Abstract: The object of the study is the procedure for assessing the state of national security of the Russian Federation, which is being considered for its improvement based on the implementation of a competitive approach when conducting assessments. The authors review the current procedure for assessing national security and justify the need for its improvement. A comparative analysis of domestic and international experience in the formation of criteria, the hierarchical structure of indicators and the prioritization of threats is carried out. The necessity of forming a hierarchical structure, universalization and integration of indicators as part of the implementation of a competitive approach in assessing the state of national security is substantiated. Particular attention is paid to studying the possibility of using uniform international criteria and a system of indicators in domestic practice. Based on the results of the study, the following conclusions are presented. The state of security is not an absolute value, but is characterized by relative indicators obtained from the results of a comparative assessment of the indicators of competing countries. Security monitoring and assessment should be carried out on a cross-country rating basis, comparing different countries, including countries whose activities are the source of the main challenges and threats. The novelty lies in the substantiation of the use of a competitive approach and rating methodology, allowing governing bodies to assess the state of security taking into account domestic development dynamics and a comparative analysis of the indicators of countries that can influence the state of security in Russia. Author also presented the associative series of national interests and national security indicators of the USA and Russia. In contrast to similar studies, an original approach to the formation of a set of indicators of the state of national security is proposed. Building a hierarchical structure of indicators provides an opportunity to focus on the most important international complex and integral indicators, and increase the efficiency and reliability of assessments. The main directions for improving assessment based on the implementation of structural-hierarchical and competitive approaches have been identified.

Abstract: The subject of the research is the method of expert assessments for ranking threats to the national security of the Russian Federation. The object of research is the process of ensuring the national security of the Russian Federation. The following expert methods are considered in the article: direct placement method; method of analysis of hierarchies; method of expert ranking of factors influencing the result. In this study, the existing approaches to the activities of expert groups based on the method of ranking factors are considered in more detail. Within the framework of this method, factors are ordered according to the degree of manifestation of their properties and influence on the ultimate goal (national security) in ascending or descending order. The method is used when it is impossible to quantify the factors that determine the course of processes in socio-economic systems. The scientific novelty of the use of expert approaches is substantiated by the authors by the lack of necessary statistical information on the quantitative characteristics of the relationship between threats to the national security of the Russian Federation and the factors that form them, as well as by the possibility of filling this gap by expert means. The article presents the results of a survey of 23 experts - specialists in the field of national and economic security on the ranking of threats identified in the National Security Strategy of the Russian Federation. The authors conclude that the use of the method of expert assessments for ranking threats on a point scale makes it possible to determine the most significant and urgent threats to national security based on the experience and knowledge of highly professional experts. The method is simple, understandable and convenient for decision makers, and gives them the opportunity to quickly take measures to minimize and neutralize threats to national security in order to further strengthen it. The technology of forming an expert group and conducting an online survey of experts can be widely used in Russian practice in solving problems to ensure the national security of the country.

Abstract: Today, corruption, in accordance with the Economic Security Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030, is considered as one of the key internal threats to the economic security of the country. However, practice shows that it not only destroys the mechanism of state administration from within, but is increasingly being used by the West to exert pressure and induce certain Russian officials who have illegal assets abroad to engage in illegal cooperation. In this regard, the creation and development of effective mechanisms to counter illegal enrichment of officials will help to undermine the economic foundations of corruption. The work uses dialectical and comparative legal methods, a systematic approach, tabular interpretation of empirical and factual information. The article explores the genesis of the legal institution of responsibility for illicit enrichment, foreign experience of its regulatory consolidation. Analyzed attempts to criminalize illicit enrichment in Russia. The positions of domestic scientists regarding the expediency of its criminalization at the present stage of development of the Russian legal system are considered. The authors' approach is proposed to fix in the criminal law of Russia responsibility for illegal enrichment of officials. The authors come to the conclusion that a characteristic feature and the ultimate goal of all corruption offenses is the focus on obtaining benefits (illicit enrichment). Illegal enrichment of officials is a serious threat to the economic security of the Russian Federation. In this regard, the criminal law of Russia should provide for liability for the acquisition by an official of the ownership or use of assets, the value of which significantly exceeds the legal income of this person and his wife (spouse), as well as for the acquisition of such assets in the interests of third parties.

