Special economic zones of the Volga Federal District: A comparative analysis of performance results

In recent years, special economic zones became one of the most effective tools for the development of territories: preferential taxation, affordable loans and consulting services, and well-prepared infrastructure attract entrepreneurs and investors. Due to the concentration of enterprises in a certain geographical location, it is possible to create adjacent production chains, which reduces logistical costs. With the advent of new jobs, regional labor markets are also reviving. In general, there is a positive impact of special economic zones on the socio-economic indicators of the regions. Studying the dynamics of indicators of the development of special economic zones is relevant and necessary to improve the management system of such territories and obtain the maximum possible results of their activities for society and the country. The objectives of the study are to identify the features of the development of special economic zones of the Volga Federal District based on a comparison of the achieved performance indicators with the planned ones. Objectives: to study the experience of the development of the special economic zones of the Volga Federal District; to analyze changes in indicators and the role of these zones in overall performance. The article contains the results of activities for the period from 2022 to 2024 based on data from the official reports of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, statements by the heads of the Volga Federal District SEZs and publications in the media. Statistical analysis of economic data, comparative analysis, ranking, and graphical method, correlation analysis was used to conduct the study. The author came to the conclusion that the SEZs the Volga Federal District are developing unevenly. Some of the regions where SEZs were operating for the longer time are more successful in attracting residents due to the already developed industrial infrastructure, transport accessibility, and the ability to build chains adjacent to existing residents. Equally important is the experience of the heads of the Region and the SEZs management companies in helping current and future residents to provide them with human resources, solve bureaucratic and legal issues.