Home – Home – Jornals – Region: Economics and Sociology 2023 number 2

The article considers the challenges that the economic integration between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus experiences within the Union State. The roadmap project, initiated by Russia in 2018 to resume the Action Program of Russia and Belarus on the Implementation of the Provisions of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State, produced twenty-eight union programs by the end of2021. However, it remains unclear whether these programs signal the beginning of a “two countries, one market" model, as executing them requires alterations in legislation and new bilateral agreements. Additionally, transparency in the implementation of union programs is crucial. To investigate the issue, the article analyzes the responses of regional enterprises in Sverdlovsk Oblast to assess their readiness for working jointly with Belarusian businesses. The purpose is to examine how Sverdlovsk enterprises perceive Belarus-Russia economic integration. The results show a desire to deepen Belarus-Russia economic integration expressed by Russian citizens, on the one hand, and minimal efforts at the business level to promote this process over the past 20+ years, on the other. The article is structured into four parts. The first section discusses the issues surrounding economic integration between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, which has been slow and uneven despite the creation of the Union State. Nevertheless, both countries view the Union State as an important integration project and are likely to continue efforts to strengthen cooperation in the future. The second section provides an overview of the union programs. Despite their success, there have been issues during implementation. One of the main problems is differences in the economic structure: because of Russia’s larger and more diversified economy, countries experience tensions over pricing and access to markets, and disagreements over the pace and scope of integration. The third section outlines the research design for the field study, which involved conducting semi-structured interviews with representatives from regional enterprises in Sverdlovsk Oblast to understand their perception of economic integration between Russia and Belarus. The fourth and final section presents the study’s findings, indicating that regional enterprises in Sverdlovsk Oblast have mixed feelings about their cooperation with Belarusian colleagues. However, they are positively inclined toward further economic integration based on established business practices in Russia.

The growth of high-tech businesses (HTBs) is influenced by the scientific and innovative activities of technology companies and their interaction with the external environment. This article explores the issue at the mesolevel by examining the impact of the level of research environment development in a region on the scale of HTB activities. We also bear in mind the industry-specific characteristics of HTB advancement, dividing the sector into three groups of industries: high-tech, medium, and knowledge-intensive. Adhering to the formal definition of HTBs, we consider 17 high-tech and knowledge-intensive activities. Our analysis covers the period from 2016 to 2020 and is based on aggregated data from individual companies in the SPARK-Interfax database and official Rosstat statistics. Russian HTBs are concentrated in six developed regions (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Moscow Oblast, the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as Nizhny Novgorod and Samara oblasts). In addition, these regions are characterized by a high level of innovation and S&T. Companies that engage in activities such as research and development and high-tech manufacturing tend to exhibit a greater propensity for innovative behavior. This study tests two hypotheses: (1) investment in R&D is a foundation for the successful development of HTBs, and this dependence is even stronger for industries operating at a high technological level; (2) high-tech and knowledge-intensive companies are growing noticeably faster in areas where the labor force has both high skill levels and creative competences. Using regression analysis of panel data, we confirm the first hypothesis. Although there is no formal confirmation for the second one, the analysis highlights the importance of HTB staffing, as companies face an acute shortage of qualified personnel. Overall, our findings suggest a significant relationship between the state of the region’s research environment and the scale of HTB activities in the Russian economy in a stable environment.

The article focuses on the development of export infrastructure for grain produced in the Siberian Federal District. The research aims to assess Siberia’s position in grain production and export from Russia, determine the efficiency of grain production in the main exporting regions, and evaluate the key elements of the grain export infrastructure in the district. The research aims to assess Siberia’s position in grain production and export from Russia, identify the main exporting regions within the district, and evaluate the efficiency of their grain production. It also seeks to systematize the elements of grain export infrastructure and assess its most critical elements in the Siberian Federal District. The research further explores the potential prospects for grain export in the district and uses this information to develop and justify methodological approaches for the development of export infrastructure. We identify the countries that consume wheat, oats, and barley produced in the region up to 2022 and address several issues: export-related challenges faced by the southernmost region of Siberia, Altai Krai, which is the primary grain supplier; problems associated with the use of seaports and international transport, the utilization of grain storage facilities in exporting regions, and small business participation in export operations. This article presents a case for a planned and forecast-based development of the grain market and infrastructure in the district. It discusses the role of information technologies in implementing this approach and presents an analysis of the existing IT infrastructure elements in the region. We also describe the commercial associations of grain exporters in the district and outline the tasks of the interregional association for further activities. The study highlights the strongest aspects of the grain export infrastructure in Siberian regions, which could help in the development of a common infrastructure. It identifies the most promising countries for consuming Siberian grain and proposes an organizational structure for an information ecosystem to support infrastructure for grain exports in the district. Our work is based on 2017-2022 data, obtained from the state statistics system, regional agriculture and food ministry reports, and publicly available sources.

