The banking sector plays a system-forming role in the Russian economy, acting as a key element of the financial infrastructure. The main part of cash flows goes through banks: they provide interenterprises payments, collect savings of the population and transform them into loans for businesses and individuals. Without a stable functioning banking system, neither sustainable economic growth nor effective redistribution of resources be-tween industries is possible. In addition, banks are an important tool for implementing the monetary policy of the Bank of Russia, influencing inflation, exchange rate stability and availability of financing. The investment attractiveness of the Russian banking sec-tor remains one of the key topics for economists, investors and regulators. In the context of global instability, sanction pressure and changing monetary policy, the assessment of the investment potential of the Russian banks requires special attention. The relevance of the study of the investment attractiveness of the Russian banking sector is determined by a number of factors. Firstly, after 2022, the sector faced unprecedented challenges, including restrictions on access to international financial markets, outflow of foreign capital, and increased regulation. Secondly, despite external shocks, the Russian banks are demonstrating resilience, which makes them potentially interesting for investors focused on emerging markets. Thirdly, government support, digitalization and the growth of retail lending provide new opportunities for the development of the sector. Furthermore, in terms of global financial architecture transformation, the Russian banking market can become a platform for investments from the BRICS countries and other friendly states.

This article examines the problem of gender inequality in the context of informal employment in Russia, focusing on the structural factors perpetuating this phenomenon and its long-term socio-economic consequences for women. The research methodology is based on the analysis for statistical data from Rosstat and international organizations, which helps identify key disparities. The core of the work reconsiders official statistics critically, which, while recording a quantitative predominance of men in the informal sector, fails to capture the qualitative specifics of female employment characterized by greater vulnerability and concentration in the least protected niches. The central argument is the thesis of the systemic nature of informality feminization, driven not by free choice but by the interplay of three mechanisms: institutional deficit (lack of childcare and elderly care infrastructure), normative pressure (assigning women the primary role in unpaid care work), and legal gaps in pension legislation. The empirical analysis confirms that the necessity to combine paid and unpaid work encourages women to precarious employment, leading to a significant gender pay gap and, consequently, to the formation of deficient pension rights. Special attention is paid to the paradox of the pension system, where a higher replacement rate for women masks their actual economic vulnerability in old age due to low absolute pension amounts. In conclusion, the need for comprehensive policy intervention is substantiated, including expanding access to care services, integrating principles of accounting for unpaid labor into the pension model, and conducting campaigns to transform socio-cultural stereotypes. The article contributes to the discourse on overcoming gender inequality in the labor market and reducing the risks of social exclusion.

The article is devoted to the study of the transformation of global technological exchange in the context of the increased relevance of protectionist policy and reconsidering the role of the national economy in modern realities. The study is based on a combination of theoretical and historical-comparative approaches. The analysis is based on F. List's classical theory of the "national economy", demonstrating the relevance of protecting domestic productive forces in developing countries, which is compared with modern forms of neo-protectionism. Additionally, a historical and comparative analysis for the economic policies of a number of countries was carried out, which allowed identifying common pat-terns and differences in the application of protectionist measures in different eras and in different economic conditions. The novelty of the study lies in the integrated approach to comparing F. List's classical theory of protectionism with modern forms of neo-protectionism. In the work, these concepts are considered as complementary mechanisms for protection and development of national productive forces, requiring a balanced application. The advantages and risks of free trade policy, its negative consequences for countries with weak economic diversification are indicated. The historical examples of successful use of protectionism are analyzed, including the experience of the United States, European countries and Southeast Asia. The latest mechanisms of "smart" and neoprotectionism are considered. The analysis showed that the ideology of free trade (free trade policy) has a one-sided effect: it is most beneficial to economically developed and diversified countries, while for developing countries it is associated with narrow raw material specialization, dependence on imports and growing technological backward-ness. The strategic approach to protectionism is recommended: the use of tariff and non-tariff instruments should be aimed not at isolating the economy, but at supporting the growth of new competitive industries and stimulating the export of innovative products.

