Development of innovation processes in the Southern Federal District

The article analyzes the directions of innovation development in the Southern Federal District in 2024-2025 in the context of structural transformations and increased foreign policy pressure. Special attention is paid to the impact of the current macroeconomic situation, in particular, the policy of import substitution, technological development and a high key rate on investment and innovation activity in the regions of the Southern Federal District. The Southern Federal District, which has high natural, industrial and educational potential, is considered as a study. Internal and external factors influencing the economic dynamics of the regions of the district are identified, as well as differences in the level of technological development and innovation activity between the subjects. The necessity of developing regional strategies and strengthening interregional cooperation to overcome spatial heterogeneity and increase the stability of the macroregion in conditions of uncertainty is substantiated.