Structural Changes in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Russian Regions

The objective of the research presented in the article was to develop a management concept of regional business ecosystems with an assessment of the qualitative changes of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Russian Federation and its regions. The aims include the following: clarification of functions of SME in the national economy in the context of justifying state participation in managing its development, including at the regional level; streamlining the conceptual apparatus of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems as a necessary research foundation in this area; formalizing the features of their structure; analysing fluctuations in this segment within spatial-sectoral and categorical contexts; development of theoretical provisions and methodological tools for assessing structural changes in regional SME sectors. Research materials and methods . The works of Russian and international scholars have become the theoretical basis for this study related to the theory of spatial economic development, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and the management of complex economic systems. During the research, the author used system analysis methods, analysis of structure and dynamics, comparative assessments construction, as well as econometric methods. The author resorted to information databases provided by Rosstat, the Federal Tax Service of the Russian Federation (FTS), and by relevant ministries and departments. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the concept of SME conversion was introduced into scientific circulation, methodological tools for its quantitative assessment were proposed and tested, including regions with high and low SME conversion, as well as the relationship of SME conversion with the change in gross value added created by SMEs. Practical implementation . The article may be of value to researchers and managers interested in developing effective measures and mechanisms to support the rapid growth of SMEs in the regions of Russia.