Transfer of Technologies by Russian Firms: Strategies and Connection to Regional Prosperity

Abstract

: The paper analyzes the strategies of Russian regional firms related to the transfer of technology. Technology transfer can be an essential driver of innovative development and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Technology transfer is usually understood as the application of technologies, methods, and knowledge developed by other organizations. Often, the active participation of enterprises in technology transfer reflects the features of their innovative behavior and the chosen strategy of innovative development. The paper analyzes the activity of Russian regional firms in technology transfer and the relationship of technology transfer and adaptation with the results of innovation activity. The results of innovation activity are understood as its scale and the quality of innovative products assessed based on market and technological product novelty. The paper considers the GRP per capita indicator as an indicator of regional well-being. The number of technologies transferred and adopted by firms and transfers from abroad of the Russian Federation is analyzed. Besides, the propensity of enterprises to interact with foreign partners in research activities is taken into account. The clustering of regions is used to identify the most widespread strategies. Clustering is conducted for three periods: 2016, 2017, and 2018. As a result, it was possible to identify five sustainable strategies of firms concerning technology transfer. Even though the strategies themselves turned out to be relatively stable, some regions are subject to strategy change, which is associated, among other things, with the cyclic nature of innovation activity. It should also be noted that the overall well-being of the region significantly influences the choice of strategy.