Creating an Information Environment for Construction Projects

Aim. The presented study aims to create a unified information environment for all participants of construction project implementation and to monitor key indicators of construction during its implementation.Tasks. The authors develop a methodological approach to substantiate a unified information environment for the implementation of capital construction projects; develop modules of the information environment that reflect the processes of designing a facility and managing costs at all stages of its life cycle. Methods. This study uses the methods of analysis and synthesis, graphical modeling, expert and comparative assessments, methods of pricing in construction.Results. An information environment for the implementation of capital construction projects is developed. Its major modules reflect the processes of designing and constructing a facility and managing costs at all stages of its life cycle.Conclusions. Introduction of the proposed information environment for managing construction costs at the enterprise level with an integrated design module based on information modeling technologies will improve the efficiency of interaction between the participants of the investment and construction process and will provide a unified cost management algorithm in the context of the active digitalization of the industry.

On Building a Model for the Efficient Development of the Oil and Gas Industry

Aim. The presented study aims to build a model for the efficient development of the oil and gas industry in the long term. Tasks. The authors investigate the peculiarities of the development of the oil and gas industry in the Russian Federation at the present stage when the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the reduction of oil production and global demand for oil and petroleum products; identify strategic directions for the development of the oil and gas industry in Russia and substantiate the need for government measures to support the oil and gas industry, including the possibility of forming innovative investment resources and reducing the tax burden in combination with a global shift away from fossil fuels, which will ensure more efficient use of oil and gas reserves. Methods. This study uses the theory and methodology of strategizing developed by academician V.L. Kvint as a basis for determining strategic directions and priorities for the development of the oil and gas industry. An economic and mathematical regression model for predicting the volume of oil production in the Russian Federation over the next five years is developed with allowance for the priorities of the methodology under consideration. Results. Substantiation of the projected values of oil production increases the preparedness of Russian oil companies and the government, allowing them to respond to various scenarios in the future and thus making it possible to develop an efficient strategy based on preventive measures to reduce the impact of oil price volatility on the Russian economy. Calculations show that Russia will most likely not be able to fully realize its production potential. In the long term, oil production will naturally decline due to the depletion of the resource base. One of the prerequisites for the successful operation of oil and gas enterprises is their orientation towards an innovative strategy in the context of sustainable development. Conclusions. The era of cheap oil and unexpected profits from hydrocarbons is gradually coming to an end. Therefore, strategically important directions for the oil and gas industry include the modernization of technologies and equipment by attracting investments in oil and gas enterprises and the development of the industry’s infrastructure, diversification of the refining industry, reduction of crude oil exports, and increased exports of finished petroleum products.

Problems and Major risks in the Banking Sector of Azerbaijan

Aim. The presented study aims to perform a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of problems and risks in the banking sector of Azerbaijan and to develop recommendations for improving the efficiency and reliability of its functioning in accordance with national interests.Tasks. The author shows the key problems and risks in the country’s banking sector, focusing on dollarization as the main risk; investigates the content and causes of dollarization; examines new trends, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the banking sector of Azerbaijan.Methods. A systems approach to identifying the major factors affecting the development of the banking sector in Azerbaijan serves as the methodological basis of this study. The author also uses the methods of scientific analysis, such as the statistical method, comparative, fundamental, and functional analysis, and expert assessment. The study reflects the ideas set forth in the scientific works of economists on the problems of the institutional development of the banking system in the country under consideration.Results. According to the results of the study, the patterns and current problems in the development of the banking sector of Azerbaijan after the devaluation of 2015 are identified. Its major risks and current state are analyzed, and the reasons for the dollarization of the economy as the main channel of risk for the banking sector of Azerbaijan are determined. In addition, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this sector is analyzed.Conclusions. Positive and negative aspects are identified by performing a risk analysis of the banking sector of Azerbaijan. On the positive side, there are large strategic monetary reserves, a relatively low level of public debt, a single authority for regulating and supervising financial markets, basic risk management elements, and full deposit insurance. The vulnerabilities of the banking sector of Azerbaijan include fragile capital positions of the banking system, high credit risks of banks, low capitalization of banks, lack of legal mechanisms for regulating and selling non-performing assets, lack of effective tools for the rehabilitation and restructuring of banks, weak corporate governance in the financial services sector, low financial literacy, increased monetary and credit risks in the banking sector.

