ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL LABOR POTENTIAL AND WORKFORCE IN THE EASTERN ECONOMIC ZONE OF THE SAKHA (YAKUTIA) REPUBLIC

Abstract

This study analyzed different approaches to the methodology and criteria for assessing labor potential by using the example of one of the economic zones of Russia’s largest constituent entity. Approaches were summarized for assessing the region’s labor potential. The study concluded that a comprehensive approach to the study of the region’s labor potential is related to the need to examine it at different levels of its formation, evolution, regeneration and implementation as an integral part of the national economic system, in particular, the Eastern Economic Zone of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic. Factors in this region’s labor potential are its components, all of which shape its specificity, quality and effectiveness. These factors affect all spheres of the socio-economic and productive life of the region and its municipalities. The study is based on the statistical data on the labor force of the Tomponsky, Ust-Maysky and Oymyakonsky Districts of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic. What characterize the labor market of the Eastern Economic Zone of the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic are seasonality, underdeveloped social infrastructure and unemployment in rural areas. Other factors include a shortage of personnel in the utilities and residential sector, education and health care due to a brain drain of specialists, unsatisfied with the local pay system, from these sectors to the informal sector. There is a great demand for specialists with a university degree and for workers, mainly seasonal workers. Time-series analysis has been carried out of the past ten years and summary conclusions were drawn to lay down practical guidelines aimed at implementing public employment programs, reducing unemployment, changing structural disproportion and constructing development scenarios.