Abstract: The subject of this research is the theoretical and practical aspects of implementation of the regional investment projects (RIP) and special investment contracts (SIC), and prospects of their use as the instruments for incentivizing the development of innovation and industrial clusters in Russia. The article reveals the essence of cluster approach and its evolution in the Russian practice. The author meticulously examines the peculiarities of preferential tax regimes within the framework of RIP and SIC. Special attention is given to the conceptual changes of the legislation on SIC, and analysis of their impact upon the efficiency of the mechanism of SIC. The following conclusions were made: 1) preferential tax regime of RIP, being convenient, transparent and highly demanded by representatives of business sector, is presented as promising for supporting cluster participants; 2) novelties of the legislation on SIC contribute to the increase of its attractiveness for investors, including cluster participants; 3) tax regime of SIC may serve as the instrument for incentivizing such vectors of development of the cluster approach in Russia, as realization of joint projects of cluster participants, development of interregional clusters and intercluster cooperation.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the Russian practice of tax incentives of the industrial and innovation territorial clusters using preferential tax regimes of special economic zones and territories of advanced socioeconomic development. Analysis was conducted on the legal framework of federal level in the area of regulating industrial and innovation clusters, methodological support of implementation of cluster policy, as well as regional legislation for determination of potential tax breaks and preferences in terms of the regime of special economic zone and sectoral incentives on the example of pharmaceutical cluster of Kaluga Region. The main conclusion consists in the following theses:  - harnessing the potential of zones with preferential tax regimes is a relevant vector of government policy aimed at supporting the development of innovation and industrial clusters; - the three models of tax incentives of cluster participants based on special economic zones and priority social and economic development areas have formed within the Russian practice; - pertinence of legislative review of the question on providing additional preferences related to value-added tax and insurance premium to the cluster participants.

Abstract: This article is dedicated to the analysis of clusters as a new unique factor of increasing competitiveness in modern economy. The  author examines various approaches towards examination of the concept of clusters, determines their characteristic features and generated effects. The description is given to common and specific features of clusters. Particular attention is paid to the presence of synergetic effects in cluster due to its special structure. Based on the Triple Helix Model, the author reveals the mechanism for generating innovations as a result of interaction of the key economic agents within the framework of the cluster. The author presents an original definition of clusters. The conclusion is made that the characteristic features of clusters and the emerging within them synergetic effects increase competitiveness between the separate members of cluster and the cluster as a whole, as well as competitiveness of the region, in which the cluster is located, thereby leading to increased competitiveness of national economy.