Purpose: of the article is to analyze the causes of external and internal challenges that have emerged on the path of development of the Russian economy. The reasons for these challenges are also outlined and possible ways of overcoming them are outlined.

Methods: the methodology of the research is based on the use of a systematic approach to the formation of a development space, the theory of competitive struggle, the construction of an information-logical model of a full cycle of justification and development management by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks in the development of socio-economic systems.

Results: of the research consist of an attempt to rationalize the reasons for the emergence of external and internal challenges that counteract the country's socioeconomic development, and largely due to previous development mistakes, as well as the search for ways to eliminate these causes and their consequences. In particular, the list of external challenges for Russia, formed in recent years, is given and their causes are analyzed. It is noted that internal challenges affecting socio-economic development are due to a variety of reasons, formed both under the influence of external challenges, and as a result ofinefficient management of the economy. The main directions for eliminating the contradictions between the challenges and the causes of their occurrence are identified, on the basis of which a step-by-step approach to the construction and adjustment of the model of the Russian economy is recommended. The author considers three possible strategies of technological modernization of the economy, based on qualitative preferences. It is emphasized that the choice of the most preferable strategy for the development of the domestic economy can be local, and depends on the development of scenarios and the specific conditions for its implementation.

Conclusions and Relevance: the main result of the article is the conclusion that it is necessary to counteract the existing challenges on the basis of restoring and further developing the competitiveness potential, including its key components, such as production and economic, defense, scientific and technological, personnel, etc., to the Russian Federation. An important direction of reforming the mechanisms of managing the Russian economy at different levels of management is the widespread use of project management.

Purpose: the development of a methodical approach to carrying out objective assessment of a business model of the enterprise at justifi cation of investment decisions in the industry.

Methods: the study is based on the application of methods of analysis of financial state of enterprises, structural, statistical analyses, expert assessments and business modeling. Actual information about the industry obtained from the materials of the Center server corporate disclosure.

Results: widely known abroad the concept of business modeling is gradually finding its deserved recognition in the preparation of investment decisions in industry. Meanwhile, up to the present time specialists are not offered objective mechanism for assessing the degree of optimality of the business model of the industrial enterprise. Judgments about the excellence or badness of a business model are made on the basis of intuitive perception of experts about the completeness of the reflection in it of the main components of modern business. However, this approach in the justification of investment in industrial enterprise entails too high a price to erroneous conclusions based on subjective perceptions. To ensure an objective assessment of excellence models, the proposed methodological rationale of this work is based on comparing the actual parameters of the business and its target the formalized values.

Purpose: the main objective of this study is to work out a detailed strategy to improve and develop the Northern Sea Route through an analysis of the current trends. The strategy is created on the basis of the graph theory, whereas the optimal strategy for the development of the NSR is selected according to certain financial and time criteria.

Methods: the paper is based on the application of graph theory to the construction of a strategy for the development of complex economic and logistical systems.

Results: the article explores the issue of formation and selection of the strategy for development and modernization of transport and logistics routes in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Particular attention is paid to the main Arctic route – the Northern Sea Route. Based on the analysis of the main problems in the development of this transport corridor, a series of steps are proposed in the work, including such measures as updating the infrastructure of the NSR, increasing its capacity, creating an information system for safe and efficient navigation, as well as appropriate legislative changes for the establishment of port special economic zones. In the opinion of the authors, these steps will significantly increase the competitiveness of the NSR in comparison with alternative transport and logistics corridors. The research contains also an algorithm for choosing the most optimal way to implement the NSR development strategy, which will make it possible to achieve the main goal – providing the capacity of the route of 30 million tons of cargo per year by 2030.

Conclusions and Relevance: the materials stated in the article indicate the special importance of the Arctic transport and logistics corridors for the social and economic development of the country and the regions concerned. One of the most important transport arteries in the Arctic is the Northern Sea Route. The article analyzes the dynamics, problem aspects, as well as the prospects for its development. The authors propose the strategy of modernization and development of the NSR until 2030 on the basis of the studies carried out and with the use of graph theory.

