Towards a knowledge economy: the role of innovative projects in the reindustrialization of Novosibirsk oblast

Abstract

The paper shows Novosibirsk oblast’s reindustrialization program as an instrument of strategic planning and structuring of interactions between participants of innovative projects. Rationale is provided for how the strategic maneuver and innovative vector of the reindustrialization program can reinforce interactions between scientific institutes, universities, and innovative companies and ensure demand for innovation given the current insufficient interest in innovative development on the part of large businesses. An outline is given for the competences of the main innovation actors in Novosibirsk oblast capable of implementing innovative projects to develop a knowledge economy. A typology of reindustrialization projects is proposed in terms of the level and significance of problems to be addressed and their impact on the regional economy. The typology highlights flagship and infrastructure projects as well as national-, interregional-, and regional-level projects. We discuss some of the risks associated with the project’s implementation and ways of mitigating those risks through a combination of federal and regional support measures.