INNOVATION FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONS OF BELARUS

The article considers the theoretical problem of inclusive growth and its relevance to contemporary problems of regional socioeconomic development. Purpose: The theory of inclusive development is investigated, the value of inclusive innovation for regional development is determined and directions of innovation policy to ensure sustainable innovative development of regions of Belarus are proposed. Methodology: the article defines the rationale , the value, perspectives and features of inclusive growth for the formation of national and regional innovation systems in the countries of the former Soviet Union. This research is carried out on the basis of critical analysis of current economic literature, surveys, expert reports published by international organizations. National statistical data employed for investigation of regional innovation systems. Results. The outcome of this research proves that the issues of development of national and regional innovation systems are associated with of inclusive innovation and the development of learning capacity. The features of regional innovation development in Belarus are determined, new areas of innovation policy in the regions of Belarus are identified and opportunities for inclusive innovation in Belarus are revealed. Conclusions: Despite the high educational level of the population of Belarus, the development of policy of learning throughout the regions is vital for the formation of an innovative economy, uniform distribution of innovative activity in the regions. Belarus is characterized by a non-linear but system model of innovative development which could provide a more uniform innovative activity across country’s’ regions. The research highlights that, crucially, the involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises should be strongly encouraged for sustainable and innovative development of the regions at present stage of the development.