Harnessing the Irkutsk Oblast Recreational Potential for the Innovation-Driven Growth the Region

Abstract

Innovative development of the region implies creation and commercialization of innovations in the most favorable for the region business sectors. The priorities of the Irkutsk region development are to increase the innovation component, to develop high technology and to use the recreational resources of the region for the innovation development. Objective of the study: to determine the ways of using the recreational potential of Irkutsk Oblast for innovation development. The research methodology is based on a theoretical analysis of the main aspects of innovative regional development, innovation in the regional tourism and recreation industry. The information and empirical research base of the study was statistical data on the development of tourism in Irkutsk Oblast. The novelty of the research is in the formation of a conceptual approach to the use of recreational resources of Irkutsk Oblast for innovative development of the region through the creation and development in the region of world-class scientific centres in the priority sectors for the development of the region; the establishment in the Cisbaikalia of a geopark and biomedical cluster; development of congress and business tourism, both interregional and international, including transit tourism; engagement of areas not adjacent to Lake Baikal in the tourism industry. The author proposes to consider tourism as a form of export of high-tech eco-oriented living environment. The article provides an analysis of the national projects, programmes and strategies related to the development of innovations in tourism activities in Irkutsk Oblast.