The spread of the regional intellectual capital: the case of the Russian Federation

Research background: The positive relationship between the availability of intellectual capital and the ability of the state, region or firm to develop economically stimulates an increase in the intellectual capital. In order to manage intellectual capital, it is necessary to have a clear idea of its availability, capacity, features, growth reserves, as well as concentration in certain territories and ability to spread. Many studies are devoted to the measurement of intellectual capital, its diffusion and impact on the economic efficiency of the organization, region, and nation. However, in the case of the Russian Federation there is a gap in the study of the spread of intellectual capital over the country. Purpose of the article: The purpose of the article is to evaluate intellectual capital in the federal districts of the Russian Federation and to model the spread of intellectual capital. Methods: Data on 8 Russian federal districts for the 2017 year from Unified Inter-departmental Information and Statistical System (EMISS) of the Russian Federation were taken as a basis for the research. Based on three-component model (human capital, structural capital, and relational capital), we formed a set of indicators for assessing regional intellectual capital, relevant to the Russian Federation. This allowed us to evaluate the integrated indicators of intellectual capital in federal districts and to determine the probability of intellectual capital spreading from each federal district to neighboring federal districts. We used percolation theory methods to model the spread of intellectual capital. Findings & Value added: The study contributes to the Russian regional knowledge on intellectual capital. Intellectual capital in the Russian Federation is disproportionately distributed, concentrating closer to the capital, and has a lower level in remote territories. It spreads unevenly, flowing from the Central Federal District to neighboring federal districts, however, other federal districts develop almost in isolation.