Innovation activity of the industry of the northern regions of Russia
Subject The article deals with the analysis of innovation industry of regions in the North of the Russian Federation. We consider the geopolitical role of the Arctic territories in the near future because of their enormous biological and mineral resource potentials, rated by spatial, transport, military, ecological and recreational value. Objectives The purpose of the paper is the estimation of innovation activity of the industry of the Northern region of Russia in sectoral and territorial aspects. Methods We performed the analysis using the calculation of absolute and relative indicators, matching them in dynamics, comparisons between regions and with the average values in Russia, tabular and graphical reporting. Results We are stating a significant backlog of the regions in the North from the Russia's average indicators in terms of creation of new development and innovation activity of the industry; we are outlining the reasons for the backlog. The paper shows that a gradual positive increase of innovation activity in the North is somewhat inferior to the Russian values, and it was very uneven, patchy. We highlight the exclusive role of commodity investments in innovative activities and the production of new products. Our article notes the depressed manufacturing industries as the key problem of innovative development of the industry of the Northern region. We found a significant backlog on innovation in the energy sector and justify the relatively low ratio of innovative products to the cost. Conclusions and Relevance The study suggests that the innovative development of the industry of the North of Russia is not yet a sufficiently dynamic and sustainable, and major efforts should be concentrated on the modernization of the investment and innovation system of manufacturing industries. The results of this research can be used in analytical and management work of the regional and Federal authorities, as well as the business plans of the companies.