Relevance of the topic. The liberal reforms of the 90s of the last century were aimed at breaking away from previous traditions, were based on the denial of positive principles in the practice of public administration of the Soviet era, promoted spontaneity in decision-making instead of scientific substantiation of prospects and the development of strategic plans. The renunciation of one's own identity, the loss of statehood, separatist sentiments within the country, and the ideological and financial polarization of society have for many years created conditions for the development of regulations, concepts, and, in general, a paradigm for the socio-economic development of the country. At the same time, there was no reason to claim superiority, and secondly, it seemed «impolite» towards the forces that influenced our economy. The situation changed only in 2014, when the Russian Federation faced sanctions pressure and there was a need to revive national production. At the same time, the words «innovation potential» and «strategic superiority» were no longer considered empty slogans. Theorists and practitioners have discovered aspects in them that are significant for national interests. The sanctions blackmail continues, the economic situation in the country remains difficult, but it is precisely the presence of innovative potential and its successful implementation in regions that have traditionally been characterized by a high level of innovation activity and a developed research sector that prevents them from reaching the lowest point of stagnation. The realization of the innovative potential of such regions can lead to the achievement of strategic superiority as a desirable condition characterized by maintaining high competitive positions in the innovation sector over a long period of time. The theoretical basis, historical prerequisites, ways and techniques of achieving strategic superiority through the realization of the innovative potential of the region are considered in this article. Goal. To develop theoretical and methodological provisions that reveal the features of achieving strategic superiority in the innovation sphere by realizing the innovative potential of regions like the Voronezh Region. Methodology. Monographic method, method of analysis and synthesis, method of empirical generalization, historical and logical approach, graphical method, multidisciplinary and dialectical approaches, systemic analysis, method of analogies. Results and conclusions. The achievement of strategic superiority by the region is a process and result of the activation and realization of innovative potential. By implementing an original research approach — presentology, which is a synthesis of economics, psychology, history, culture, ethics, and law, the authors managed to develop a set of provisions that reveal the factors and conditions for realizing innovative potential, substantiate the types of integration processes that contribute to this, and offer recommendations for managing the regional economy in accordance with the vector of achieving strategic superiority. in the field of innovation. The scope of application. Regional economy, government regulation, economics and innovation management, formation and development of a regional innovation system, realization of innovation potential, development and implementation of a competition policy aimed at achieving regional excellence in innovation.