Overview of the Motorcycle Market (For the Purpose of Creating a Platform for Electric Transport)

Aim. This article presents the results of an analytical study (overview) of the Russian motorcycle market as a projected element of an electric transport platform based on the analysis that includes information about global trends. Tasks. The authors examine the global and Russian electric motorcycle markets, legal peculiarities and advantages of using electric motorcycles in the Russian Federation, and major demand factors.Methods. This study uses the methods of analysis and synthesis of information from Russian and foreign sources publicly available on the Internet and the method of expert assessment.Results. Electric motorcycles are shown to be a promising market, both at the domestic and global levels. Major trends and demand factors of this market in Russia as well as legal peculiarities and advantages of using these vehicles are identified and analyzed.Conclusions. Positive trends indicate that it is possible to create a Russian platform for electric transport that would include electric motorcycles. This study will be useful to anyone interested in the topics of motorcycles, electric transport, and platform solutions in this area. In addition, this article can serve as a basis for further research on this topic.

Trends in the Development of Electronic Document Management: Prospects, Problems, Opportunities

Aim. The presented study aims to determine the role and place of electronic document management in the corporate system of Russian enterprises, outlining the prospects for its development.Tasks. The authors examine the legislative acts of the Russian Federation on the prospects for the implementation of electronic document management; assess the impact of the pandemic on the digitalization of document management; analyze the business costs of paper document management; identify the advantages of using electronic document management and promising technologies in document processing.Methods. This study uses theoretical and empirical research methods. The dialectic method is used to determine the role, significance, and legal status of electronic document management. Through a logical approach, the essence of such concepts as 'electronic document' and 'electronic document management' is identified.Results. The study presents directions for the development of electronic document management using blockchain technology, which will improve workflows by processing, sorting, exchanging data and documents protected from unauthorized access, and artificial intelligence, which can help organizations process documents faster by simplifying operational procedures. Obstacles that prevent companies from actively using electronic document management are identified. These include additional investment, time costs, and reorganization of management. The volume of innovative services is analyzed by the type of economic activity, and the costs of creating, storing, and processing paper documents are considered.Conclusions. Recent trends in legislation indicate the government's firm commitment to the speedy introduction of electronic document management in Russia. Its use frees up a lot of resources, including time, labor, and finances. The 2020 pandemic has emphasized the importance of digitalizing business processes to ensure their continuity in unforeseen situations. Integrated into the automation of work processes, blockchain technology will ensure the protection of information from unauthorized tampering. Artificial intelligence will open up new opportunities for processing electronic documents.

Countercyclical Financing as a Tool for Facilitating Investment Activity in Russia: An Overview of Approaches

Aim. The presented study aims to investigate the use of the project financing mechanism to increase the investment activity of businesses and to identify opportunities for the allocation of cyclical risks and the corresponding development of project financing conditions.Tasks. The authors briefly overview the investment climate and investment activity of large businesses in Russia; provide a general description of the project financing mechanism in the implementation of investment projects and the allocation of risks among participants; consider the factor of price volatility and the proposed structuring of project financing with allowance for potential changes in prices for the project’s products.Methods. This study uses general scientific research methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction), including analysis of public information through the example of major Russian companies, analysis of the key indicators of investment activity, analysis of risk allocation options in the financial flows of projects. Specific methods of financial analysis are also used to examine the results of the implementation of investment projects.Results. The key indicators of investment activity of the major Russian companies are presented. The possibility of using the mechanism of project financing and risk allocation among participants is determined.Conclusions. The investment activity of a considerable part of large Russian businesses is moderate. At the same time, there is a huge potential for growth using either internal funds (profits, accumulated cash balances) or project financing instruments. An example of using the mechanism of accelerated repayment of debt financing is provided.

Assessing the Innovative Solvency of Regional Exports in the Russian Federation

Aim. The presented study aims to develop a methodology for assessing the innovative solvency of exports from Russian regions and to identify the leading exporting regions in the development of the country’s innovative exports. Tasks. The authors clarify the definition of ‘innovative solvency of regional exports’; develop a methodology for assessing the innovative component of regional exports; test methodological recommendations for assessing the innovative solvency of exports through the example of industrial regions. Methods. The approach to determining the innovative solvency of regional exports is based on a matrix measurement method using two-component evaluation tools. This method also makes it possible to compare the level of the region’s existing foreign economic relations with the level of the regional production system when considering the latter as a resource and a prerequisite for further increasing the level of innovation in exports; to assess the degree of regional potential realization through a separate comparison of the indicators of commodity production and exports of goods and indicators reflecting the level of production technologies and their exports. Results. A typology of exporting regions is proposed based on the synthesis of two criteria: the level of development of the innovative component in the exports of the region and the level of development of advanced innovative technologies in the region. The study confirms the hypothesis about the heterogeneity of Russian regions in terms of the innovative component of their exports, which has a direct impact on the development of the corresponding regional development strategies. Of the 34 exporting regions analyzed, only 16 regions can be identified as exporters of innovative goods. Conclusions. The methodology proposed by the authors makes it possible to qualitatively assess the innovative component of regional exports based on quantitative data, which reveals the potential of the regional production system for innovative production, and to compare it with the existing and projected levels of innovative exports. The practical significance of this study consists in the formation of a list of regions leading in innovative exports, which can be useful for public authorities when adjusting programs aimed at stimulating innovation activity and forming an export-oriented national economy.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Habits: New Aspects of Research

