M.I.R. (Modernization. Innovation. Research)

344-360

Authors: Izmailova M. A.

Purpose: is to develop the mechanism of the ESG transformation of Russian companies based on a critical assessment of the evolution and modern implementation of the ESG agenda in Russia. The first part of the work presents the solution of the following research tasks: to identify the key drivers for the formation of the ESG agenda in Russia and present an assessment of its implementation by Russian companies. Methods: the study is based on the application of a set of the methods, including: theoretical analysis applied to the study and systematization of scientific publications; empirical analysis and statistical method required for quantitative and qualitative analysis of ESG characteristics; the retrospective method for determining the evolution of the ESG agenda and its trends. Results: conceptual approaches to the interpretation of the phenomena of ESG and sustainable development, which have a common generic basis with corporate social responsibility, are outlined. The growing interest of Russian business in the ESG agenda has been identified and substantiated, and the drivers for its development have been identified. The experience and motives for the implementation of the ESG agenda are analyzed, the factors influencing the level of maturity of the ESG practices of Russian companies are identified. Conclusions and Relevance: the relevance of the ESG agenda in Russia is determined by its association with the values of the country's socio-economic development, regardless of the unprecedented geo-economic confrontation and the threats to sustainable development generated by it. Drivers for the implementation of the ESG agenda are regulators and authorities, shareholders and investors, the board of directors and top management of companies; the influence of civil society is insignificant. The motives for implementing ESG requirements in business processes are related to strengthening the brand and increasing business reputation. The level of maturity of ESG practices depends on the company's industry affiliation, business size, investment needs: the best ESG practices are demonstrated by the mining and metallurgical industries, the largest business and companies with high investment needs. A deep awareness of the need for ESG transformation by stakeholders seeking to achieve social and environmental well-being, stability of economic development becomes a trigger for the sustainable development of economic systems.

380-396

Authors: Vlasova N. Y., Molokova E. L., Kulikova E. S.

Purpose: of this paper is to characterize the potential of regional theories in solving the current scientific socio-economic problem of establishing the interaction between society and the system of higher education. Methods: the processes of interaction between society and higher education are considered through the prism of separate approaches and concepts of the scientific paradigm of regional economics, to solve the set goal. Results: based on statistical data, significant regional differentiation of higher education system in modern Russia is shown, which actualizes its study through the prism of regional scientific paradigm. Through systematization of existing experience of interaction between universities and society in Sverdlovsk region the role of universities as coordinators of public participation in the spatial development of the region is shown. By applying methodological apparatus of specific theories of regional paradigm, their cognitive potential in the sphere of educational social relations analysis as well as possibilities of identification of problems of public participation in higher education are revealed. In particular, the gnoseological possibilities of the spatial approach are substantiated. The characteristics of the last reform of higher education, which entailed the segregation of universities in the context of applying the theory of growth poles, are given. The article shows the prospects for regional development through the application of the methodology of the theory "center–periphery", usingthe example of correcting staff imbalances of the small towns. The practical significance of applying the theory of "genetic" codes in the study and interpretation of the causes of low intensity and quality of public participation in higher education was characterized. The methodological possibilities of using institutional mesoeconomics, coordination theory, mesoeconomics of network structures, and cluster theory in studying the experience of interaction between higher education institutions and society in the regional context were substantiated. Conclusions and Relevance: the interpretation of the region in the context of mesoeconomics stipulates the necessity and possibility to form an independent theoretical and methodological apparatus for studying regional systems of higher education and apply special tools for analysis and identification of problems of public participation in higher education on specific territories.

416-433

Authors: Altynov Yu. А.

