World rankings as tool of evaluating performance investment in innovations and development strategy selection

The article discusses the methods of compiling world rankings related to innovation activity and doing business, in particular, the Global Innovation Index, the Bloomberg Innovation Index Rating of Innovative Economies, the Ranking of countries in the world by the level of global competitiveness according to the World Economic Forum and the Institute of Management, the Doing Business Rating. A factor-by-factor analysis of the position of the Russian Federation in these ratings for a certain time period has been carried out, the strengths and weaknesses of the innovation system in Russia have been investigated. Data from almost all ratings indicate that Russia's position in the innovation activity ratings has been improving since 2010, and there is potential for further growth. It is concluded that Russia produces fewer innovative products compared to the level of investment in innovation. The comparison of individual statistical indicators in the field of innovative development of Russia with similar indicators of foreign countries is carried out. Russia demonstrates high positions in terms of the number and quality of personnel engaged in research and development, but the level of wages, social benefits and comfort of the living environment of scientists and developers is inferior to developed countries. The level of funding for science, research, innovation activity of organizations, as well as the development of innovative entrepreneurship is lower than in the leading countries of innovation ratings. In Russia, there is a negative balance of payments for technology. The introduction of unprecedented sanctions affecting various aspects of the social, economic, and technological spheres aggravates the impact of negative factors on Russia’s innovation system. In the current situation, the issues of import substitution, ensuring the country’s independence from foreign technologies, developments, as well as providing support to innovative companies, talented youth and qualified specialists, overcoming the negative trend of the outflow of scientific personnel are becoming even more urgent. There is provided an up-to-date list of short- and long-term measures to support and stimulate the development of economic sectors, innovative business, scientific human resources and highly qualified specialists.