Abstract: The subject of this research is various approaches towards the definition of clusters applicable to economic relations, as well as their key characteristics. Special attention is given to the analysis of the existing forms and types of clusters. The authors describe the role and place of clusters in neo-industrialization process, since cluster is not just a form of business organization, but also a form of social interaction and reproduction. Due to the ability of a cluster to accumulate and use knowledge independently, it should be viewed as the mechanism for neo-industrialization of the economy, as well as an integral element for ensuring regional competitiveness. The article notes a substantial difference between the cluster form of organization and the holding form of organization based on the Russian and foreign research, as well as the differences between economic clusters and territorial production complexes, which are characteristic to sectoral approach. The conclusion is made that the prerequisite for the emergence of cluster is not the solution of the administrative guidance system, but a natural need of the business, favorable conditions for integration, and availability of the necessary infrastructure. The novelty consists in viewing cluster as the mechanism for neo-industrialization of the economy. It is underlined that clusters create a synergistic effect for the global region they are located in, as well as for the economies of the countries, separate regions or territories of these countries. The authors indicate the need for elaboration of the new approach towards the development of cluster policy. The new cluster policy is intended to regulate the industrial innovation process in the Russian Federation.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the international competitiveness of post-Soviet national economies, within the framework of a new integration association in the post-Soviet space – the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In the context of studying the competitiveness of the member-states of international regional integration associations, the authors analyze and conditionally divide the scientific and theoretical reserve of Russian and foreign scholars into several key vectors of research. The article formulates the approaches towards assessing the impact of integration processes upon the competitiveness of national economies of the EAEU member-states. For the analysis of competitiveness of the participant countries in the integration alliance, the authors applied the methodology of the Global Competitiveness Index of the World Economic Forum. The competitiveness of participant countries of the alliance was examined in accordance with the eight main criteria: the effectiveness of state institutions, infrastructure, the level of macroeconomic stability, development of financial markets, effectiveness of goods and services market, effectiveness of the job market, development of human capital, and assessment of innovation activity. The conclusion is made that all the countries participating in post-Soviet integration association indicate positive dynamics in their international competitiveness, although its level differs considerably. The approach towards assessing the impact of integration upon the competitiveness is formulated. It is noted that the achievement of higher level of competitiveness is impeded by macroeconomic instability of the national economies of post-Soviet space. Recommendations are given in the formation of their competitive advantages within the framework of the integration union.

Abstract: Monitoring and assessment of the state of economic security are indented for control purposes over the achievement of goals and objectives established by the Economic Security Strategy of the Russian Federation. The government policy measures aimed at reduction of negative impact of the detected challenges and threats to economic security, prevention and minimization of risks and possible damage to national economy are formed based on the results of monitoring and assessment of the state of economic security. Identification of the problems of monitoring and assessment of the state of economic security of the Russian Federation and their resolution would improve the quality and effectiveness of administrative measures aimed at overcoming the crisis phenomena and ensuring economic growth in the country, which is a relevant scientific-applied task. The article presents the results of analysis of the information-analytical materials on assessment of the state of economic security, provided by the participants of the monitoring of state of economic security (over 30 bodies of state and corporate administration). Assessment is carried out on adaptation of information and analytical materials of the state of economic security to the usage as database for explication of simulation model and conduct of simulation modeling of the state of economic security in different economic sectors. The author identifies the mistakes made by the participants of the monitoring and assessment of economic security in the context of preparation of information, and analytical materials essential for the assessment of economic security in different economic sectors and drafting a report of the Government of the Russian Federation to the President of the Russian Federation. The measures for resolving the indicated problems are proposed.