Small and medium business as a factor in the development of regional economy (based on materials of the Rostov region)

The article examines the dynamics of gross added value created by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the Russian Federation, the Southern Federal District (SFD), and the Rostov region for the period 2019-2022, establishes the main trends in its development and impact on the indicators of gross regional product (GRP) . A significant excess of the contribution of SMEs in the Rostov region to the formation of GRP was revealed in comparison with similar indicators in the RF and the SFD RF. It seems necessary to create a coordination center at the federal level to ensure the systematization of successful regional experience in the development of SMEs and the dissemination of the most effective practices, tools, and standard solutions in this area between the constituent entities of the RF and municipalities. The authors substantiate the priority directions for intensifying the socio-economic development of the regions of the RF through the implementation of state support measures for SMEs, and also identify the competitive advantages of small businesses in the Rostov region regarding the implementation of its innovative export potential (in particular, the presence of universities, scientific infrastructure (including supercomputers), qualified personnel, which allows you to export educational, information, analytical, consulting, settlement services). The results of the study can be used by government authorities of the constituent entities of the RF in the preparation and implementation of programs for socio-economic development and structural diversification of the regional economy.