Sectoral reserves for increasing labor productivity in the regional economy (case study of the Vologda Region)

Against the background of limited opportunities for economic growth caused by anti-Russian sanctions and a decrease in the number of employed people, the issue of finding possible ways to activate it is of particular importance. One of the main ways to boost economic growth is to increase labor productivity. There are more studies in the scientific community that aim to solve this problem at the national level. This circumstance actualizes the need for a methodological study of the issue related to determining the directions of increasing labor productivity at the regional level, taking into account the industry specifics of the economy. The aim of the study is to propose and test methodological tools for identifying industry reserves to increase labor productivity in the region. The information base consists of data from the System of National Accounts, the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System, and the Federal State Statistics Service. An analysis of the dynamics of labor productivity in the Vologda Region has shown its unevenness due to its high sensitivity to crises. The region holds high positions in this indicator among Russian regions and averages in the Northwestern Federal District. The paper establishes that the highest level of labor productivity is characterized by the production of coke, basic chemicals and fertilizers, cast iron, steel and ferroalloys, as well as the manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products. Industries with untapped potential for increasing labor productivity have been identified, including trade and transportation, wholesale and retail trade, as well as a number of manufacturing industries. The scientific novelty of the research consists in the proposal of an approach to identify industries with reserves for increasing labor productivity, and its testing on the materials of the Vologda Region. The results can be useful for regional authorities to develop strategic documents and substantiate economic policy directions.