The relevance of the study is driven by the growing requirements for economic security and operational efficiency of enterprises in the fuel and energy complex (FEC), which are strategically important for the national economy. The aim of the work is to develop and substantiate economically the model for modernizing access control and management systems (ACS) based on biometric technologies, aimed at reducing operational costs and minimizing risks. The study employed methods of comparative economic analysis, computational-analytical methods for assessing costs and economic effects, as well as business process modeling. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive assessment of the economic consequences of implementing a biometric ACS integrated with a task management system, which has not been previously considered within the context of the FEC's industry economy. The findings indicate that the pilot implementation of a facial recognition-based solution can achieve an annual economic effect of 17.38 million rubles with a payback period of 0.3 years, due to reduction in payroll costs and eliminating costs on tangible materials. The key findings demonstrate the high economic feasibility and significant scalability potential of the proposed model for enhancing the competitiveness and economic sustainability of FEC enterprises.

The relevance of this study is determined by persistent disparities in the socioeconomic development of the Russian regions and the need for finding effective mechanisms for spatial development in the context of digital transformation. The problem of unequal access to high-quality educational resources, which is a key factor in increasing regional asymmetries, is of particular significance. The purpose of this article is to develop and substantiate a conceptual model for integrating digital educational platforms into the regional economy as a tool for ensuring balanced territorial development. To achieve this goal, the combination of scientific methods was used, including system analysis, statistical data processing methods, and a comparative analysis of regional practices on the example of the Oryol and Kursk regions. The main findings include: the development of a multi-level integration model containing infrastructural, substantive, and managerial contours; systematization of the mechanisms by which digital educational platforms in-fluence the reduction of regional disparities; and establishing the methodology for assessing integration effectiveness based on the balanced scorecard. Testing the model demonstrated 18–23% increase in graduate employment, 23% reduction in youth out-flow, and the reduction in inter-municipal income inequality from 2.8 to 2.1 times. The key findings confirm effectiveness of the proposed approach for achieving balanced territorial development through targeted human capital development. The practical significance of this study lies in the potential for regional authorities to use the findings in developing strategies for the digital transformation of education and economic policy.

For high-tech enterprises, which are currently recognized as drivers of national economic growth, inter-organizational cooperation with research institutions is the most promising option for implementing the concept of technological development. The purpose of this article is to develop theoretical approaches to increasing the innovation activity of high-tech enterprises in terms of interorganizational interaction in the ecosystem format. Solving the problems on formation of inter-organizational interaction of high-tech enterprises in the ecosystem format will contribute to the development of high-tech industries. The main hypothesis of the study is that the innovation and production interorganizational partnership has an impact not only on the quantitative parameters of high-tech products, but also on the economic, social and political trends in the ecosystem development. The methodological basis of the study consists of methods of logical, statistical and comparative analysis, as well as the ecosystem approach. In conjunction, these research methods have made it possible to ensure reliability of the economic analysis and validity of the findings. Based on the generalization of theoretical aspects on formation of an interorganizational ecosystem, its essence is clarified as a form of organization of inter-subjective interaction, the conditions of which contribute to the transfer of innovations and increase efficiency of their use. The author's concept of increasing the innovative activity of high-tech enterprises in an interorganizational ecosystem is proposed, in contrast to the current protectionist one based on the directive principle of management, which promotes mobility of scientific research, their commercialization, and innovation transfer. The platform-based approach to assessing the innovative activity of enterprises has been complemented by consistency of innovative solution implementation and management process complexity.

It is substantiated that the variety of theoretical and methodological approaches used to assess innovation activity at the meso-level is due to different interpretations of its essence as a complex characteristic of the intensity of innovation activity. The article presents the analysis for the methodological tools used for assessment, reflects integral indicators, and reveals their characteristics. As a result of the theoretical analysis, systematization, and generalization, it was revealed that the methods proposed in the scientific literature and tested in practice differ significantly in terms of the list of quantitative and qualitative indicators, the degree of their aggregation, and the methods of assessment. In addition, in most cases, they reflect individual aspects of innovation activity. In this regard, their use does not allow for a comprehensive comparative assessment of innovation activity. It is concluded that the use of the resource-based approach allows for a greater reflection of the scale and intensity of innovation activity as the most important characteristics of innovation activity, while the use of the results-based approach makes it possible to measure and evaluate the findings and efficiency of innovation activity as the main goal of innovation activity. The presented study findings can be used by specialists to select methodological tools for assessing innovation activity at the meso-level.

