Smart economy as a driver of regional innovation system transformation: comprehensive assessment, models, and development mechanisms

S.A. Makhosheva

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Abstract: This article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations for developing a smart economy within regional innovation systems, using the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (KBR) as a case study. The relevance of the study stems from the need for Russian regions to adapt to digital transformation, as well as the growing importance of intelligent technologies and platform solutions for sustainable territorial development. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the development of an integrated smart economy index based on three standardized components: digital infrastructure, human capital, and innovation and technological activity, as well as the integration of PCA, AHP, and DEA methods for a
comprehensive assessment of a region’s digital maturity.
Aim. The study is to develop a scientific and applied model for the implementation of a smart economy in the context of a regional innovation system in a mountainous region, based on an empirical analysis of the socio-economic, digital, scientific and environmental parameters of KBR.
The research methodology includes Rosstat statistical analysis, indicators standardization, construction of index models, heat maps and clustering.
Results. The results obtained show that KBR is demonstrating significant positive progress in digitalization and human capital development, while innovation is progressing more slowly and continues to be a key challenge for the transition to a smart economy. The integrated index confirms the region’s transition to the medium-high digital maturity level in 2020-2024.
Conclusion. The main areas of regional policy have been identified: strengthening the research sector, developing human resource competencies, creating innovative clusters, and incorporating intelligent technologies into mountain development management.

Keywords: smart economy; digital infrastructure; human capital; innovation activity; regional innovation system; sustainable development; digital maturity index; AHP; PCA; DEA; Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

For citation. Makhosheva S.A. Smart economy as a driver of regional innovation system transformation: comprehensive assessment, models, and development mechanisms. News of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of RAS. 2025. Vol. 27. No. 6. Pp. 265–278. DOI: 10.35330/1991-6639-2025-27-6-265-278

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Information about the authors

Salima A. Makhosheva, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Head of the Department “Economics of Knowledge and Advanced Regional Development”, Institute of Computer Science and Problems of Regional Management – branch of the Kabardino-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences;
37-a, I. Armand street, Nalchik, 360000, Russia;
salima@list.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4249-9906, SPIN-code: 8414-5036