Research in Economic and Financial Problems

Regional natural and economic accounting wood forest resources (Komi Republic example)

2026-02-12T15:29:25+03:00

The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) is being implemented at the federal level in the Russian Federation as a practical tool for sustainable development management. It integrates economic and environmental data to assess both the contribution of natural capital to the economy and the impact of economic activities on the environment. Given the strong forestry focus of economic development in the Komi Republic, there is a clear need to regionalize the environmental-economic asset account for timber resources. This study aims to explore the feasibility of maintaining regional environmental-economic accounting for woody forest resources in a format comparable to the federal framework. A combination of methods was employed to develop and test a regional timber resource asset account using the Komi Republic as a case study. These included analysis and systematization, synthesis and generalization, experimental modeling and design, as well as analytical review and comparison. The methodological approach allowed for verifying the applicability of the SEEA at the regional level and confirmed the feasibility of its implementation for timber resource accounting. The information base drew on state reporting data from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Komi Republic for the period 2022–2024. The findings confirm that regional environmental-economic accounting for woody forest resources can be maintained in a format compatible with the federal framework. The results will enable the integration of this data into official regional reporting (such as the State Report) in the form of a dedicated table on forest stocks, and support the development of a regional information module within the Unified Interdepartmental Statistical Information System for timber resource accounting. This will significantly enhance the empirical evidence base for decision-making in forest nature management.

To cite: Ulyasheva L.G. Regional natural and economic accounting wood forest resources (Komi Republic example). Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2026;1:6. https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2026-1-6

Minimizing the risks of the regional budget process based on distributed ledger technology

2026-02-12T13:29:31+03:00

In the context of the digital transformation of the economy, the existing mechanisms for monitoring the execution of regional budgets are characterized by insufficient efficiency and transparency, which creates a gap in the tools for preventive financial risk management. The purpose of the article is to develop a conceptual approach to minimizing the risks of the budget process of regional economic systems based on the introduction of distributed ledger technology (blockchain). The object of the study is the public finance management system at the regional level; The paper uses methods of system analysis, risk classification, and financial flow modeling. The authors identified key vulnerabilities in regional budgeting that can be neutralized through digital tools, and proposed a mechanism for using smart contracts for automatic treasury support of subsidies and transfers. The results of the study prove that the integration of the financial blockchain makes it possible to move from an after-the-fact audit to a real-time mode, ensuring the immutability of data and the targeted nature of expenses. The practical application of the proposed solutions contributes to strengthening the economic security of the region, reducing the transaction costs of the public sector and minimizing corruption-causing factors, which opens up prospects for further building transparent digital ecosystems of regional governance.

To cite: Zakirov D.I. Minimizing the risks of the regional budget process based on distributed ledger technology. Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2026;1:1. https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2026-1-1

The current state of fixed capital reproduction in the agricultural sector

2026-02-17T10:01:02+03:00

The reproduction of fixed assets is fundamental to the functioning of agriculture. However, comprehensive studies examining the dynamics of this process with due regard for regional differentiation and the age structure of machinery remain insufficient, necessitating a more detailed analysis of the dynamics, structure, and age characteristics of fixed assets. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of fixed asset reproduction in Russian agriculture between 2020 and 2025, identify trends in the structure of assets and the age composition of machinery, and assess regional disparities in the resource endowment of the agricultural sector. The research is based on data from the Federal State Statistics Service and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. The dynamics of fixed asset value across federal districts, the structure of assets by type, and the age structure of the machinery fleet (new — up to 3 years, outdated — 3–10 years, worn-out — over 10 years) were analyzed using methods of statistical analysis, comparison, generalization, and forecasting. By 2025, the value of fixed assets is projected to reach RUB 10,500.3 billion (with an annual growth rate of 9.5%). The Central Federal District leads with a share of 35.2% of the national total, while the highest growth rates are observed in the Northwestern (10.5%) and Far Eastern (10.2%) federal districts. The share of machinery and equipment increased to 43.2% (+82.3% compared to 2020), indicating ongoing modernization. However, the proportion of worn-out machinery reached 48–50%, the weighted average age of the fleet increased by 0.5–0.7 years over the five-year period, and the share of new machinery remained at around 12%. The findings highlight the need for a differentiated approach to renewing the agricultural sector's material and technical base, taking into account regional and age-related characteristics of machinery. The results of this study can inform adjustments to agricultural support policies, leasing and lending programs, and investment planning for modernization. Future research should explore the drivers of fixed asset renewal and develop scenarios for the development of the sector's material and technical base.