The Russian Federation, with its largest coal reserves, has one of the most powerful and developed coal industries in the world, occupying annually a leading position among the world's largest coal-producing countries. In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Law № 81-FZ of June 20, 1996, «On State Regulation of Coal Mining and Use, and on the Specifics of Social Protection for Employees of Coal Industry Organizations» coal and its products are considered the most reliable and socially significant energy sources. However, amid political instability caused by sanctions, declining coal consumption among importing countries, and socio-environmental threats, Russia's coal industry is in state of crisis. Consequently, constituent entities of the Russian Federation whose economies are directly dependent on the production of this energy resource have suffered enormous losses. This article analyzes the current socioeconomic situation of one of the country's most resource-dependent regions – the Kemerovo Region – Kuzbass – in the context of dynamically changing global processes and challenges facing the region, based on the official statistics, reports from federal executive bodies of the Russian Federation, and executive bodies of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The study formulates and presents potential development prospects for the region, as well as ways to di-versify the economy of Kuzbass, one of Siberia's largest regions.

The energy transition, digitalization, environmental regulation, and the development of new technologies determine the prospects for formation and further development of the common energy market. This article examines institutional mechanisms for ensuring the energy security of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, with a focus on infrastructure development and optimization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and consumption processes. The research employs standard scientific methods, such as observation and description, modeling, and statistical data analysis. The key institutional barriers are identified, and the measures are proposed for formation of an effective regulatory and organizational framework for the common energy market. Particular attention is given to the alignment of national interests and integration mechanisms in the context of ensuring sustainability and balance of energy flows. The aim of the study is to develop institutional foundations for ensuring the energy security of EAEU countries through advancement of LNG production and consumption. To achieve this aim, the study addresses the tasks of analyzing the current state and scenario-based forecasting of LNG production, assessing integration potential, and formulating institutional development proposals for the industry. The scientific novelty lies in the application of a three-scenario approach based on regionalist theories and integration analysis, specifically adapted to the LNG market context.

The article considers the formation of the innovation potential of small enterprises, as well as the assessment of the innovation potential of small enterprises, identifies three classification groups of regions according to the level of development of the innovation potential of small enterprises in the regions of the Russian Federation (leading, medium and low levels) and develops strategies for the development of the Russian regions based on the formation and assessment of the innovation potential of small enterprises. The methodological recommendations for strategies on development of innovative potential of small enterprises in the regions of Russia have been developed. The purpose of this study is to develop an integrated approach to the formation and assessment of in-novation potential of small enterprises in the regions of Russia and establishing strategies for the development of innovation potential. As a result of the conducted research, the comprehensive system of indicators for assessing innovative potential of small enterprises is proposed, which characterizes by a systematic approach and includes several components. The proposed system of indicators allows for a comprehensive assessment of the innovation potential of small innovative enterprises based on the generalized indicator of the integral value of innovation potential. Furthermore, the author's methodology is proposed, based on the analysis of key indicators grouped into three categories: abilities, opportunities and the result of innovation activity.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies is significantly changing work with staff and transforming the recruitment processes particularly. The study pro-vides a detailed analysis for how AI affects the latest recruiting practices: it examines the effects on the speed and quality of hiring, cost optimization, and increased accuracy of management decisions, as well as discusses the associated ethical risks and change of the professional role of HR specialists. The work is based on the combination of different research approaches, including the study of scientific and applied publications, the analysis for corporate cases of Russian and international companies and comparison of the results of the algorithmic tools introduction. This method allows combining theoretical provisions with real practices and demonstrates the specific consequences of integrating AI into selection procedures. The study examines the technologies used in recruitment in detail, including candidate tracking systems, chatbots, automated resume analysis models, and behavioral assessment algorithms. Their impact on key performance indicators is assessed: timing of job closures, cost of hiring, quality of recruitment, and job satisfaction. The practical significance of the work lies in the development of the recommendations for responsible and sustainable use of AI in HR.

