Development of methodology and tools for assessing the degree of modernization in Russia’s regions

The article describes main functional capabilities of the information-analytical system (IS “Modernization”) that calculates and analyzes the levels of modernization of Russia’s regions. The article describes specifics of work with IS and points out its abilities and advantages. The application of the system provides the following benefits: automation of calculation of required samples, generation of reports in specified form (cross-tables), generation of maps, graphs, usability, extensibility, access from any workplaces (cross-platform), data storage reliability, data security (authorized access, system administration). In the second part of the paper the author provides conclusions obtained according to the results of calculations of IS “Modernization”. The images of the regions obtained in this way reflect their socio-economic advantages and problems, and give concentrated characteristics, and also help compare the territories with each other. Lack of resources, low share of industries with high added value, low level of development of research and development sector are the main factors that hinder the processes of modernization for the majority of territories. It is also necessary to note that the extremely high level of regional differences is one of the most acute problems. The standard of living in the regions even within a single federal district differs in several times, which also hampers the implementation of modernization throughout Russia.