Cluster approach to organization of special economic zones in Russia and Kazakhstan

Abstract

The article aims to study the theoretical and empirical foundations of combining free economic zones with industrial clusters. The theoretical foundation is provided by the concept of a cumulative and circular process and the theory of ‘new economic geography’. The empirical part deals with the creation of cluster-type economic zones in Russia and Kazakhstan. The symbiosis of special economic zones (SEZs) and clusters is expected to enhance export potential and act as a powerful catalyst for national innovative development. Establishment of clusters within the framework of the existing SEZs can bring to these zones highly efficient projects for manufacturing export-oriented products. Methodologically, the research relies on systemic and structural-functional approaches, the logical method and the method of formalization as well as on the comparative and grouping methods applied to analyze SEZs. The study also provides a general overview of the SEZs and clusters operating in Russia and Kazakhstan and indicates their main types and characteristics. The practical significance of this research is that its findings can be used to devise recommendations for improving economic performance of both countries, attracting new technologies and investments and addressing social and economic problems of the regions.

The effects of culture, attitudes and perceptions on industrial cluster policy: The case of Russia

“…The industrial clusters studied were generally well-provided in terms of Groundings , that is, factor conditions, resources and infrastructure. The SEZs and IPs were established to leverage regional concentrations of resources (Turgel et al., 2019; Yankov et al., 2016). Questionnaire responses revealed that the dominant industry sector in both SEZs and IPs was general manufacturing of various goods, equipment and components: 49% among SEZs and 56% among IPs.…”

“…In order to examine the impact of political and social context on the dynamics of industrial clusters, we undertake a detailed study of industrial SEZs and IPs established in Russia since their start in the mid-1990s. Previous studies of cluster policies in Russia are limited to descriptive accounts (Maslikhina, 2016; Sandler and Kuznetsov, 2015; Yankov et al., 2016) reliant on secondary data about the SEZs and IPs that had been implemented from 2005 (Kuznetsov and Kuznetsova, 2019; Turgel et al., 2019; Zhukovskaya et al., 2016). Our study is more comprehensive and involves primary data.…”

“…The industrial clusters studied were generally well-provided in terms of Groundings, that is, factor conditions, resources and infrastructure. The SEZs and IPs were established to leverage regional concentrations of resources (Turgel et al, 2019;Yankov et al, 2016 Textile firms were overwhelmingly located in the Ivanovo region. The pharmaceutical sector was mostly located in the Kaluga and Belgorod regions.…”

Analyzing Free Economic Zones in Uzbekistan for Sustainable Growth

“…FEZs in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan share commonalities but exhibit differences. Kazakhstan targets high-tech industries with a specific legal framework (Turgel et al, 2019). Kyrgyzstan focuses on manufacturing, agro-industry, and tourism with its legal framework (Vokhidova et al, 2019).…”

Human Capital Development, Special Economic Zones, and Dubai as Case Study: a Literature Review

“…Among such terms are the following: free trade zones, export processing zones, enterprise zones, free ports, single-factor export processing zones, specialised zones. The term 'special economic zone' better highlights the economic rationale of one such arrangement, and the specialised mission through which it operates (Turgel et al, 2019;Frick et al, 2018).…”