ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF ECONOMICS
The theory of competition is one of the main theories of modern economic science and is an important component of its methodological and theoretical apparatus. In the classical and neoclassical paradigm of economic science, competition is objective, independent of individual economic entities, the basis of the market mechanism, an “invisible hand” that coordinates the activities of producers and consumers, the distribution of limited resources, the creation, distribution and use of economic benefits. Over the past 250 years, the theory of competition has gone through the path of formation and development and currently has a developed methodology that has made it possible to distinguish and study various types of competition and various types of market structures: pure competition, oligopoly, pure monopoly, monopolistic competition. The developed economic and mathematical apparatus of the microeconomic theory of competition makes it possible to realize its cognitive, practical and ideological functions. But throughout the entire period of formation and development of the theory of competition, there has been criticism of it. The object of criticism are both theoretical and practical aspects of the theory of competition. The most prominent opponents of the supporters of the theory of competition are Russian scientists: P. Kropotkin, A. Chayanov, N. Kondratiev, M. Tugan-Baranovsky, S. Kirdina-Chandler, G. Kleiner and others. They contrast the theory of competition with the theory of mutual aid, according to which mutual aid, not competition, is the driving force behind economic development. The authors of the article reconstructed the process of formation and development of the theory of competition and the theory of mutual assistance, revealed the relative heuristic significance of both theories, clarified the concept of “mutual assistance” in relation to the concept of “cooperation”, substantiated the existence of the dichotomy “mutual assistance – competition” and proved that it is driving force of economic development.
Recently there was an active discussion about the effectiveness of the application of monetary theory in creating the foundation for qualitative changes in the economy. At the same time the global challenges that humanity has faced necessitate understanding the alternatives for economic development taking into account the growing population and the negative impact of man on the environment. Physical economics measures the effectiveness of the socio-economic system in physical terms and seeks to overcome the limitations of monetary theory. The application of this approach moves economic analysis from the value judgments that accompany wealth valuation approaches. The article analyzes the works concerned with physical economics within the context of modern economic problems. We formulate the main provisions and methods of economic approach that differs from other theories of the natural-scientific trends in economics. It is concluded that the physical economy is not able to solve many problems of the economy – it sets the vector of research aimed at solving the problem of interaction of social, technical and natural systems. It also focuses on the factors of labor productivity that make qualitative changes in the structure of the economy. The logic of the physical economy demonstrates that the destructive consequences of scientific and technological progress should be compensated by the creative efforts of man. Analysis based on physical quantities is a preliminary stage for modeling economic processes on the basis of natural and cost indicators.
The study examines approaches to designing an economy capable of life. The purpose of the article is to obtain criteria that satisfy such an economy. The hypothesis is the idea of the ability of the economy to self-propulsion due to the continuous exchange between its elements. Information and knowledge are considered as a universal category that takes part in the processes of exchange. Hence the problem of stability in complex open nonlinear systems is emphasized; a definition is given for the ultra-sustainability of the economy – the economy bypasses those states that can lead to a change in sustainability. The author sees the result of the study of the potential for ultra-sustainability in the “vivid” components of the economy: the ability of the economic system to interact with lower and higher levels in the hierarchical structure; definition of meanings and goal setting; prioritization in safety and evolution; subjectivity; production and application of knowledge; processing external chaos and working into its own complexity; functioning feedbacks; the presence of a strong-willed and effective component; accountability mechanism. The research method consists in referring to a systematic and synergistic approach, which makes possible to explain the phenomenon of homeostasis in the economy. Intermediate conclusions are obtained: information and knowledge components can act as a unifying element for exchange processes in the economy. The conclusion that self-completion of a holistic image of the national economy can be carried out with the help of knowledge, which act as a driving and structuring force, is proposed for discussion in economic science.