Purpose: the introduction of renewable energy technologies (RES) occurs against the backdrop of a developed hydrocarbon energy market, which raises the risk of seeing unreasonable decisions by investors. The development and use of various analytical tools can reduce such risks. Economic models based on calculations by dozens of experts of a number of macro- and micro-economic factors have been used to study the replacement of traditional energy technologies with already developed RES technologies. At the same time, simpler but more effective econometric methods are being developed, based on the data of real projects and allowing to conduct research for the recently launched RES technologies. The main purpose of this article is to substantiate one of such methodologies used to asses growth dynamics of developing offshore wind energy based on the example of Germany – the leading country in the North Sea basin.

Methods: many foreign and domestic authoritative organizations have developed a number of fairly complex models in order to study the economic substitution processes in fuel and energy complexes of different countries, calculate trends and forecasts in this area. Such models take into account findings of dozens of experts focusing on various macro and micro economic parameters and factors, including GDP, growth of employment, welfare, trade and many others. However, econometric methods based on the study of learning curves and calculations of the present value of LCOE electricity according to real energy projects tend to be simpler and effective tool used in order to estimates the recently developed RES technologies for which substantial volumes of data have not yet developed. This article considers substantiation of such methodical and mathematical approaches used to evaluate the dynamics of the development of offshore wind energy technologies using the model "Times model", modified by the author.

Results: the feasibility analysis of using the mathematical apparatus of learning curves was carried out for estimating the dynamics of the development of renewable energy technologies. It has shown that, in accordance with the learning curve, there is a decrease in costs - the standardized cost of energy LCOE (level of costs of energy). The application of the econometric methodology of LCOE estimation was considered for foreign developing technologies of marine renewable energy and its modification with reference to offshore wind technologies research. The calculations of LCOE for real offshore wind platforms in Germany, as well as the dynamics of the average initial investment in these projects have been completed. The results of analytical and graphical evaluation of training curves for offshore winds in Germany are given.

Conclusions and Relevance: the materials presented in the article show the special role of developing RES technologies in the leading European countries of the North Sea basin. The feasibility of the method modified by the author is shown, both for estimating the dynamics of the decrease in the normalized value of LCOE, and for constructing training curves for developing technologies similar to offshore wind power installations. The methodology presented in the article can be used to study the replacement of traditional energy technologies by developing renewable energy technologies not only in Germany, but also in other countries, including Russia. Offshore wind power installations of high power in our country should be located in the Arctic and Far Eastern seas, where very strong winds are stable. These newly developed renewable energy technologies also have a huge export potential, which can be successfully utilized by the domestic shipbuilding industry.

Purpose: the article examines the main problems associated the regulatory acts of Japan – The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, The Banking Act, The  Insurance Business Act, lists the types of financial disputes subject to alternative settlement, identified the parties to the financial dispute. To achieve this goal, the article must solve the following tasks: to determine whether there are institutions in Japan that provide services for resolving financial disputes; to investigate the main problems associated with the definition of the concept and types of financial dispute, the conditions for the transfer of a financial dispute to the competent authority.

Methods: this article is based on an interdisciplinary concept of research, which allowed to distinguish the distinctive features of the legal regulation of the settlement of financial disputes in Malaysia.

Results: acts of Japan – The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, The Banking Act, The Insurance Business Act, – refer to financial disputes – disputes resolved by "Designated Dispute Resolution Organizations", the so-called "financial DDRO". Financial disputes are disputes between suppliers and consumers of financial services. The Financial Instruments and Exchange Act details the persons, whose activities fall within the definition of financial provider services. A brief list of financial service providers is available on the website of Japan's main financial regulator, the Financial Services Agency. The list include: Japanese banking institutions, branches and representative offices of foreign banks, business operators of financial instruments, insurance companies, trust companies, financial markets, foreign audit firms. However, unlike other countries of the Asia-Pacific region, consumers of financial services can be both physical and legal entities.

Conclusions and Relevance: the materials presented in the article show the special role of "Designated Dispute Resolution Organizations" in resolving domestic financial disputes in Japan. The practical application of its results will improve the Russian legislation in the field of resolving financial disputes.

