Regions innovative transformation based on smart specialization: a methodology for analyzing socio-economic development strategies

Abstract

Introduction. The transformation of regional economic systems, increasing interregional competition, digitalization of the economy, and transition to an innovative development model determine the need to improve strategic planning. Smart specialization serves as a methodological approach to regulating regional development, based on identifying and strengthening the unique competitive advantages of territories, taking into account their sectoral structure and innovative potential. Integration of the smart specialization concept into the strategic planning system for socio-economic development of regions becomes an important condition for the formation of effective regional innovation policy. The objective of the research is to evaluate the socio-economic development strategies of Russian Federation subjects (regions) for their compliance with the smart specialization concept.

Materials and Methods. The research methodology is based on a checklist that includes 28 parameters for evaluating strategies, grouped into 10 thematic blocks: target block, analytical justification, interregional cooperation, infrastructure support, innovation ecosystem, education and personnel, stakeholder engagement, coordination with the municipal level, feedback mechanisms, and resource provision. The empirical basis of the research was formed by strategic documents of Moscow, Moscow Region, Kaluga Region, and St. Petersburg – regions with a high level of innovative development and significant economic potential.

Results. It has been established that in the strategies of the all covered regions, innovative development based on the competitive advantages of territories is recognized as a key factor of economic growth. The most problematic parameters of the strategies have been identified: lack of assessment of interregional cooperation, insufficient development of feedback mechanisms and strategy adjustment, as well as stakeholder engagement. It has been revealed that regional strategic documents often do not contain a detailed analysis of innovation ecosystems and the potential of sectoral specialization, which limits the effectiveness of spatial development of territories.

Discussion. The developed methodological tools can be applied by state authorities of the Russian Federation subjects and representatives of the expert community for evaluating and adjusting regional strategies. For effective realization of the smart specialization potential, it is necessary to improve the strategic planning system through increasing emphasis on territorial planning, development of interregional cooperation, and formation of innovation ecosystems.