The birth of the theory of noonomics was a reflection of the community of economists and its bright representative S. D. Bodrunov on the need for a systematic anthropological understanding of the boundaries of the capitalist arrangement of the world, the limits of the market economy in the coevolution of Nature and Society. The processes of information technology progress, the inconsistency of the globalization of the world order, the growth of social conflicts and environmental problems are accompanied by an increase in anthropological catastrophes. The purpose of the article is to consider the conceptual goals of the theory of noonomics to the world of variability and multiplicity of ideas of its transformation. Conclusions about the use of noonomics in the referential logic of decision-making can serve as a theoretical basis for the clash of subjective interests, currently limited only by «pluralism of opinions» in assessing possible ways of development of the country. The theory of noonomics by S. D. Bodrunov is valuable for us today because it is an approach with fuzzy control that is replicated by our ability to change the model of development of society beyond the limits of classical political economy. Externally, the fuzzy logic of the theory of noonomics, when carefully immersed in its content, suddenly acquires the features of a control system with a mind (R. Golunov's expression) on the ruins of the familiar world (Andrey Fursov). We specifically use the terms of scientists who have not yet entered the thesaurus of geopolitics and are different from the products of «zombie-box». It is the acute understanding of the need to destroy the established word flow of «blind guides» that distinguishes the ideas of S. D. Bodrunov, which are the structure of the theory of noonomics in its socio-cultural plan. Noonomics seems to indicate changes in the content of the fundamental foundations of higher education.
The economic space requires a continuous response to various processes taking place on the territory of the country. Various processes in macro and microeconomics, the subsequent pandemic have demonstrated the effectiveness of large integrated structures capable of maintaining profitability in the market and increasing the scope of their interests. Clusters, due to their applicability and effectiveness in various fields of activity, have demonstrated their effectiveness, thanks to which these structures are widespread and applicable all over the world. It is established that the definition of «cluster» in the Russian economy does not have a single definition standard, which greatly complicates the formation of this integrated structure. The question of the study is whether the definition of a cluster structure is able to solve the prospects for applying this definition in the Russian economy. In this paper, a hypothesis is also put forward about the ability to define the definition of «cluster». The scientific hypothesis of this study suggests that the definition of a cluster will provide an opportunity to accurately define this definition, which will contribute to its popularization and development in the country's economy. Within the framework of this question, the purpose of the study is formed – the study of literary sources to establish a standard for the definition of an integrated association of enterprises. The methodological basis was the works of foreign and Russian scientists on the topic under study. In the course of the study, the author found that the category «cluster» has received many interpretations and modifications over its history of development. Based on the studied data, it was concluded that the cluster has common characteristic features, however, in these interpretations, the main, in our opinion, managerial aspect of the formation of an integrated structure is missing, which makes it necessary to approve a new definition – «cluster structure». The resulting category can be used to form a new stage in the creation of integrated associations and the development of a strategy for the development of cluster structures of the
Russian economy.
ECONOMICAL POLICY AND ECONOMICAL PRACTICE
The purpose of the work is to analyze the concept of good governance in the activities of an economic entity using law enforcement practice. This concept considers not only the property interests of the owners (founders, shareholders), but also the rights of managers, employees and the local community. Good governance helps to eliminate the level of agency conflicts in the company. Analysis of the concept of good governance using law enforcement practice allows assessing the actions of the leader, taking into account fiduciary duties, for their good faith. The concept of good governance can be enshrined in internal corporate documents (charter, strategic development programs, business plan). The methodological basis of the study was the comparative (comparative) legal method, economic and legal analysis, as well as the analysis of law enforcement practice, which allow a comprehensive study of the concept of good governance in the context of the activities of an economic entity. The concept of good governance, using the analysis of law enforcement practice, is designed to reduce social tension, as well as the level of agency conflicts between stakeholders (between the owner and the manager). Adding value to a company in the context of good governance can bring benefits to both owners and other stakeholders. Increased leader qualification requirements (estoppel rule), taking into account proper bonus, can reduce the level of agency conflicts.
