Sobolev A.O.

Purpose. The paper studies the foreign experience of innovative development of old industrial regions and possibilities of its use in Russia. The object of study. The object of study selected the Ruhr area in Germany and the Sverdlovsk region in Russia, roughly comparable in terms of population and the sectoral structure of the economy in the past. The Results. The article details the stages and the main directions of the transformation of an old industrial Ruhr into a modern industrial and environmental innovation cluster, the state’s role in this process. Particular attention is paid to the possibilities and the importance of using this experience in the development of old industrial region of the Middle Urals. Scientific novelty. For the first time, along with the lighting typical methods of transformation of old industrial regions in other countries, aimed at diversifying the industrial production, the solution of technological, social and environmental problems, settles particular importance of creating special economic zones, which include “Titanium Valley” in the Sverdlovsk region. The urgency of the tasks of innovative development of old industrial Sverdlovsk region increases in conditions of economic sanctions against Russia and development of import substitution.