Purpose: the main purpose of this article is to explore the possibility of applying the "large data" management technology for organizations of various activities with the goal of improving management accounting. To achieve this goal, the following tasks must be solved in the article:  systematize approaches to the concept of Big Data; to determine the possibilities of using business analytics and the Big Data concept in the sphere of economic analysis; to identify the problems of applying the Big Data concept in economic and management analysis for use in Russia.

Methods: this article is based on the interdisciplinary concept of managing "large data" in relation to the specific functioning and development of companies in different sectors of the economy. As the main methods of research used system, structural and comparative analysis. For the study, statistical data and analytical reviews, articles in Russian and foreign scientific publications were used.

Results: an in-depth analysis of the essential content of the term "large data" was carried out, which made it possible to formulate the assertion that when working with "large data", the result of economic analysis is formed in the process of sequential modeling, which involves "cleaning" the result of excessive "information noise that objectively substantiates the use of business intelligence technologies (BI) for these purposes. It is established that the spread of the Big Data concept in Russia is still limited to pilot implementation and testing in certain sectors of the economy. The problems constraining the development of Big Data technology in Russia are analyzed.

Conclusions and Relevance: the materials stated in the article show that in modern conditions, the use of technology for processing "large data" acquires special significance with the aim of integrating into the economic analysis of organizations. The proposed approaches are applicable to the activities of various organizations operating in different sectors of the economy. The research conducted in this article represents the development of scientific ideas about modern methods of economic analysis and business intelligence based on the processing of "large data", as well as the existing problems of their implementation in the practice of Russian companies. Practical application of Big Data technology allows improving the management and economic accounting procedures for companies of different organizational and legal forms that carry out activities in different sectors of the economy, taking into account modern economic and social trends and, as a consequence, ensure their sustainable development.

Purpose: the purpose of the article is to describe the Earned Duration Management method in relation to individual phases of the project and the project as a whole. This method can be used to monitor and control the project by purposefully measuring the duration and obtaining important information for making managerial decisions to coordinate the activities of internal and external stakeholders.

Methods: this article is based on the Earned Duration Management concept, which formed the basis for the project monitoring and control system proposed by the authors, where estimated and forecasted time indicators are used as measurement technology for the project activity. The research is based on the use of systematic, comparative and structural analysis methods, as well as the use of expert assessment methods, graphical and tabular representation of the results obtained.

Results: the Earned Duration Management method for project, divided into Phases, is proposed, which can be used as a monitoring and control system for stakeholders. The initial, estimated and forecast indicators are determined both at the level of individual Phases and the project as a whole. This method and the temporary status reports obtained on its basis have found practical application in the implementation of the LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) plant construction project and led to effective communication between the Project Office and the company's management with external stakeholders.

Conclusions and Relevance: these studies show that the Earned Duration Management method for a phase-split project is effective in coordinating project and ongoing activities, and can also serve as an Interpretation Model in the project monitoring and control system. With the help of the information obtained on the basis of this method, it is easier to monitor and control the activities of the company's departments if they participate in the execution of the project Phases and external stakeholders. The application of the Earned Duration Management method leads to better identification and management of risks arising from the poor communication of the Project Office with the company departments and external stakeholders. Estimated and projected time indicators at the level of individual Phases and the project as a whole, systematized in tables can serve as templates for future projects and training of project managers in the company.

Purpose: the article deals with innovative clusters as a form of priority organization of R & d and production in high-tech sectors of the economy, presents foreign experience of creating clusters in the electronic industry, the factors of their functioning efficiency. The main goal of the article lies in the study of world experience of fostering clusters in the electronics and the synthesis of the main techniques and methods applied in this fi eld.

Methods: the article is based on the analysis and synthesis of international experience of state support for the innovative development of the electronic industry. The methods of theoretical, functional and structural analysis were used in its preparation.

Results: currently, the main driver of the national economy of Russia are innovations, the key factor for the successful implementation of which is the state support for new forms of interaction between science and industry in the most dynamic sectors, including electronics. Based on the study of world experience in stimulating the development of clusters, the article presents possible approaches to the organization of this work in the electronic industry of the Russian Federation.

