SEZ in the system of efficient economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation

The scientific and public interest in researching the topic is due to the fact that the introduction of special economic zones can have positive effects similar to the effects of the diffusion of innovations (“diffusion of innovations”), which becomes a driver of economic growth and innovative development of territories, as well as an adaptation regulator of external adverse shocks. The article focuses on a review of theoretical approaches to the SEZ in terms of identifying the characteristic features of the SEZ, describing the processes occurring within the special regime zone, and the effects of implementation. The indicators of official and author's methods for assessing the efficiency of the functioning of the SEZ have been systematized, which makes it possible to identify the absence of a balanced assessment system, including indicators of the efficiency of the zone and spatial effects. An assessment of the efficiency of the functioning of the SEZ in the regions for 2018-2020 is carried out, on the one hand, it reveals the positive impact of the creation of the zone on the investment climate of the region, and on the other hand, it shows the slowness of the development of zones of technology-innovative type. The authors highlight the problems of SEZ development and determine the methods to improve the mechanism of the SEZ functioning.