Influence of infrastructure on the effectiveness of student scientific olympiads: Opportunities for state youth policy

Background. Current state policy aimed at identifying and supporting talented youth is entering a new phase. The number of participants in intellectual competitions is increasing, while the importance of olympiads for educational systems, labor markets, regions, and countries as a whole continues to grow. However, Russian regions differ not only in their socio-economic conditions but also in terms of the heterogeneity of their educational environments regarding engagement with actors in intellectual contests for young people. Therefore, it becomes relevant to assess how these factors influence activity levels and outcomes of student olympiads. Purpose — to evaluate the impact of educational, scientific, innovative, and economic infrastructure on the effectiveness of student scientific olympiads across Russia’s regions, with the aim of developing practical recommendations for improving government support mechanisms for gifted youth. Methodology: a regression analysis was conducted using a specially compiled database that reflects objects within the identified infrastructures. Results. Research has shown a positive correlation between participation results in student olympiads and educational and scientific infrastructure facilities. No significant link was found between innovation or economic infrastructure elements and performance in olympiads, suggesting weak interaction between universities and innovation centers, and indicating that education system development and talent support are provided independently from regional socio-economic circumstances. Practical implications. The study findings can be incorporated into national programs focused on identifying and supporting gifted youth. They suggest measures such as promoting university initiatives in this direction, fostering active collaboration among universities and innovation hubs within an integrated ecosystem.