The article attempts to explore death as a social phenomenon, where statistical indicators of mortality are provided only to describe their nationwide, regional, and ethnic scopes. Focusing on the social aspects of the causes of death, we divide them into the diseases of the flesh, diseases of the spirit, and diseases of society. Among the latter, highlighted is the impact of the unstable and inconsistent situation in Russia and the crisis of family relationships on mortality rates. We also present evidence of a steady variation in the spatial distribution of mortality, which can be attributed not only to living conditions in specific areas but also to ethnic factors, such as the outstripping decline of the Russian population. The article acknowledges the significant role of Russian geographers in the study of the relationship between mortality and specific socio-economic and other factors of different territories, i.e., the geodemographic doctrine. Furthermore, it discusses the causes and forms of the changing attitudes toward death. The covered topics are closely linked to the unique challenges associated with aging and old age in Russia, which will be brought to light in a subsequent publication.

The article aims to analyze the sociocultural foundations that shape the so-called “subjectness" of regional communities in modern Russia and identify their potential and limitations in increasing the autonomy of the Russian Federation’s constituent entities in constructing social reality. To achieve this, we draw upon the identity theory developed by several foreign and domestic researchers, as well as the sociocultural dynamics theory by P. Sorokin. The research is based on an empirical sociological study, “Renovation of Sociocultural Constants as a Factor of Reproduction and Development of Regional Communities," conducted by the authors in Belgorod Oblast in 2021. The study included three methods of data collection. Firstly, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 500 participants, picked by their place of residence, gender, and age - a zoned quota sampling technique. Secondly, an expert survey was carried out involving 30 experts, who were selected based on their research experience in sociology, as well as their published works on topics related to the sociology of culture and the sociology of region. Finally, the researchers conducted focus-group interviews with 32 participants divided into three groups: youth, employees of budget institutions in the sociocultural field, and mass media workers. The study revealed that most respondents were not willing to identify themselves with the region, and they had doubts about the existence of a community formed within its borders. Therefore, we conclude that identity plays an insignificant role as a prerequisite for establishing subjectness in regional communities. Additionally, examining the participants’ dispositions allows a fairly critical assessment of the potential for increasing the level of subjectness within the regional community. This is done through the actualization of a specific axiological-normative complex, consisting of values, norms, and behavior patterns that can facilitate the consolidation or integration of the society.

The article examines migration attitudes in the North Caucasus republics, which are some of Russia’s primary regions that lose population due to migration. The study aims to identify the economic and sociocultural factors that influence residents when it comes to relocating to another Russian constituent entity or country. We hypothesize that migration attitudes in the North Caucasus are linked to negative evaluations of the region’s socio-economic development dynamics and cultural factors such as the level of trust, traditionalist views, and conformity. To test these hypotheses, a representative telephone survey was conducted among 1,419 residents from Dagestan and Kabardino-Balkaria. The results of the regression analyses based on the data obtained demonstrate that the main factor influencing migration attitudes is socio-economic indicators associated with the possibility of self-fulfillment in the home region. Those who have a lower assessment of the quality of education and institutional environment in the region, when controlling for sociodemographic factors, were more likely to support leaving the North Caucasus. Willingness to relocate is directly related to the perception of working for a large company as an optimal life strategy, which is especially evident among young people. The analysis found that trust indicators (bonding social capital for elders and bridging social capital for youth) and traditionalist views of respondents are statistically significant and negatively affect migration attitudes. However, the analysis did not confirm the hypothesis regarding the influence of conformism and nonconformism. The study’s findings provide insight into the reasons behind North Caucasus residents’ migration and identify primary potential measures to curb the outflow of skilled labor from the region.

This article examines the role of culture as a key factor and resource in promoting regional competitiveness, focusing on Perm Krai. It discusses various approaches used to evaluate regional competitiveness and highlights examples of other countries where culture was instrumental in attracting human capital. The study aims to determine the impact of the cultural factor on the human capital development of Perm Krai by conducting interviews with experts and surveying local students. Moreover, we also analyze statistical data reflecting the cultural development trends in Perm Krai between 2005 and 2020, including the “Perm - Capital of Culture" project from 2008 to 2012. The research findings suggest that culture could be a critical driver of regional development in the competition for human capital. Finally, we evaluate the cultural situation in Perm Krai and identify the main factors contributing to the region’s competitive advantage and prospects for its development.

The purpose of this study is to scientifically substantiate an integrated methodology for assessing the socio-economic effectiveness of comprehensive investment projects (CIPs) that follows sustainable development principles and international evaluation approaches. This is achieved by examining investment projects aimed at creating innovative infrastructure in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) as a case study. The object of this study is the CIPs implemented in the FEFD. The subject of the study is the set of forecast socio-economic effects and outcomes resulting from the implementation of these investment projects for innovation infrastructure in the region. The article discusses the main ways the government supports CIPs in the FEFD and explores different approaches to evaluating these projects. To enhance sustainable regional development and maximize positive socio-economic impacts, we analyze existing and suggest new methods for assessing and planning the implementation of CIPs. We study the economic characteristics and types of effects generated by these projects. Additionally, our research looks at foreign approaches to evaluating the public (economic) efficiency of investment projects and offers a critical analysis of domestic methods used for assessing and selecting investment projects for state support. The article also addresses the challenges and features of methodological support for evaluating the public (economic) efficiency of CIPs. We introduce a scientific novelty by adapting existing domestic and foreign methodological approaches and modifying relevant tools to achieve the goal of the study. Moreover, we conduct experimental calculations on the Russky Island ISTC Project, resulting in a quantitative assessment of its societal effectiveness based on the types of effects generated. The study’s findings will enhance the accuracy of decision-making regarding budget investments and state support measures for individual projects. It will also provide a systematic framework for prioritizing the portfolio of existing and prospective projects (with a state support reorientation on projects maximizing public benefit). Furthermore, the study will contribute to improving the structure of initiated projects in favor of more societally effective implementation options.

