The logic of development of civil society studies at VolRC RAS

The article presents the formation and development of a research field dedicated to the study of civil society at Vologda Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (VolRC RAS; previously known as VSCC CEMI RAS, ISEDT RAS). The Center's research tradition, originating in 1993 with the launch of a public opinion monitoring, has allowed for the creation of a unique long-term empirical database. Building upon this foundation in the 2010s, under the leadership of Doctor of Sciences (Economics), RAS Corresponding Member, Professor V.A. Ilyin, a systematic study of civil society from a regional perspective was initiated. The formation of this research field is revealed through three key research vectors. First, the analysis of civil society through the lens of social capital. The research team developed and tested an original indicator model for its quantitative measurement, enabling the study of the dynamics, structure, and characteristics of the bearers of this resource. The social capital of a regional community is considered a condition for civil society development. Second, monitoring and assessment of one of the key institutions of civil society – the non-profit sector – is conducted, and its role in the socio-economic development of the region is investigated. Methodologies for assessing its contribution to the gross regional product and balanced regional development have been developed; models of economic behavior of organizations and key barriers to their functioning have been identified. Third, the phenomenon of civic participation is conceptualized, external and internal barriers to its realization are identified, and mechanisms for overcoming them are proposed, including in the context of digitalization. Overall, the research approach of VolRC RAS staff to the study of civil society can be characterized as an applied, empirically rich, and regionally-oriented school. The principal value of the team's scholarly work lies in translating abstract philosophical and political science concepts into the language of concrete social indicators and practices applicable to Russian realities, especially at the regional level. The accumulated body of data and the developed methodological tools for assessing elements of civil society create a basis for evidence-based analysis and the formulation of practical recommendations for public authorities.