Introduction. The article studies patent activity in the regions of Russia. The relevance of the research in this area is determined by the importance of the innovation component in economic growth, as well as by the established targets in the Concept of Technological Development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030. The aim of the study is to identify possible types and directions of patent policy for different groups of Russian regions on the basis of patent activity factors.

Materials and Methods. The empirical material for the analysis includes data from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Federal State Statistics Service (FSSS) for 2012-2021. We use linear regression to identify the key factors affecting the patent activity of the regions. The method of hierarchical clustering allowed us to identify groups of regions according to their patent activity.

Results. The linear regression showed the statistically significant dependence of regional patent activity on I-activity level of organizations, the number of active fixed broadband Internet subscribers per 100 population and the average of internal costs for research and development per 1 organization in the region. The hierarchical clustering distinguished 5 clusters of regions: “The Leader”, “Innovation centers”, “Regions of high manufacturability”, “Old R&D regions” and “Regions-outsiders”. The authors also formulate definitions of the regional patent policy and the national patent policy and present typologies of state patent policy. Discussions and Conclusions. Based on empirical and theoretical analysis, recommendations on further directions for the development of active patent policies were given to groups of regions. The results of the study can be applied in the development and implementation of scientific and technological regional development strategies, and will also be useful to specialists and government officials involved in regulating patent activity in the regions.