Prospects of implementing the cluster policy on import substitution in the Republic of Bashkortostan: national security considerations
Importance Whereas threats to the social and economic development of the Russian regions rise due to geopolitical uncertainty and high national dependence on import of vital goods and services, it is reasonable to implement activities for improving Russia's national security, including the cluster policy on import substitution. The policy will allow for reducing the dependence on import of key goods and services consumed by the Russian regions. Objectives The article aims at substantiating the prospects for implementing the cluster policy on import substitution in the Republic of Bashkortostan in terms of national security. The researchers perform an analysis of the import structure in the Republic of Bashkortostan and evaluate the region's dependence on vital goods and services. The authors also determine industrial priorities of the cluster policy on import substitution in the region and develop a project of an import substituting pharmaceutical cluster in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Methods The article relies upon the dialectical method, system approach, tabular and graphic interpretation of the empirical and factual information, etc. Results Drawing upon the analysis of the import structure in the Republic of Bashkortostan and the existing potential for import substitution, the researchers identify industrial priorities of the cluster policy on import substituion in the region and develop the project of the import substituting pharmaceutical cluster in the Republic of Bashkortostan, including the list of competence, would-be cluster residents and conceptual scheme for their cooperation. Conclusions and Relevance The researchers conclude that it is reasonable and practicable to implement the cluster policy on import substitution in the Republic of Bashkortostan, considering national security aspects. If organized, the import substituting pharmaceutical cluster in the Republic of Bashkortostan will contribute to reducing the region's dependence on imported medicines, which are vital for the national health.