High-tech sectors of regional economy on the cases of the Rostov Oblast: Opportunities and prospects for development

Subject. The article discusses the structure and specific factors influencing the nature and pace of development of the high-tech sector of the Rostov Oblast economy. Objectives. The study aims to formulate promising directions for the high-tech sector development in the Rostov Oblast based on cluster and zonal formats for the consolidation of high-tech industries, collective use of research resources provided within the framework of public-private partnership, business cooperation based on openness of innovations. Methods. We employed methods of modeling, systems analysis, comparison, grouping, and data aggregation. Results. The paper highlights features of structural organization of the high-tech sector of the Rostov region's economy; lists challenges that are becoming relevant in relation to the high-tech sector of the Rostov region under instability of the general economic situation, sanctions pressure, lack of financing, and limited access to technology; defines priority tasks in terms of creating the necessary conditions for accelerated development of priority high-tech industries of the Don economic complex. Conclusions. The Russian regional high-tech sector needs a powerful incentive for productive activity, innovative approach in R&D, modernization of the usual business model, rather than direct financial support.