Specialization profiles of Russian Regions – leaders in innovative development

Introduction. The formation and strengthening of regional competitive advantages highlight the problems of studying combinations of activities that shape the innovative potential of territories in the context of technological transformation. The smart specialization concept offers new analytical frameworks for examining a region's competitive potential, taking into account the historically established production basis , resource capabilities, and combination of structural, institutional, and spatial factors. The aim of this research is to analyze specialization profiles of Russian regions that demonstrate high indicators of innovative development, identify characteristic features of their economic structure, and determine regional development models that contribute to innovative transformation. Materials and methods. The research is based on calculating and analyzing localization coefficients according to OKVED 2 sections for 12 leading regions in innovation development, selected based on ratings and the presence of established innovation ecosystems. The information base consisted of data from Rosstat, EMISS, and regional authorities. An algorithm for sequential analysis of specialization was applied, grouping regions by similarity of structural economic characteristics. Results. Four basic models of regional specialization were identified: "metropolitan" (Moscow, St. Petersburg) with high diversification and service sector dominance; "extractive" (Tatarstan, Perm Krai, Samara and Tomsk regions); "agro-industrial" (Ulyanovsk, Novosibirsk and Kaluga regions); and "service-industrial" (Moscow Region, Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk regions). The determining role of agglomeration effects in forming smart specialization potential was established. Discussion. Key directions for developing regional specialization under technological transformation of the economic system are: development of digital infrastructure; technological modernization of traditional specialization industries; diversification of industrial structure; and human capital development.