Changing Role of the University in Innovation Development: New Challenges for Russian Regions

The need of Russia's transition to a knowledge economy, knowledge-intensive production, high technology and intensive innovation requires transformation of the higher education system and the formation of entrepreneurial universities. The analysis of the Russia's higher education system revealed that the development of universities is contrary to the global educational trends and to the social and economic priorities of Russia. High efficiency of cluster policy in the leading countries of the world has led to the advancement of initiatives for the innovative regional cluster development in the region. The results of econometric analysis indicate that the presence of a strong university as an “anchor” increases the influence of innovation factors on the regions’ socio-economic development. Formation of innovation clusters in the regions of Russia requires the emergence of “strong” universities that engage applied and fundamental research studies, work closely with the industry and implement knowledge into practice.