Structural shifts in the national and regional economy: a historical approach (on the example of the aircraft industry)

The article is devoted to the study of the factors of structural changes in the economy of regions. There is no doubt that the current socio-economic and political situation, which has been formed as a negative result of the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic, provides a rather negative impact on the economy of regions. In particular, competition for resources and potential sales markets is sharply increasing. The article presents the point of view of the author on the factors of development of the regional economy and structural changes that can have a multidirectional impact on the economy of a region. It is noted that a coherent theory of structural changes has not yet been developed, which makes it difficult to conduct an objective analysis of the causes and consequences of structural changes in the regional economy. The conclusion about a strict correlation between the generation of new knowledge, which leads to all kinds of innovations, and structural changes in the regional economy is substantiated. At the same time, the innovation process is characterized by a high level of uncertainty in terms of obtaining the desired end results. Specific historical examples of the impact of innovation on the development of the regional economy are considered. It is especially noted that the technological lag can last for decades, having the most negative impact on the socio-economic situation in the region. The conclusion that innovations can contribute to the development of economically weak regions is substantiated.