of digitalization.
Methods. This study uses general scientific methods of cognition such as comparison, deduction and induction, analysis, observation, generalization, and systematization.
Results. An upward trend in global digitalization is determined, which increases the importance and relevance of studying its impact on the competitiveness of industrial enterprises. The countries of the Asia-Pacific region are the trailblazers in using innovations. Positive foreign experience of implementing digitalization tools serves as an example for Russian industrial enterprises. Russian enterprises are willing, but not always able, to use digital technologies. Industrial enterprises can choose certain strategies for implementing innovations in competition.
Conclusions. The competitiveness of industrial enterprises under modern conditions can only be ensured by implementing the tools and technologies offered by the digital economy through the formation of a solid base of stability and security in competition.

The presented study addresses the problems of interaction between the public (government) and private sectors in the process of social reproduction. Evolution of the mechanism, models, and forms of public-private entrepreneurship has led to the widespread use of public-private partnerships (PPP) based on the utilization of innovation and investment resources of the business to solve economic and social problems. Economic restructuring spurred by digitalization, the pandemic, the shifting balance of power in the world, departure from unilateralism, financialization of economies, and globalization of economic crises decrease the productivity of traditional economic regulation measures taken by the government. Thus, it becomes obvious that further development of public-private partnerships requires enhanced public monitoring using cloud-based information systems, together with updated legislation in this area and new management personnel. The government should encourage innovations in the development of public-private entrepreneurship forms and facilitate interaction with business structures in the context of national and local budget deficit. These measures will help to improve the rate and quality of economic growth in Russia and transition to the sixth wave of innovation.
Aim. The study aims to show the genesis and mechanism of interaction between public authorities and business structures and its role in economic development; analyze major forms of public-private entrepreneurship; identify problems and propose recommendations for improving government-business interaction within the framework of public-private partnerships in the context of slower economic growth and the government’s limited ability to implement large-scale investment projects, including in the social sphere.
Tasks. The authors analyze the development of public-private entrepreneurship in Russia and across the world, highlighting the features and models of such interaction; examine the legislative features and mechanisms of public-private entrepreneurship; identify problems and opportunities for the successful implementation of government-business interaction in the investment sphere of the Russian Federation.
Methods. This study is based on the historical and logical approach, systems analysis, critical examination of scientific literature in relation to the adopted legislation, elements of complex analysis, modeling of interaction processes between public institutions and business structures.
Results. The authors prove that by enhancing the interaction between business structures and the government through the development of public-private partnerships in the creation and operation of infrastructure, information technologies, and the social sphere, it will be possible to increase the rate of economic growth, to reduce the burden on the national budget in the context of economic stagnation and recession, and to secure the government’s obligations in the social sphere. The proposed recommendations for improving public-private entrepreneurship include improving the quality of the legal framework regulating the type of partnership, improving its information infrastructure, having a targeted strategy and tactics for the development of public-private entrepreneurship at the national, regional, and municipal level, as well as developing managerial competencies in the field of public-private entrepreneurship process management.
Conclusions. The study substantiates the need to form and train efficient project teams, whose tasks should include competent support of a PPP project at all stages, from concept definition to implementation, and using the infrastructure mortgage principle and public control in public-private partnership.

