Development of regional cluster initiatives as an instrument of innovation policy in Russia

Modern trends in regional economic development in Russia are characterized by dynamic structural changes and lead to the clusters formation. Claster is a specific form of the spatial organization of industries and services, that are considered as a tool for innovation policy aimed at stabilizing the rate of economic growth. The concept of innovation clusters development represents a new approach to the structural development of the national economy in general. It is based on the nonlinear nature of the economic processes development in the region, especially in the transition to innovative development. Clusters are considered as the most mature form of the organization of innovative production that will support economic growth. Moreover, the operation of innovative enterprises in clusters offers great opportunities to create and develop their competitive advantage. Innovation policy is a system of rules and regulations governing the procedure of innovation implementation, both in technology and in the technology management in accordance with the strategic direction of economic development. The main task of innovation policy - to achieve the maximum possible degree of interests harmonization among participants of innovation process. To solve this problem there are used special tools to ensure efficient usage of area resources - clusters. Innovation policy, based on clusters, requires two complementary strategies: 1. strategy to ensure the efficient use and dissemination of knowledge; 2. strategy aimed at creating scientific and innovative networks within the cluster. Clusters formation enables to take advantage of them for the implementation of regional innovation policy, that increases the efficiency of small innovative businesses, rises tax revenues to the regional budget, reduces entry barriers for small-scale innovative companies to the markets of raw material suppliers and product market, improves financial stability of companies and reduces costs of production, creates opportunities for accessing foreign markets and attracting qualified staff. Cluster initiatives in Russian regions interconnected with the strategy and innovation policy. Therefore, innovation policy of regions in Russia is not an adopted result of theoretical model of successful cluster initiatives, but it is a composite of various measures, and we can mark a significant specificity of regional innovation policies.