Human resources and institutional barriers as factors of economic growth and innovative development of Russian business

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the systemic barriers hindering the innovative development of Russian business in the face of new external challenges. Based on Rosstat data for 2022–2024, an alarming structural trend in the scientific workforce is revealed, characterized by an absolute decline in the number of researchers and a simultaneous increase in support and administrative staff. This qualitative personnel shortage is examined in the context of such traditional problems as the weak link between science and business, regulatory restrictions, and a conservative sociocultural environment that suppresses “creative destruction.” The sanctions pressure of 2022 did not solve these problems; rather, it interacted synergistically with them, exacerbating technological limitations and stimulating the outflow of qualified specialists. Using a SWOT analysis, the internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external opportunities and threats, of the innovation climate are systematized. To overcome the crisis, a comprehensive strategy is needed that combines targeted investments in human capital, debureaucratization of scientific activity, adaptation of the regulatory environment, and the effective use of government support instruments to stimulate breakthrough developments.