Conclusions and Relevance: the analysis of foreign experience of state stimulation of development of clusters in high-tech industries, on the one hand, confirms the correctness of the measures that are implemented by Russia in the course of solving issues of territorial and sectoral organization of innovation, and on the other, points to areas that require additional attention and concrete actions. These include: programs and special conditions for attracting foreign companies and scientists to perform research and development in Russia; a variety of tax and non-tax incentives for innovation; supporting government participation in the capital of startups and others.

Purpose: the article deals with the development of an algorithm for choosing the optimal scenario for the development of the regional economy. Since the "Strategy for socio-economic development of the Lipetsk region for the period until 2020" does not contain scenarios for the development of the region, the algorithm for choosing the optimal scenario for the development of the regional economy is formalized. The scenarios for the development of the economy of the Lipetsk region according to the indicators of the Program of social and economic development are calculated: "Quality of life index", "Average monthly nominal wage", "Level of registered unemployment", "Growth rate of gross regional product", "The share of innovative products in the total volume of goods shipped, works performed and services rendered by industrial organizations", "Total volume of atmospheric pollution per unit GRP" and "Satisfaction of the population with the activity of executive bodies of state power of the region". Based on the calculation of development scenarios, the dynamics of the values of these indicators was developed in the implementation of scenarios for the development of the economy of the Lipetsk region in 2016–2020. Discounted financial costs of economic participants for realization of scenarios of development of economy of the Lipetsk region are estimated. It is shown that the current situation in the economy of the Russian Federation assumes the choice of a paradigm for the innovative development of territories and requires all participants in economic relations at the regional level to concentrate their resources on the creation of new science-intensive products. An assessment of the effects of the implementation of reasonable scenarios for the development of the economy of the Lipetsk region was carried out. It is shown that the most acceptable is the "base" scenario, which assumes a consistent change in the main indicators. The specific economic effect from the implementation of scenarios for the development of the economy of the Lipetsk region and the specific economic effect per unit of all costs for the scenarios for the development of the economy of the Lipetsk region are analyzed. Methods: the scientific results are based on the main provisions of the neoclassical institutional theory, the principles of sustainable development and the basic postulates of the regional economy. The article uses comparative, tabular, graphical and economic-statistical methods.

Results: the stages of the script justification process are developed and a formalized algorithm for selecting the optimal scenario for the development of the regional economy is formed in conditions of the predominance of a particular type of economic activity allowing the executive bodies of the regional government to use the resource potential of the regional economy to ensure the implementation of strategic changes depending on the activity of participants in the region's economy. It was found that the rationale and choice of the optimal scenario is an important stage in the development of the sustainable development program of the regional economy, since it helps to quantify the most probable trajectories of changes in the activities of all participants in the region's economy.

Conclusions and Relevance: the practical significance of the developed algorithm lies in the possibility of using it to improve the stability of the development of the economy of specific regions. In particular, for the Lipetsk region, the "base" scenario is the most optimal given the resources available in the regional economy and the general state of the economy.

Purpose: the purpose of the research is to design a concept of management system for agro-industrial clusters as self-organizing systems. The transition to a new technological way was marked not only by breakthrough solutions in the organization of production of goods, works and services, but also by the emergence of new (in some cases unique) forms of inter-firm cooperation and interaction of economic agents in the real and financial sector of the economy. The concept of "digital economy" becomes the most important in economic research, and moreover - from a practical point of view, modern digitalization technologies in managing the activities of economic entities form new information and communication platforms for economic and scientific exchange. The penetration of digital technologies into life is one of the characteristic features of the future world. Not an exception is the agro-industrial sector, which is both strategically important for ensuring food security and has a high export potential. The article presents the concept of managing the development of agro-industrial clusters as self-organizing systems capable of integrating the activities of small and medium-sized businesses into the value-added chain based on modern information technologies. The obligatory and providing tools, mechanisms for implementing the concept, aimed at eliminating existing problems on the way of forming agro-industrial clusters, are disclosed.

Methods: the agro-industrial cluster management model is developed using the methods of economic analysis and synthesis, and functional modelling.

