For citation:
Panasiuk, S. A. (2025). Socio-Economic Factors of Digitalization and Innovation Development in Russian Regions. AlterEconomics, 22(4), 704–721. https://doi.org/10.31063/AlterEconomics/2025.22-4.8
Abstract:
The problem of territorial disparities in innovation levels and digital development has become particularly relevant for Russian regions in the context of global digital transformation. While many studies examine the digital economy’s impact on regional development, there is still a lack of research on the structural factors driving differences in regional innovation. This article highlights the socio-economic digital key factors in Russian regions in the context of balancing digital demand and digital supply. An econometric analysis from 2018 to 2023 was conducted to identify the correlation between innovation activity, human capital, and the structure of regional production. The findings show that an increase in internal expenditures on R&D, the spread of information and communication technologies, and employment growth in the ICT sector have a positive impact on the share of high-tech industries in gross regional product. There are significant spatial disparities in digital development: innovative clusters concentrate human and financial resources, while most regions have low digital demand and limited innovation capacity. The study concludes that sustainable digital economy growth requires strategic management, interregional cooperation, and support for knowledge-intensive industries. This research contributes to creating a model for forecasting regional digital prospects, assessing the impact of public policy and infrastructure projects on reducing digital inequality. The results can inform regional strategies and programs for innovation-driven digital and economic modernization.
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