This article emphasizes the importance of Eurasian ideas in the current global upheavals and the need to determine Russia’s prospects for development. These ideas are not clearly defined, so we focus on the classic Eurasianism teachings, specifically on what Eurasia is, the essence of Eurasianism, and Eurasian integration. The paper critically evaluates the Greater Eurasia project, which advocates for the whole Eurasian continent from Lisbon to Vladivostok as a strategic direction for Russia’s geopolitics. It is argued that Russia ’s internal development and intra-Eurasian and cross-border interactions are crucial for strengthening Russia’s potential and successful Eurasian integration. This should be a priority of state policy and consistent with the fundamental ideas of the founders of Eurasianism, an ideological and political movement, as well as Russia’s current and future interests, including national security. We identify institutional, economic, socio-cultural, and informational factors necessary for successful intra-Eurasian integration. The paper also suggests the spiritual-ecological model of development as a promising strategy for the civilizational future of Russia and the entire Eurasian sociocultural space, with Siberia playing a key role in the upcoming transformations. The sociocultural approach is the primary methodological tool used to address these issues, utilizing the resources of its two main interpretations: valuative and reflexive. The study utilizes the findings from a secondary analysis of earlier sociological research conducted under our supervision in different loci of the Eurasian world, along with an online survey administered to university students in five major Siberian cities. These data are employed to support specific overarching conclusions regarding respondents’ value orientations and perceptions of civilization. The conclusions presented may be of interest to legislat ive and executive authorities in reformatting Russia’s domestic and foreign policy priorities in the current geopolitical situation.

This article explores the dynamics and structure of foreign direct investment (FDI) to the East of Russia, specifically considering the impact of the economic shocks caused by COVID-19 in 2020-2021. We aim to understand the FDI dynamics since 2014-2015, including their spatial and sectoral distribution, to identify any shifts that occurred during the pandemic, and to find the amount of FDI the eastern territories acquired at the beginning of 2022. Overall, FDI in the form of capital participation increased across Russia during the period under review, with the Far East experiencing a higher growth rate than the rest of the country. Conversely, in Siberia, FDI share has declined, largely due to capital withdrawal from raw materials projects. The sectoral composition of FDI in Russia has undergone changes since 2014. Specifically, the share of FDI in commodity sectors has increased by over 150%, while in the manufacturing industry, it has decreased almost threefold. During and immediately after the pandemic, the decline in FDI in manufacturing sectors in the East of Russia was significantly lower, and by 2022, their volume had increased by 70% compared to 2015. Overall, the impact of the pandemic on FDI in Russia was not severe, and the eastern regions were even less affected. By 2022, FDI volumes in almost all sectors had recovered and, in some cases, drastically exceeded the 2015 levels. After comparing the dynamics of trade turnover with the Asia-Pacific countries, we can conclude that the high demand for goods and resources, which generates import-export flows between Russia and these countries, is not being effectively translated into productive cooperation in the form of FDI. This finding should be considered when developing policies for international economic cooperation following the 2022 sanctions.

This article examines the environmental and economic development issues in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, specifically in areas of Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Komi Republic. The goal is to identify the challenges and unique characteristics of Arctic territories within these two regions. The study utilizes a comparative approach, analyzing data from a focused sociological survey of the environmental, economic, and social well-being of the area against official departmental statistics and enterprise data. The data were processed using SPSS software, as well as sociological and statistical methods. The conclusive analytical findings were derived from a synthesis of various academic disciplines encompassing spatial economics, economic sociology, the sustainable development concept, and the dialectical approach. The results provide insights from the population of the Arctic territories within Arkhangelsk Oblast and the Komi Republic, specifically, the public’s assessment of the state of the environment in their direct places of residence, and at the regional, national, and global levels. We identify the specific ways in which the dynamics of the environment are perceived within each territory, as well as determine and compare with official data the sources of major perceived threats to the environmental well-being of these areas. Additionally, the study evaluates the level of satisfaction with the state of key environmental components. This research is scientifically important due to the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the results, which were achieved through the application of a wide range of tools. It contributes to the scientific study of environmental and economic issues related to the development of Russia’s Arctic Zone. Moreover, the study is relevant as a foundation for further scientific research, including those utilizing theories of reasoned action, “values-beliefs-norm, " and other similar approaches. Its practical significance lies in the need to establish an analytical framework for addressing environmental and economic considerations in the development of the Russian Arctic, which is crucial due to the growing ecological risks and new economic challenges.