Analysis and evaluation of innovative activity in the Krasnodar territory

Introduction. Rapid transformation of the world economic system into the smart economy adds relevance to research into the areas of digitalization of the economy of the state and regions. Trends in the development of economic relations and systems require acceleration of the transition to the innovative type of development and formation of growth points of the regional economy. The purpose of the article is to reveal the weak links in this process that cause a slowdown in the innovation process in the Krasnodar Territory. Materials and Methods. The analysis was based on studies of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration and the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia, conducted in 2017. Results. It has been identified that the ratings formed using the method of expert assessments show a fairly high level of development of innovative activity in the Krasnodar Territory. The study based on the method of quantitative assessments has shown poorer performance of the region compared to that of the leaders of innovation activity. An analysis of the situation made it possible to identify the causes of the current state of affairs, caused by the insufficient availability of funding for the development of innovations, by an undeveloped banking infrastructure and by the lack of integration of business and the government when forming an individual innovative way. The weaknesses in the development of the region have been identified: the lack of personnel having the qualifications necessary for the implementation of the Digital Economy program and the lack of correlation between regional government and business. Discussion and Conclusion. The performed analysis made it possible to draw conclusions that there are a number of problems in the innovative development of the regional economy. The promising areas for further research are: identification of growth points in the regional economy of a new type and the search for methods for creating a personnel reserve with new competencies, as well as for methods for predicting future requirements for personnel having the necessary qualifications. The article will be of interest to young scientists, undergraduates and managers providing recruitment of personnel as part of the transition to a digital economy.