Innovative Dynamics and Structural Changes in the Manufacturing Industry of the Volga-Ural Macro-Region

The article discusses formation of an innovation system within the Volga-Ural macro-region. The scientific novelty of the work lies is the methodology for determining the flexibility of innovative component of the manufacturing industry in the region. The relevance of the research is determined by the need for a paradigm shift to the analysis of horizontal integration of regions, including in terms of innovation. Such integration will create prerequisites for an active flow of knowledge and the spread of innovations. The main properties of the territorial innovation system are formulated, including openness, innovation orientation, structural flexibility, and internal connectivity. The requirements for the functions and regional parameters in such a system are justified, and the advantages of large regions-subjects of the Russian Federation as innovative cores are emphasized.The main research methods, in addition to structural and spatial analysis and synthesis, were the calculation of structural coefficients in the economy and scientific and applied sphere for the Volga-Ural macro-region (Orenburg, Penza, Saratov, Samara and Ulyanovsk regions and the Republic of Bashkortostan). In particular, we use the Ryabtsev index, the coefficient of specialization (per capita production), and the coefficient of the use of advanced production technologies. The article analyzes structural shifts in innovative production in the manufacturing industries of these regions in the period 2010– 2019. This tool allows us to study the degree of manufacturing flexibility of the RF subjects of the Volga-Ural macro-region and the dynamics of their innovative development (ascending or descending) as well as the degree of its co-directionality.The analysis shows heterogeneity of the macro-region in economic and innovative terms. The regions that differ most from others in the structure of the innovation industry are identified (Bashkortostan and the Orenburg region). It is shown that the most positive dynamics is typical of Bashkortostan whereas a number of other regions face innovation degradation. The article considers the prospects of Ulyanovsk and Samara regions as generators of knowledge and innovation in the macro-region.The results of the study can be used in business (identifying the region with the most flexible economic structure as an innovative attractive one) and in state spatial planning (determining the composition of macro-regions). Such research is relevant for any macro-regions in the country.