Kuznetsova S.N., Kuznecov V.P. Role of Human Potential and Transformation of Performance Criteria in Ensuring Russia’s Technological Sovereignty in Critical Industries
Svetlana N. Kuznetsova
Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation
Viktor P. Kuznecov
Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation
Abstract. This article examines the problem of ensuring Russia’s technological sovereignty in the face of geopolitical and geoeconomic instability. It demonstrates that traditional approaches focusing solely on financial and material investments are insufficient. Human potential is recognized as a key factor for success, and the central condition is the transformation of performance criteria for government and entrepreneurship. A new type of model of industrial parks is considered a tool integrating these elements. This model transforms an industrial park fr om a territory with preferential conditions into a vibrant, self-developing ecosystem wh ere education, science, business, and international cooperation work toward a single strategic goal: technological sovereignty and leadership. The author analyzes how industrial parks in the Nizhny Novgorod region can become testing grounds for new performance benchmarks (sustainability, adaptability, and knowledge generation) and centers of attraction, development, and retention of highly qualified personnel. The creation of a new generation of industrial parks, integrated with advanced education and international cooperation, is a powerful response to modern technological and geopolitical challenges. Using a systems approach, risks are identified and recommendations are formulated for the development of a comprehensive public-private policy aimed at overcoming structural constraints in critical economic sectors. The model for integrating educational (university departments and corporate universities) and research (R&D centers) institutes into industrial parks is of practical interest to businesses and universities as a tool for addressing the talent shortage. The study’s findings will help resident companies adjust their strategies toward greater cooperation and investment in human capital to enhance their resilience. Author’s contribution. S.N. Kuznetsova formulated the goals and objectives of the study, as well as the hypothesis and methodological foundations; revealed the content of the concepts of “human potential of technological sovereignty” and “new system of performance criteria” for the state and entrepreneurship in the context of instability; defined the role and functions of industrial parks as integration platforms for the advanced development of human capital and testing new efficiency principles; and analyzed the structural limitations and vulnerabilities of critically important sectors of the Russian economy from the perspective of staffing and dominant efficiency models. V.P. Kuznetsov conducted a comprehensive analysis of theoretical sources and developed conclusions regarding the performance criteria in ensuring Russia’s technological sovereignty in critical industries.
Key words: technological sovereignty, human potential, performance criteria, industrial parks, management companies, critical industries, geoeconomic instability, public-private partnership, personnel policy.
Citation. Kuznetsova S.N., Kuznecov V.P., 2026. Role of Human Potential and Transformation of Performance Criteria in Ensuring Russia’s Technological Sovereignty in Critical Industries. Regionalnaya ekonomika. Yug Rossii [Regional Economy. South of Russia], vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 62-72. (in Russian). DOI: https://doi.org/10.15688/re.volsu.2026.2.6
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