Publication: Russian Federation - Export Diversification through Competition and Innovation : A Policy Agenda
Date
2013-04
ISSN
Published
2013-04
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
Economic modernization and export
diversification are priorities in the Russian economic
policy agenda, with several measures undertaken in recent
years to promote growth in the nonoil and gas sector.
Russia's export base has narrowed substantially over
the past decade. Lack of diversification cannot be pinned
down to a single cause. Competition and innovation are
examined in this study as key drivers of export
diversification. After presenting our findings we identify
some key trade policy measures that could help firms enter
foreign markets and sustain current trade relationships. A
comprehensive competition policy will help establish a level
playing field, facilitate entry of more efficient firms, and
encourage orderly exit of less efficient firms, thereby
contributing to increased productivity and export
propensity. The government's current initiatives to
foster innovation could be strengthened through a number of
specific measures focusing on commercialization of public
research and development and adequate research funding. This
study is organized as follows. Section two scrutinizes
various dimensions of Russia's trade performance,
including export diversification, sophistication, and
survival. A detailed analysis of the role of exports,
innovation, productivity, and competition on firm
performance is presented in section three. Section four
analyzes the competition environment in Russia, by
presenting analyses of price-cost margins, state ownership,
and regional and sectorial characteristics of competition,
while Section five provides an overview of Russia's
innovation system and measures to increase the impact of
research and development on the economy. Section six
concludes and presents policy options.
Citation
“World Bank. 2013. Russian Federation - Export Diversification through Competition and Innovation : A Policy Agenda. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/15821 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”