To cite: Antsiferova O.Yu., Novikova V.A. The current state of fixed capital reproduction in the agricultural sector. Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2026;1:2. https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2026-1-2

Criteria for substantiating the expediency of Segregation of Duties (SoD) when conducting an audit of commercial organizations

2026-02-10T13:42:06+03:00

Segregation of Duties (SoD) is a key element of the internal control system, designed to prevent situations in which a single individual can initiate, authorize, execute, and record a business transaction without the involvement of another person, as well as conceal such actions. In the context of the digitalization of accounting processes and the increasing reliance of financial statements on information systems, the assessment of SoD becomes particularly relevant in external audits. The aim of this study is to develop criteria to substantiate the feasibility and depth of SoD assessment as part of the evaluation of the internal control system during an external audit. Based on an analysis of international and Russian standards, empirical research on internal control deficiencies, and professional guidance on access management, the need for a formalized approach to deciding whether to include SoD assessment procedures in the audit plan is justified. Three criteria for determining the appropriateness and depth of such assessment are identified: the complexity of the auditee's organizational structure, the presence of significant organizational changes during the audited period, and the degree of reliance of financial statements on information systems. For practical application of the proposed criteria, a matrix has been developed that enables, through a scoring system for each criterion, the determination of the required level of detail for SoD procedures — ranging from no need for assessment to in-depth verification. The matrix is intended for use at the audit planning stage and can serve as a tool for documenting the auditor's professional judgment when justifying the scope of procedures related to the evaluation of the internal control system.

To cite: Sorokoumov V.S. Criteria for substantiating the expediency of Segregation of Duties (SoD) when conducting an audit of commercial organizations. Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2026;1:3. https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2026-1-3

Methodological approaches to studying the complex system of the milk market and rural territories

2026-03-09T18:56:30+03:00

The milk market plays a key role in ensuring the country's food security. Contemporary literature pays considerable attention to studying various aspects of the milk market; however, the interrelationship between this market and the sustainable development of rural territories remains insufficiently explored. The aim of this study is to substantiate a methodological approach to investigating and modeling the complex system of the milk market and rural territories in the Leningrad Region, Russia, and to analyze key indicators over the period 2012–2024 across selected factors. The theoretical and methodological framework of the research is based on scientific works on systems analysis, conceptual foundations of the state and development of the milk market and rural territories, as well as data from Department of the Federal State Statistics Service for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. Factors influencing the development of the milk market and rural territories were identified, and key indicators were analyzed across selected factors. The study employed a systems approach, trend analysis, comparison, and generalization. A five-stage algorithm for investigating the system of the milk market and rural territories is proposed. The first stage involves identifying factors for each element of the interconnected system and indicators characterizing each factor. The second stage entails substantiating the interrelationships among indicators based on their trend analysis. The third stage justifies the need for developing a balance-optimization model. The fourth stage involves substantiating and calculating criteria for the emergent effect of the interconnected system of the milk market and rural development. The fifth stage focuses on selecting a decision-making concept aimed at activating factors that enhance the emergent effect. The obtained results indicate heterogeneous processes occurring within the system of the milk market and rural territories. This necessitates modeling its development based on constructing a balance-optimization model and forming an optimal set of management interventions to achieve target values of indicators reflecting the emergent effect of the system's functioning as a whole.

To cite: Blinova Yu.Yu. Methodological approaches to studying the complex system of the milk market and rural territories. Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2026;1:4. https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2026-1-4

Tools for sectoral economic security under the development of the platform economy in Russia (Example of the trade sector)

2026-02-20T09:41:05+03:00

This study addresses the transformation of the economic security system in the context of evolving socio-economic development practices driven by digitalization. The aim of the research is to identify the current needs of the economic security system at the meso-level and to develop proposals for its improvement. The study examines the concept of sustainable development and the idea of socially responsible business conduct. It highlights the vulnerabilities inherent in the information support domain for analysis, monitoring, and risk management processes within the aforementioned system. Through the application of analysis and abstraction methods, the study characterizes contemporary approaches to understanding the essence of environmental security, reinterprets and adapts this concept to the operational context of digital business, and considers environmental security as a component of sectoral economic security. As a result, a concept of environmental security for digital business is proposed, which involves not only the development of a rating system but also the active participation of the state and society as actors in its implementation. Furthermore, a set of principles for the practical application of the conceptual model is formulated, driven by the need to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the corresponding process. The necessity of improving the set of statistical indicators used to characterize the development of socio-economic systems in the context of platformization is substantiated. The implementation of the obtained results will help address information support vulnerabilities related to data incompleteness and delays in data acquisition.

To cite: Pasechnaya Z.V. Tools for sectoral economic security under the development of the platform economy in Russia (Example of the trade sector). Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2026;1:5. https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2026-1-5