Innovation Activity in the Regions of the Volga Federal District: A Statistical Analysis

Introduction. Innovation activity is a key driver of economic growth and regional competitiveness. The relevance of this study is determined by the significant disparity in technological development levels across the subjects of the Russian Federation, necessitating a detailed analysis to formulate effective state support measures. The aim of the study is to conduct a comparative statistical analysis and rank the regions of the Volga Federal District in order of their level of innovation activity. Materials and Methods. The study is based on the analysis of official statistical data from the Federal State Statistics Service for 2019–2023. Five key indicators were used for a comprehensive assessment: the number of research organizations, internal expenditure on RD, the quantity of developed and implemented advanced production technologies, and the output of innovative goods. An integrated index was calculated based on these metrics, enabling a comparative analysis and ranking of the regions. Results. The calculation of the integrated index revealed significant differentiation in the innovation development levels of the Volga Federal District regions. The leaders were identified as the Republic of Tatarstan, Nizhny Novgorod Region, and the Perm Territory. The lowest scores were recorded in the Republic of Mari El, Penza Region, and the Chuvash Republic. The main challenges hindering innovation in the lagging regions were identified as insufficient funding, a shortage of qualified personnel, and an underdeveloped regulatory framework. Discussion and Conclusion. The study confirms a substantial innovation gap between the regions of the Volga Federal District. To ensure balanced technological development across the district, it is crucial to develop and implement targeted state support measures for the lagging regions. These measures should include increased funding, business incentives, and improvements to the regulatory framework.