The main activity of a scientific organization is to conduct research and obtain new knowledge. The next area of work is to bring to the target audience up-to-date information about the topics of ongoing research and the achieved scientific results. The purpose of this work is to describe the operational marketing concepts and approaches that are in force in the scientific community, and the possible application of modern and promising working marketing tools in the activities of scientific organizations, as well as other objects to which their marketing efforts are directed. For researchers, unlike representatives of commercial organizations, marketing of relationships with representatives of the target audience is close. Therefore, informal interaction between scientists and potential consumers of the results of their research can become a starting point for the transfer and distribution of scientific products free of charge, on the basis of mutual interest, or on a reimbursable basis. Operational theory is used as a methodological tool in the study, the following concepts are introduced: the goals of implementing the marketing concept, the target audience, the object, the toolkit and the societal environment of the concept. It is shown that when implementing the marketing activities of a scientific organization, a combination of four types of considered marketing concepts can be used, in which the objects of application of marketing efforts can be: a scientific organization, a personal brand of a scientist, a branch of science, the results of fundamental or applied scientific research. Basic research may require long-term funding. It is formulated that in some cases it may be appropriate to form a special unit for the organization of applied marketing activities at universities, as well as at academic institutions.
The new conditions for 2022 imply a reduction in natural gas exports from Russia to Europe. We expect an overall reduction in natural gas exports from Russia from 244 bill. cub. m in 2021 to 155 bills. cub. m in 2025. Not only physical export flows, but also financial ones will be reduced, which may change the financial condition of Russian companies and require adjustment of their behavior models and strategies. In such conditions, the development of the domestic natural gas market, which has been discussed for the past 20 years, becomes an extremely topical topic. Therefore, this article will focus on the domestic gas market. The main producers of natural gas in Russia, their operating conditions, tax regulation, access to exports and their role in the domestic market will be analyzed and studied. In addition, domestic gas consumers will be considered and the potential for growth in natural gas consumption in the Russian domestic market, which lies in the growth of the chemical industry and the development of gasification, will be assessed. The article will put forward proposals for rebuilding the existing model of the domestic gas market, such as the abolition of the severance tax on new volumes of gas supplies, expanding the capabilities of independent companies in terms of domestic gas supply and gasification, optimizing approaches to choosing settlements for gasification, allowing all gas companies to export LNG, solving the pricing problem: choosing the optimal model for price liberalization in segments other than households and housing and communal services.
An abrupt worsening of the conditions to reproduce the raw material model of the Russian economy forces high-tech enterprises to take a proactive stance of advanced economic development based on the new technological paradigm in terms of the post-industrial age. However, this transition cannot happen on its own accord. This requires a creation of a brand new goal-directed management system, having the implementation of strategic priorities in the long-term development strategy of the enterprise and the possibility of achieving technological sovereignty. One of the approaches to solve this problem implies to introduce process-project management at the enterprise. This can only be achieved through the long-term resource planning and investing in the development of innovative functional capabilities of a large industrial enterprise, increasing innovative capabilities of personnel and involving the staff in the process of strategic development in the frame of a dynamically changing environment.
INFORMATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ECONOMICS
The digital transformation of enterprises is one of the priority national tasks and, although sanctions restrictions have slowed down its implementation, they have not reduced its relevance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the industry-specific features of the digitalization of domestic companies, build a digital maturity rating of enterprises and organizations in various industrial sectors and areas of social activity in Russia. The methodological basis of the work is the study of statistical reporting demonstrating the use of digital technologies by domestic companies, as well as empirical data obtained from surveys of leaders of domestic and foreign firms. The study initially analyzed the statistical data describing the course of the digital transformation of domestic enterprises, and identified three metrics to assess the changes occurring under the influence of digitalization in industry and the social sphere. The following indicators were chosen as such indicators: expenditures on information and communication technologies (ICT); number of employees using ICT; range of digital technologies used. The choice of this set of parameters is connected, on the one hand, with the importance of indicators for assessing the level of digital development, and on the other hand, with the availability of detailed quantitative data characterizing the marked sections of enterprises' activities and allowing us to compare the changes taking place in each of the areas under consideration. The combination of the above criteria makes it possible to comprehensively assess the ongoing changes, given that the above figures affect their various aspects. In conclusion, an algorithm for comparing industries is proposed, based on the selected indicators and taking into account their significance (weight), and the ranking of industries is carried out. Such a comparison made it possible to form four groups that differ in the level of digital maturity of their sectors, which became the main scientific result of the work. It is shown that the top lines of the list were occupied by industries that initially focused on a high-tech base, as well as those that were able to include digital solutions in their business processes, learned how to transform information into products, into monetary results.
SCIENCE LIFE CHRONICLE
ISSN 2618-8996 (Online)