Possibilities for the structural transformation of the timber industry of Rostov Region

The current task for the regions is to diversify the sectoral structure, which ensures the overall stability of the economy. For industrial regions, such as the Rostov region, the priority of structural transformation is the formation of technological and non-resource industries, such as the timber industry. In this regard, the purpose of the study is to assess the potential for structural transformation of the emerging timber industry in the Rostov region and identify mechanisms to enhance its growth. The provisions of the concept of regional competitiveness, the model of technologization at the institutional level, as well as problem-oriented and predictive approaches are the methodological basis of the research. The methods of the study are statistical and grapho-analytical. As a result of the analysis, the transformations that have taken place in the industry of the Don region over the past 10 years are identified, and the main results of this transformation in the timber industry are described (in terms of employment, wages, profitability and capital-labor ratio). Modern trends and external challenges for the timber industry in the region are also identified, on the basis of which new opportunities for its development through cooperation and clustering are justified.