Investigation of Early Markers of Clustering: Experience in Applying Nonparametric Technique of Examination

Article is devoted to the issue on early markers of formation of economic clusters, which are the specific regional conditions. In contemporary Russian economic reality, when the state implements the initiation of cluster projects in different geographical regions and economic sectors, particularly relevant is the task to analyze and identify the regional environment conducive to the successful cluster formation. In order to complete the task, authors propose to use non-parametric methodology of examination, allowing to analyze objects with a complex quality structure. Paper describes this technique, and tests it in an example of the emerging pharmaceutical cluster in the Volgograd region. Following the results of the study, a conclusion on the feasibility of establishing a cluster in the area, and the main insufficient conditions are identifies, the improvement of which will have a positive impact on the process of formation of the Volgograd pharmaceutical cluster.