CLUSTER POLICY AS A TOOL FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY OF THE RUSSIAN REGIONS

Abstract

The article researches theoretical aspects of formation and development of territorial clusters: their structure, approaches to definition, typology, key advantages. The regulatory framework for the implementation of cluster policy in the Russian Federation has been defined, as well as an analysis of the level of development achieved on the example of the Udmurt Republic. The main directions of cluster development at the federal level are considered: formation of innovation-territorial and industrial clusters. In each area, public support programmes and mechanisms have been investigated to ensure flexible funding for cluster policies. Favorable opportunities have been identified for the development of cluster projects, including when using the potentials of special economic zones, science and measures to support federal and regional development institutions. The directions of cluster initiatives in the Udmurt Republic have been formulated, the already existing cluster formations, such as innovative-territorial, industrial and tourist-recreational clusters, have been evaluated. The activity of the Russian Association of Clusters and Technology Parks as a subject uniting the organizations of technological and industrial infrastructure has been analyzed. Patterns and priorities of cluster policy development at the present stage are highlighted. Cluster associations are a unique economic system, including a set of industrial enterprises, scientific and educational organizations, and are considered as an effective tool to increase the investment attractiveness of the country and individual regions.