CLUSTER THEORY OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL INTEGRATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AGRI AND RURAL AREAS
Authors:   Institute of Agrarian Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Semenov S.N. , Rubtsova V.N. ,   Institute of Agrarian Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Rzhevskaya M.Y. ,   Institute of Agrarian Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: January 2022

The purpose of the study is to analyze and adapt the theoretical and methodological problems of the cluster theory of agro-industrial integration and multifunctionality to the situation in the agro-industrial complex and rural territories of Russia as conditions for their competitive and sustainable development. The objectives of the study include the analysis, refinement and development of a system of categories that ensure the implementation of the goal and objectives of the study, the identification and scientific justification of the main areas of clustering in the rural territories of the Russian Federation. The ideas of foreign and domestic researchers of the role of clusters in the socio-economic development of territories, the need to apply the concept of multifunctionality of the economy in cluster management, reproducing not only goods, but also public goods, are summarized and adapted to the goal of research; the role of human capital in the formation of competitive and sustainable clusters, which have become widespread and enshrined in the international scientific community. Based on the generalization of the theoretical and practical provisions of cluster theory and the concept of multifunctionality of agriculture, a methodology is scientifically justified that allows developing the directions of cluster theory and the theory of multifunctionality in applying to solving the problem of effective clustering management and forming clusters that ensure the sustainable and competitive development of rural territories of Russia in the face of global challenges and threats. The application of a systematic approach made it possible to scientifically justify the priority areas of state policy for the formation of sustainable and competitive rural development based on the application of cluster theory and the concept of multifunctionality. As part of the study, a critical terminological and expert analysis was carried out on the material of current policy documents, regulatory acts of the Russian Federation, publications of foreign and domestic authors. The author’s interpretation of the category «cluster,» «clustering» is justified. Essence and socio-economic content of agro-industrial clusters are considered. The main trends and factors of clustering development in agro-industrial production are identified. The directions of clustering in the rural territories of the Russian Federation have been identified and scientifically justified. The need for a more active development of the concept of multifunctionality of the socio-natural-economic space (SPEP) of the agro-industrial complex (AIC) and rural territories (ST) together with the problems of the development of agro-industrial integration of rural territories has been proved. The main result of the study was to confirm the author’s hypothesis and gain new knowledge that in order to implement an effective state policy to increase the sustainable and competitive development of agribusiness and rural areas in the face of global challenges and threats, it is necessary to develop and apply a cluster theory of agro-industrial integration and multifunctionality with the definition of the main directions of clustering. The conclusion is justified that the competitive and sustainable development of agribusiness and rural areas can be effectively shaped and supported through the application of strategic management. The practical result of the study, which can be applied in management activities, was the proposed methodological approaches to the implementation of strategic management of the sustainable development of agribusiness and rural areas, the model of managing reserves for the sustainable and competitive development of agribusiness and rural areas.