The article is devoted to the analysis of the opportunities and risks associated with the application of artificial intelligence in the banking sector under conditions of accelerated digital transformation of the financial system. The relevance of the study is determined by the fact that banks are increasingly integrating intelligent technologies into credit analysis, customer service, fraud detection, compliance, and internal management, while the scaling of digital solutions simultaneously intensifies cyber risks, increases requirements for data quality, raises issues of model transparency, and necessitates stronger institutional control. The research problem is related to identifying the balance between the operational advantages of AI and the risks arising from its implementation in banking activities. The aim of the study is to systematize the key areas of artificial intelligence application in banks and to assess their impact on efficiency, stability, and quality of management. The methodological framework is based on comparative analysis, a structural-functional approach, interpretation of dynamic indicators, and the generalization of international materials from International Monetary Fund, Bank for International Settlements, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and European Central Bank. The results obtained show that the implementation of AI is accompanied by increased operational efficiency, faster decision-making, expansion of digital channels, and improved accuracy of risk analysis, but at the same time increases banks’ dependence on data, algorithms, and digital infrastructure. The main conclusion is that the sustainable use of artificial intelligence in the banking sector requires a combination of technological development, a formalized governance approach, human oversight, and risk-oriented regulation.

In the context of global economic growth and rapid growth of e-commerce, the issues of sustainability of logistics processes in retail are becoming especially relevant. The paper presents a review of modern scientific literature on green logistics, environmental consumer behavior and marketing sustainability. The scientific novelty of the study lies in the fact that it revealed a direct correlation between the consumption of environmental technological solutions and their support for sustainable consumption – including additional payment for environmentally friendly logistics services. In the course of the study, the author's toolkit for measuring consumer perception of "green" logistics was tested, based on a 7-point behavioral scale grouped by all empirical blocks. This allowed trans-forming abstract categories of stable logistic choice into operationalized indicators ap-propriate for the further research, as well as for the use in retailers' marketing strategies. The study includes the principles of development and logistics optimization, consumer economic behavior in e-commerce and perception of brands as sustainable ones. Based on the definitions of the analysis presented in the domestic and international scientific studies, the author's definition of "green logistics" is formulated, developing not only logistic and technical aspects, but also consumer understanding as part of the logistic cycle. The practical innovativeness of the study lies in the possibility of applying the findings in developing logistic strategies by retailers seeking to strengthen their competitive position in terms of greening supply chains. The findings of the study allows enhancing scientific notions about the strategic innovation of greening logistics for trade and the fundamental basis for applied solutions in the field of supply chain management.

The article examines the discount rate for projects in the field of information technology (hereinafter referred to as IT projects), the cash flow of which is formed by reducing labor costs. The relevance of the study is due to the high role of information technology in all the sectors of business and growing digitalization of companies. In the study the author analyzed the classification of IT projects and proposed an extended classification. The author examines the assessment of project effectiveness through discounting cash flows with the determination of inflows and outflows for an IT project aimed at reducing labor costs. The studies of other authors in the field of modifications of discount rates for IT projects and methods for calculating the discount rate are considered. As a result, based on the methodology for calculating the discount rate based on the Russian data, the methodology for modifying the discount rate is proposed. The modification of the dis-count rate consists of refusal from taking into account the tax shield when calculating WACC for the projects financed by attracting borrowed capital, and adding a factor for increasing the value of the discount rate. The proposed methodology for modifying the discount rate was tested on the data modeled for constructing cash inflows and outflows of the project and real indicators needed to determine the discount rate. The calculation is performed using the oil and gas industry as an example, but the methodology is applicable to other industries. As a result of testing, the author concludes that the obtained values of the modified discount rate can be used in modern realities.

Financial exclusion remains a challenge in Nigeria's banking sector, especially for marginalised groups, partly due to unclear perceptions of blockchain technology. Its role in increasing financial inclusion and consumer satisfaction is not fully examined, leaving its potential unexplored despite opportunities for digital transformation. To assess in what capacity blockchain technology can improve digital financial engagement and customer experience. The article examines its implementation in Nigeria's commercial banking industry. To understand the dynamics of user adoption and the perceived value of emerging technologies, the research is based on the diffusion of innovation theory (Rogers, 2003) and the technology acceptance model (Davis, 1989). The study uses a quantitative survey technique, interpreting client responses with regression analysis, chi-square testing, and descriptive statistics. Structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 266 Lagos-based commercial bank clients. Blockchain adoption is related to fintech growth but does not significantly affect traditional measures of financial inclusion. The key desired features are security and decentralisation, although awareness and complexity are challenges. The study shows the benefits of blockchain in Nigeria's financial sector and its potential to boost financial inclusion in Lagos.