Objective: to develop methods for analyzing and determining the level of socio-economic development of the Russian Federation subjects towards innovations. Methods: dialectical and systemic approaches to the consideration of economic phenomena and facts, processing and synthesis of information using statistical and graphical methods of analysis. Results: it was determined that the transition to intensive economic growth, as a vital in the long-term strategy for accelerated economic development, is not implemented in all regions of Russia. There are disparities in the level of innovation activity and investment performance. Scientific novelty: the method used for estimating the efficiency of implementing and realization of the potential of innovation-oriented development in the Russian Federation regions was the method of ranking, based on information on the key indicators: labour productivity, capital productivity, sustainability of the regional economy, production of innovative goods, works and services, expenditure on research and development, investment in technological innovation in the region. Practical value: financing and implementation of innovative projects (industrial production and technical innovation special economic zones, technology parks, etc.) proved their efficient impact on the growth and performance of the entire region’s economy. The highest positions in the ranking of innovative development are occupied by the regions with high innovative attractivity and well-developed energy and raw materials industry.