Russian Companies at the End of 2017: Absence of Significant General Economic Changes and Progress in the Machinery Industry

Abstract

The results of a regular poll of Russian companies in the real sector carried out by the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences have been analyzed and commented on. The companies’ opinions on which macroeconomic problems in modern Russia they consider to be the most urgent have been presented. The data has been given on the methods the companies use to solve their production, financial, and marketing problems, as well as on the frequency of using these methods. The companies’ answers to questions on how mutual sanctions between the West and Russia have affected their activities have been considered for the fourth time. The estimates of the companies on the quality of the Russian machines and equipment, as well as a comparison of the quality of the Russian equipment with foreign analogs have been presented. The opinions of companies on the economic policy of the regional authorities have been studied. Information about the character and level of cooperation between the Russian companies and banks has been given. The current situation with provision of the companies with the labor resources has been presented.