BALANCED REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF INNOVATION POTENTIAL

The article examines the impact of innovation potential on the balance of regional development in the context of increasing interregional differentiation. Using the example of the subjects of the North-Western Federal District, a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the level of innovative development and the main socio-economic indicators of the regions was carried out. A methodology for assessing innovation potential has been developed, which includes four key components: scientific and technological, human, infrastructural and institutional capital. The results of the study show a significant differentiation of the regions of the Northwestern Federal District in terms of the level of innovative development with the concentration of innovation activity in St. Petersburg. It is revealed that the development of innovative potential contributes to economic growth, increased labor productivity and quality of life of the population, but its impact is unevenly distributed across the territory of the district. Mechanisms for strengthening the role of innovation potential in ensuring balanced regional development are proposed, including the formation of interregional innovation networks, the development of smart specialization and the creation of innovation clusters in peripheral regions.