Evaluating the effectiveness of the regional innovation system of Russia by the stages of innovation process

Today there are many methods and tools proposed by Russian and foreign researchers, which contribute to solving the problem of evaluating the effectiveness of regional innovation systems. However, despite considerable research and publications on this subject, a common understanding of the essence of regional innovation system and assessment system effectiveness in the literature is missing. We can only note the significant variety inherent in the approaches to estimating their functioning. The article analyzes and considers modern models and criteria for assessing the effectiveness of regional innovation systems by the example of the regions of the Russian Federation. The concept of innovative potential of the region is considered as a key element in evaluating the effectiveness of the regional innovation system. The existing methods for assessing the region’s innovative potential are analyzed using the example of Russian regions. Mathematical modeling has been carried out using a two-stage model of a shell analysis (Data Envelopment Analysis) to evaluate the effectiveness of the regional innovation system of Russia for the period 2011-2015. As a result of the research, inconsistencies in the system of forming the existing ratings of innovation activity in the regions of the Russian Federation and in the proposed model have been identified. The author also points out the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches.