The article presents the strategic analysis results of threats and risks to Russia resulting from deterioration of the foreign policy and economic situation. The analysis is conducted in a wide context of the world development, global crisis, technological prospects and geopolitical situation. The article proposes recommendations aimed at countering threats, at strengthening economic and political power of Russia, its international prestige and influence. The proposed system of measures is structured both by terms (for short, medium and long-term perspective) and by areas of activity.

The paper shows the prospects and forks of information technology (IT) evolution, when business and IT mutually influence each other and develop each other, changing economy and society. The human factor is not just becoming a key element, but the vector of IT development. The possibilities and boundaries of network collective intelligence and social technologies are shown. The concept of “intellectual deposits” is disclosed.

Decentralized, distributed network structures possess significant creative and innovative potential in solving various problems of modern society, including organization of interdisciplinary creative laboratories, interactive techniques in education and the establishment of inter- and intrafirm networks. Of special interest are biological models (paradigms), i.e., organizational options for network structures in diverse biological systems. These models can be used creatively to establish networks in various spheres of human society. It is emphasized that the dissemination of network structures in society promotes the implementation of the principles of socialist economy.

PEST can be regarded as a high-quality analog of a quantitative mathematical model used, for example, in the budgeting process. Calculations presume a variation of some variables within the model, including the expert one. Such variation is inevitable since any model only to some extent is similar to the simulated system and the “observer’s” expert position is important. At the entrance of the mathematical model there are figures defined with some accuracy, at the output there are also figures, expertly substantiated and simulated. PEST represents a “semantic model” containing basic “event trees”. At the entrance to this model there are events that “happened”. At the output — their development forecast, if “this” has happened, “this and that” will certainly happen and with some probability “or this, or that”. The forecast presumes the work of an expert who subjects the event to a modeling framework of PEST-analysis. With events development in reality it becomes possible to compare two semantic networks, one of which is referred to “forecasted”, and the other — to “happened” events structure. An expert, and in some simple cases even a computer program, can either attribute a happened event to one of the scenario branches existing in the forecast or to come out with a suggestion on the emergence of a new branch, or, finally, to conclude that the given event is an imitation, that is, has a “non-physical character”. The latter is very important, but needs verification by subsequent events. Thus, the proposed PEST-analysis in the context of “world — country — region” is some semantic “model”, forming “forecasted” semantic trees and networks, allowing to classify operational event-series (“extract meaning”) and to forecast their further development from the strategic perspective point of view. This method seems relevant from the perspective of realization (and automation) of the problem of continuous dynamic strategic management, which is extremely important while the world system is passing ugh the “bifurcation point”.

Analyzing actual data of the RF subjects social development, the authors note: as follows from calculation data of integral indicators, defined on the basis of the multifactor model methodology “Strategic matrix of the RF region”, developed by the Institute for Economic Strategies, negative economic trends have not yet practically effected the population living conditions. On the contrary, the all-Russian 2014 final index has even slightly increased compared to the previous year index.

Strategic planning practice in the RF municipal districts on the basis of foresight technology methods, including road mapping, is currently not widespread. The article presents a road map fragment of socio-economic development strategy of the Stavropolsky municipal district of the Samara region, taking into account a concept of a municipal entity as a complex four-aspect system.

The article discusses different forms of tourism in the Kaluga region: from business, cultural, educational, religious tourism to agro-tourism and sports tourism, implying active outdoor leisure.

Public administration efficiency is an important aspect of a long-term sustainable socio-economic development of a region. Current mechanisms of politics estimation are based on performance management model, according to which the management process is based on setting strategic goals, tactical objectives and concrete results, characterizing degree of their implementation, thus reflecting the management process effectiveness. However, achievement of goals and objectives depends on a number of factors that should be considered while forming and implementing regional social-economic policy. Under a factor in this case we comprehend the reason, the driving force that determines the character or specific features of the management process and results in positive or negative changes in policy outcomes.

Changing of a conjuncture index of “Economic strategy” (CIES) for the January — July 2015 is considered. The contribution of indicators of supply and demand in CIES is estimated. The analysis of industrial production is carried out.

The article represents a brief digression in the history of friendship between the world nations in general and not only one sixth part of the land.