IMPACT OF MODERN SCIENCE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF INDICATORS

Abstract

The relevance of this study is due to the need for a systemic analysis of the impact of modern science on the sustainable and balanced development of states. It is especially important to understand whether digital transformation can become a tool for “catch-up growth” for less developed countries, which is of fundamental importance for achieving the goals of national strategies to reduce inequality and ensure stability. The purpose of the study is a comprehensive analysis of the impact of modern science on overcoming economic difficulties and stimulating coordinated development at the present stage. In the context of a slowdown in overall economic growth, a decrease in external demand and technological dependence on developed countries, modern science is considered a key factor in sustainable development. The objectives of the study included: identifying the main internal and external problems affecting the modern development of science; assessing the Education indicator based on the global innovation index in the Human capital and research section; assessing the R&D indicator based on the global innovation index in the Human capital and research section; assessing the Knowledge absorption indicator based on the global innovation index in the Business sophistication section; analyzing the dynamics of the number of organizations performing research and development by type of organization; analyzing the number of researchers by field of science in the Russian Federation; assessing the number of patents issued by Russian applicants by federal districts of the Russian Federation in 2019–2023; analyzing internal R&D costs by field of science. The research methodology is based on an empirical analysis of data for 2021–2024 for 10 foreign countries and a detailed breakdown of the scientific sphere of the macroregions of the Russian Federation.

The scientific sphere acts as a powerful driver of economic growth. It is recommended to strengthen state support, develop human resources, and create a favorable institutional environment to accelerate digital transformation in this area.