Purpose: of the study is to identify promising areas for the use of metaverse technologies in the field of public finance in Russia in the context of the current sanctions restrictions and considering the peculiarities of the national budget system. Methods: the research uses such general scientific methods as literature review, comparative analysis, generalization and analysis of factual data. The work uses the method of constructing block diagrams that describe the key relationships of objects and related business processes to illustrate the proposed innovations. Results: the main results of the study include: 1) proposals for further digitalization of public and socially significant services using VR / AR technologies; 2) a scheme for integrating distributed ledger technologies (based on blockchain) into the treasury budget service system; 3) guidelines for the use of smart contract technologies in the field of public procurement, considering exclusive and inclusive access. Conclusions and Relevance: most of the current government information systems are based on traditional relational databases, which have technological limitations compared to modern distributed ledger technologies. At the same time, the development of the sphere of public finance in the context of the digital transformation of economic relations and the active spread of metauniverses requires continuous updating of the technological infrastructure. The study made it possible to conclude that the technological capabilities of the metaverses cover the current needs for the digital transformation of public finances. In addition, for the Russian public finance sector, the current metaverse tools can be assessed as a factor in further digital development under the current sanctions restrictions.

450-466

Authors: Karginova-Gubinova V. V., Vasilyeva A. V., Moroshkina M. V.

Purpose: is to develop a methodology for zoning and socio-economic forecasting of the state of the northern and arctic territories in order to produce a conceptual framework to ensure their sustainability. Methods: the work is based on the statistical indicators and rating scores of the spatial development of the territories of the Republic of Karelia, indicators of financial statements of companies operating in the region, and other public information about them for 2010-2021. A number of methods of multivariate statistics, in particular, cluster and regression analysis, mapping method and scenario approach were used to analyze the data. Results: the study shows the importance of zoning and forecasting in the design and implementation of sustainable spatial development policy, as well as the need to update and adapt existing tools to new challenges and characteristics of the regions. The methodology of zoning of territories, based on the existing economic relations between actors and the role of human capital in sustainable development was developed. The methodology of medium- and long-term forecasting of socio-economic space, taking into account the mutual influence of adjacent territorial units, was proposed. The methods have been tested for the Karelian Arctic and economically connected territories of the North; a dynamic zoning model has been built. The forecast of medium- and long-term development of this space was carried out with the use of institutional innovations and overcoming of "bottlenecks" by the subjects of management. Conclusions and Relevance: the results obtained can become the basis for the policy of regional development. The paper proposes a conceptual framework of sustainable development strategy for the territories of the Republic of Karelia under consideration. It is shown that one of the fundamental problems of the majority of the northern territories is low human capital characteristics; in this connection a number of institutional changes, in particular, affecting the methodology of calculating social deductions for personal income tax and issuing referrals for targeted training, is proposed. This determines the practical significance of the study. The continuation of the work will be the detailing of the policy of sustainable development of Karelia.

484-499

Authors: Lukina A. V., Timokhina G. S., Murtuzalieva T. V., Mkhitaryan S. V., Sidorchuk R. R.

Purpose: is to assess of the degree of influence of consumer experience, expressed in terms of the frequency of use of ground public transport services, on the perception of transport accessibility in Moscow by consumers of such services. Methods: the research hypotheses were tested on the basis of the dimensions of the perception of transport accessibility for 17 attributes. An online survey of the perception of transport accessibility in terms of these attributes was conducted on a representative sample of 1,500 observations in Moscow. The significance of the results was tested using the chi-square test at a significance level of 5%. Results: the first hypothesis was confirmed about the presence of a positive relationship between the variables "frequency of use" and "perception of the availability of ground urban public transport" for seventeen attributes. As part of testing the second hypothesis for 7 out of 17 attributes, differences in the assessments of the perception of transport accessibility of different categories of passengers depending on the frequency of transport use were revealed. The focus of researchers on the negative experience of consumers with different frequency of use of transport made it possible to identify two consumer segments with a higher proportion of dissatisfied consumers relative. Due to different consumer experience and the nature of consumer dissatisfaction the authors propose differentiated management and marketing solutions to improve the experience of these consumers and change their perception of transport accessibility in Moscow. Conclusions and Relevance: it has been proven that the perception of transport accessibility depends on consumer experience and frequency of use of Ground Urban Passenger Transport (GUPT) services. The optimal level of use of public transport services at which positive consumer experience is formed has been determined. The authors believe that digitization of the economy, remote work tendencies, and urban infrastructure planning will change the transport behavior of consumers, enabling passengers to reduce the number of trips, bringing them closer to the optimal level. Understanding the interrelation between the frequency of use of GUPT services and differences in consumer perceptions of individua