Clustering of Russian Regions by Potential of Innovative Ecosystems in the Context of Digital Technologies

The relevance of the research topic stems from the growing importance of regional innovation ecosystems (IES) in organising innovation processes. An innovation ecosystem is defined as a network of innovation actors and regional institutions, where high levels of interaction under open innovation conditions promote self-organisation, self-regulation, and self-development, thereby driving innovative development in the region as a whole. The purpose of this research article is to develop an original methodology for clustering regions according to potential of IES in order to form an information base for differentiated regional economic policy. Methods : the author used the principal component method, theoretical and factor analysis, as well as methods of comparison, grouping, and ranking. Scientific novelty : the paper presents original methodological evaluation of the potential of regional IES. The results of the study : the article proposes an algorithm for constructing an integral indicator to assess the potential of regional IES. Practical significance : the results can be implemented by government authorities in developing differentiated instruments of regional economic policy for the identified groups of regions.