Assessment of innovative development of the region based on comparative analysis

The purpose of the paper is to determine the position of the Mari El Republic among the EU countries on innovative development. The study analyzes the innovation process in the field of R&D, high-tech sectors and digital society based on comparative analysis. A system of innovative development indicators has been developed. It includes three groups of indicators: R&D, innovation and conditions for the digitalization of the economy and society. The rating of innovative development has been built, which includes 28 EU countries, Russia and the Mari El Republic. The linear convolution of indicators is used to construct this rating. The position of the republic in the rating was determined and a comparative analysis of the Mari El Republic and the EU countries was carried out in terms of innovative development indicators. European countries have been identified that are comparable to the Mari El Republic in terms of innovative development. Comparative analysis revealed good performance in R&D, as well as good human capacity and educational level of the population in the republic. There is a significant underfunding of science and innovation in the republic compared to the European level. The dynamics of innovative development in the Mari El Republic is insufficient for the innovation factor to become significant for its socio-economic development.