Results: conceptual model of cluster development management is presented to be used for the nascent clusters and the development of existing agro-industrial clusters.

Conclusions and Relevance: as a result of the conducted research the reasons interfering development of cluster approach in the agroindustrial sector of economy are defined. Among them the main are: lack of relevant strategy of agrarian and industrial complex, imperfection of methodology of formation of clusters and lack of motives of consolidation of subjects of small and medium business in this sphere; backwardness of production, logistic and innovative infrastructure; and also the low level of commercialization of scientific research in the agro-industrial sector. As one of the measures capable to refract a similar negative situation, development of the concept of management of agro-industrial clusters formed on the basis of an information system of "a digital cluster" which includes algorithms and methods of optimization of information, material and financial flows for achievement of desirable indicators of economic activity by all participants of cluster structure is recommended. At the conceptual level mechanisms and instruments of management of development of agro-industrial clusters are also offered.

Purpose: the main purpose of this article is to explore the possibility of adapting the foreign experience of using benchmarking tools to form promising areas of economic growth, as well as developing a tools for intensive economic growth in Russia and the regions. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve the following tasks: to study the basics of intensive economic growth, taking into account the increase in labor productivity and factors of production; to analyze the tools and methods of benchmarking used in foreign practice; to conduct benchmarking of the Russian regions to assess the opportunities for intensive economic growth.

Methods: when writing this article, methods of scientific cognition were used, in particular, benchmarking, the method of comparative analysis, the method of system analysis, the graphical method of presenting the results obtained, the method of generalization and systematization of theoretical concepts.

Results: in modern conditions, the main source of intensive economic growth is the increase in labor productivity and factors of production. Ensuring the intensity of development at the regional and macroeconomic level can be achieved through the use of benchmarking and analysis of best practices. A comprehensive analysis of the conditions and instruments for intensifying the economy of foreign countries and assessing the applicability / adaptability of world practice for the Russian economy allowed the development of a tools for intensive economic growth in the Russian regions based on the use of tools and principles of benchmarking. Based on the proposed group of indicators for benchmarking to ensure intensive economic growth, the ranking of Russian regions according to the level of socio-economic development was conducted.

Conclusions and Relevance: the materials outlined in the article demonstrate the very high efficiency of the use of benchmarking tools to ensure intensive development, which is achieved, first of all, by reducing the differentiation of Russian regions, searching for the most promising and priority innovative directions for further long-term development, allowing to increase the manufacturability of production and labor productivity. The proposed approach to the formation of the tools of intensive economic growth in Russia and regions on the basis of benchmarking is the development of scientific ideas on the improvement of the management of the economy of the regions. The difference between this approach and previously obtained results is that the analysis of the state of the regions is realized taking into account the following elements: conditions / symptoms, premises, tools, results / effects, etc. It is shown that future growth and social welfare of Russia will depend on high-tech industries and services.

Purpose: the purpose of this article is to determine the prospects for the development of financial outsourcing in the sphere of accounting, taxation and management (corporate) accounting as a type of entrepreneurship in Russia. To achieve this purpose, it is necessary to solve the following tasks: to analyze the theory and practice of the current state of financial outsourcing and its growth in Russia and abroad; to identify the prospects for its development in Russia.

Methods: the research was conducted by using systematic, logical, comparative analysis, grouping and generalization methods, which made it possible to ensure the validity of the results and conclusions of the research.

Results: prospects for the development of financial outsourcing are expressed in the introduction of modern information technologies into the outsourcing practice, which contribute to the expansion of the target segment due to a significant reduction of outsourcing services prices. Trends in the development of financial outsourcing are also associated with the transition of society to the digital economy model and manifested in the further automation and robotization of routine functions with the prospect of integrating all business transactions into a single database, both on a national and global scale.

Conclusions and Relevance: the implementation of technologies that reduce the cost of services should become an important part of outsourcing development strategy in the short term, as it will expand the range of users of financial outsourcing, which can become a "point of growth" both in terms of revenues and profits from new ones and in terms of profits from existing customers. The companies that first implement such technologies will get a serious competitive advantage and will be the first who will attract a larger business to outsourcing.