Industrial connectivity of regions as a factor in the rise of Russia’s industrial sovereignty
Abstract
Relevance. The pressure of sanctions and other external economic disruptions is reshaping Russia’s industrial agenda, as the attainment of industrial sovereignty is now contingent on harmonizing national and regional interests across a heterogeneous economic landscape.
Research objective. The study aims to examine the connectivity of industrial space in Russia as well as the key factors contributing to the country’s industrial sovereignty, namely industrial production, the output of high-technology goods, and the production of innovative goods across regions.
Data and method. Methodologically, the study relies on structural and functional approaches and includes an analysis of the dynamic characteristics of regional system development. The study applies spatial autocorrelation parameters to examine trends in industrial sector development for 85 federal subjects of Russia over the period of 2015–2024, using data from the Unified Interdepartmental Statistical Information System of the Russian Federation.
Results. The study identifies differences in the nature and strength of interregional connectivity, as well as the multidirectional impact of sanctions on the cohesion of Russia’s industrial space. Since 2021, highly connected regions have shown stronger industrial growth, forming “hot spots” that enhance the resilience of industrial production. By classifying regions according to their level of involvement in interregional relations, the study identifies stages of regional economic development through which regions can advance and build industrial self-sufficiency despite external shocks, thereby strengthening Russia’s overall economic sovereignty.
Conclusions. To assess Russia’s prospects of achieving industrial sovereignty, the study analyzes the connectivity of its industrial space and demonstrates the potential of the proposed analytical tools. Effective interregional cooperation in producing innovative high-tech goods can help neutralize the impact of sanctions and disruptions to global economic linkages.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.15826/recon.2025.11.3.018
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