The presented study examines innovative economic growth and its stimulating processes based on the development of innovative clusters. This involves determining the regulatory role of the government and choosing a regulatory model that would reflect the specific features of the examined country’s economic system.
Aim. The study aims to consider foreign and Russian experience to formulate proposals for improving the conceptual mechanism that would ensure Russia’s transition towards predominantly intensive economic growth using the opportunities provided by innovative clusters.
Tasks. The authors analyze the strategic direction of development of the global and national economies; determine the potential of clusters and cluster development as a tool that facilitates and guides economic growth; identify problem areas in the cluster development of the Russian economy and substantiate a set of measures aimed at eliminating them; determine the methods of government involvement in facilitating cluster development and substantiate the choice of the most appropriate method for a particular national economy; consider the foreign experience of transforming industrial clusters into innovative clusters and adapt it to the Russian economy.
Methods. This study critically analyzes different scientific approaches to determining the essence of a cluster and the nature of its impact on the development of economic entities and the national economy as a whole. It also uses analytical tools to propose an adjustment of existing approaches to cluster regulation in Russia and to facilitate the creation of innovative clusters.
Results. The role of innovation clusters in Russia and globally is determined in the context of the transition to predominantly intensive economic growth. The major problems that make it impossible to receive maximum benefits from clustering are highlighted. The relationship between innovation and cluster development is determined with allowance for the competitiveness index. The changes necessary for ensuring high-quality economic growth and improving the efficiency of clusters, particularly innovative clusters, are proposed. Factors that ensure successful innovative development in accordance with the main directions of cluster policy are identified.
Conclusions. Examination of the role of clusters in the formation of predominantly intensive economic growth, the current state of the Russian economy, and existing cluster policy models makes it possible to evaluate the prospects for the development of the Russian economy using the potential of innovative clusters.

An oil refinery is a complex process manufacturing system that needs to be efficiently supported at all levels by information systems and technologies.

Aim. The presented study aims to formulate requirements for the IT services of oil refinery information systems in accordance with the architectural approach to enterprise management.

Tasks. The authors analyze existing approaches to the formation of requirements for oil refinery information systems, outline functional requirements for oil refinery information systems, and develop a high-level architecture for the IT services of oil refinery information systems.

Methods. The methodological basis of the study includes a service-oriented approach to analyzing the requirements of the enterprise management system for IT support.

Results. The authors propose a model service-oriented architectural solution for the IT support of oil refining processes and formulate industry-specific requirements for IT services in BI, ERP, MES, and APC systems.

Conclusions. By designing a service-based IT architecture for an enterprise, it is possible to implement an information flow management system that would meet current business needs, including an automated system. When designing the IT architecture of an oil refinery, it is important to pay special attention to manufacturing execution systems (MES) and automated process control systems (APCS). Implementations of such systems use IT solutions designed by developers specializing in the automation of oil refining enterprises.

Aim. The presented study aims to identify the key problems for the participants of the educational process caused by the introduction of digital education into the educational environment of an educational institution and to formulate possible solutions to these problems.

Tasks. The authors analyze the mechanism of implementation of digital technologies in the educational process; identify weak points in the active introduction of distance learning; outline opportunities for the development of digital education.

Methods. This study uses the methods of the systems approach, comparative and structural analysis, analytical and theoretical generalization.

Results. The major problems of digital education implementation are identified; two principal development paths are proposed with an aim to improve the efficiency and quality of educational services based on digital technologies.

Conclusions. The main problems of digital education implementation are the lack of face-to-face communication and real-life interaction between the teacher and students; insufficient technical equipment (the need for computers, laptops, tablets); poor performance of the equipment that hosts information resources combined with large amounts of transmitted data. As possible solutions to these problems, the authors outline two major development paths: improving the quality of educational content and developing efficient tools, i.e. a modern online education platform.

Aim. The presented study aims to assess the potential of coopetition as an additional strategy to creating an integrated model for managing strategic entrepreneurship in the tourism sector.

Tasks. The authors define the concept of strategic entrepreneurship; determine and analyze the concept of coopetition; formulate the concept of strategic entrepreneurship in tourism; present the results of a qualitative study aimed at determining the most important forms of cooperation between tourism companies.

Methods. This conceptual study relies heavily on the examined literature, on theoretical reasons for using strategic entrepreneurship and coopetition in tourism enterprises, and on a qualitative study aimed at identifying meaningful areas of cooperation with competitors.
Results. Strategic entrepreneurship is a new field based on the integration of entrepreneurship and strategic management. If used by the management, it can significantly boost the company’s performance. However, in small and medium-sized tourism enterprises, critical resources are usually limited. As a result, they have to cooperate with competitors to gain access to additional assets and opportunities. Coopetition is used as part of the strategic activities of tourism enterprises to provide the missing resources and promote innovations that could help satisfy the needs of tourists.
Conclusions. Ccoopetition as an additional strategy will improve the strategic model of entrepreneurship, helping tourism enterprises achieve better performance.