Cluster analysis of potential high-tech clusters in Russian regions

The article is devoted to the problem of the cluster approach relevance in the formation of regional high-tech Russian sectors in the format of innovative territorial clusters. The author of the article sets the following research objective: to identify opportunities for improving the cluster approach for the formation of high-tech clusters in key sectors of the Russian economy. The objectives of the article are to identify the main characteristics of the cluster approach; consideration of individual regions in terms of the possibility of implementing high-tech clusters; identification of the necessary conditions for the formation of high-tech clusters in key sectors of the Russian economy. The author of the article carries out an empirical study of the possibilities of forming high-tech clusters at the regional level. The research methodology includes cluster analysis, statistical analysis, as well as content analysis of theoretical literature on the issues under study. The author of the article concludes that, for objective historical reasons cluster development in Russia faces serious obstacles. Therefore, the appearance in Russia of historically determined natural clusters described by the classics of the cluster theory of economic regional development is practically impossible. However, the cluster approach is very promising: the formation and development of clusters can increase the competitiveness and efficiency of the constituent entities economies in Russian Federation. The formation of the cluster and its prospects depend on many factors, therefore, there remains the risk that the cluster won’t be able to follow the desired trajectory without state support. The author of the article also notes that, despite a number of unresolved problems, today Russia has also gained positive experience in the formation of innovative territorial clusters.