Strategic Site Selection for Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks: Insights from Russia

Sosnovskikh, Sergey ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3744-740X (2025) Strategic Site Selection for Special Economic Zones and Industrial Parks: Insights from Russia. In: Special Economic Zones: Challenges and Opportunities for Territorial Development. 1, 8 . IL Sileno Edizioni, Lago, Italy, pp. 71-103. ISBN 9791280064806

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Abstract

This chapter examines the site selection process for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Industrial Parks (IPs) in Russia, focusing on the specific challenges and factors influencing investment decisions in the Russian business environment. While existing site selection models offer structured frameworks, they often overlook the political, institutional, and infrastructural complexities unique to large transitional economies. Drawing on interviews with SEZ and IP management companies and tenants, this study identifies four key stages in the decision-making process: region selection, political assessment, zone/park evaluation, and analysis of the business environment. Findings highlight the critical role of regional governments, the importance of infrastructure and utility access, and the need for strong local political networks to navigate bureaucratic barriers. An SEZ and IP selection model is proposed, informed by Glatte’s site selection framework and incorporating additional components relevant to the Russian context. This research contributes to the literature by integrating industrial cluster theory and extending site selection models to account for state-driven economic initiatives.