Industrial cooperation as a factor in the economic development of old industrial regions

The issues of regional economic development, in particular those related to the “old industrial” type, are becoming relevant and require effective solutions for authorities and management, as well as for the scientifi c community. One of the factors positively infl uencing the solution of the economic issues of the old industrial regions is industrial cooperation. The analysis of cooperative processes has become widespread in the theory and practice of economic development. Cooperation between enterprises will make it possible to effectively carry out production activities stimulating the region’s economic development. The purpose of the article is to study the development of industrial cooperation as a factor that positively infl uences the solution of economic issues of old industrial regions. The paper presents an analysis of the socio-economic situation of these territories; on its basis we have identifi ed the problems that hinder further development, the solution of which can contribute to industrial cooperation. The conducted research helps to determine the directions for stimulating cooperative activity in the Vologda Oblast. The scientifi c novelty of the work consists in testing the tools of sociological research to analyze the involvement of small industrial enterprises in industrial cooperation in order to identify areas to stimulate its development in the region. We have used general scientifi c methods of analysis, comparison and generalization. The results of the work contribute to the development of ideas about industrial cooperation in the old industrial regions, in particular the Vologda Oblast, can be applied by researchers, graduate students, undergraduates, bachelors in the study of problems of similar subjects, as well as representatives of regional authorities in the context of improving policies to expand cooperative activities.