In this article, we performed the analysis of the development of the industrial complex in Orenburg region; revealed trends (reduction in the share of industry in gross regional product; transition to more simplified types of industrial production; decrease in the share of manufacturing products in total industrial production) and imbalances (between mining and manufacturing; desynchronization of the growth rate of agriculture and industry; the gap between the possibilities of regional management and the needs of region's economy). We also mentioned a decrease in efficiency indicators (increased share of unprofitable enterprises, decreased profitability and production of innovative products) and competitive advantages (large natural resource potential, significant economic potential created during the Soviet period, skilled labor force), and also considered the growth problems of industrial complex (low level of management of region's socio-economic development, insufficient investment by the federal center and fuel and energy companies, lack of responsibility of regional elite for the future of the region). Recommendations were made on the development of region's industry in the future focusing on improving the efficiency of regional management based on the interaction of business elite, population and government, on professionalism and creation of partnership and trust institutions including improving the use of natural resources, labor and economic potential and geographical location of the region, as well as increased investments from the federal budget and implementation of a norm for the allocation of income in fuel and energy companies for the modernization of industry; deployment of high-tech production in the region and organization of equipment production for energy companies; increasing the role of vertically integrated companies in the creation of innovation cluster in the Orenburg Region; development of inter-regional integration and inter-country relations.