Aim. The presented study aims to propose and substantiate new research directions with allowance for the impact of COVID-19 on consumer habits.Tasks. The authors investigate the problem of the pandemic’s impact on common consumer behavior stereotypes; identify major trends in changing consumer habits; propose new directions for research on the transformation of consumer habits in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods. This study is based on specialized scientific publications accessible via the Scopus and WoS databases and uses complementary methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization, etc.Results. Isolation and social distancing measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic have changed consumer habits. Consumers are learning to improvise based on their existing habits and are developing new habits associated with the digitalization of sales, changing demographics, and innovative ways that allow them to solve the problems of blurring boundaries between work, leisure, and education. The authors propose several new research questions for the next decade.Conclusions. Isolation and social distancing in the fight against the COVID-19 virus have significantly changed consumer behavior, limiting consumption by time and location. Due to the flexibility of time and the fixed nature of location, consumers have learned to improvise creatively and innovatively. The use of digital technologies can fundamentally and irrevocably change many existing habits. Government policy also forms new consumption habits, especially in public areas: airports, concert halls, public parks, etc. The most important objective is to investigate ongoing processes and to implement the obtained scientific results in the activities of government authorities, educational institutions, and marketing activities of Russian companies.

On Ensuring the Quality of Life in the Innovative Economy of St. Petersburg from the Strategic Perspective

Aim. The presented study aims to analyze quality-of-life estimates obtained for St. Petersburg using a theoretical and methodological approach developed based on the concept of the qualitydriven economy.Tasks. The authors consider the concept of the quality of life in the context of the Strategy of socio-economic development of St. Petersburg until 2035; measure and analyze quality-of-life indicators based on the concept of the quality-driven economy.Methods. A major part of this study is based on the methodology of the general scientific philosophical approach and uses such methods of interdisciplinary research as modeling, system analysis, and others. The quality of life is measured on the theoretical and methodological basis of the quality-driven economy using the methodology developed at the Institute of Problems of Regional Economics (IPRE) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.Results. Ensuring a high quality of life for the population of the region is a priority goal of the functioning and development of the economy of St. Petersburg. To this end, it is crucial to use strategic opportunities for economic growth and regional development in achieving the social well-being of the region’s population. Different views on the understanding of the quality of life as the main strategic priority of the innovative development of St. Petersburg are analyzed, and quality-of-life estimates are obtained for St. Petersburg, the Northwestern Federal District (NWFD), and the Russian Federation as a whole. The role of St. Petersburg in enhancing the competitiveness of the economy of the Northwestern Federal District and Russia in the context of innovative development is shown.Conclusions. Quality of life is an integral part of the strategic planning system in the innovative economy of St. Petersburg. The quality-driven economy provides a reliable theoretical and methodological basis for making allowance for the quality of life at the highest levels of regional government. The analysis based on the results of calculations shows a correlation between the system of quality indicators of the methodology for measuring the quality of life to increase regional management efficiency developed at the IPRE RAS and several indicators of the strategic planning system of socioeconomic development in St. Petersburg. Thus, the application of quality-driven economy principles in the innovative economy of St. Petersburg makes it possible not only to set the initial conditions for achieving the necessary quality of life, but also to develop a mechanism that would ensure the achievement of this goal in the future.

Alignment of Global and National Interest with Regional Strategic Priorities

Aim. The presented study aims to examine strategic principles for developing regional strategic priorities with allowance for the alignment of global and national interests.Tasks. The authors define the role of the alignment of interests in the development of regional strategies; determine the global interests of the United Nations (UN), the International Labour Organization, and the national interests of Russia, which should be taken into account when formulating strategic priorities for regional development.Methods. This study uses the theory and methodology of strategizing developed by academician V.L. Kvint to describe strategic principles for developing regional strategic priorities with allowance for the alignment of global and national interests. Applied research is conducted through the example of Kuzbass.Results. The conceptual framework for substantiating the strategic priorities of regional development is determined as a result of the alignment of global, national and regional interests based on relevant trends. It is shown how the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative of the Global Commission on the Future of Work, national goals, and strategic objectives for the development of the Russian Federation are reflected in the strategic contours of Kuzbass development until 2035 and beyond.Conclusions. When developing strategic priorities, aligned interests of all parties — from global to personal — make it easier to achieve a positive multiplier effect, increasing the effectiveness of initiatives and satisfaction of performers. Conflicting interests may lead to opportunistic behavior, a ban on holding any events, inefficient use of rare limited resources, and loss of confidence among performers in the implementation of their initiatives. Inconsistency with global and national interests may lead to sanctions, economic and political warfare.