Authors: Evelina V. Peshina, Dr. Sc. (Ec.), Prof., Head of State and Municipal Finances Dept., Urals State University of Economics

Pavel A. Avdeev, Jr. Lecturer of Enterprises Economics Dept., Urals State University of Economics

Abstract: The article analyses the existing approaches to the concept of national innovation system by Russian and foreign scientists and determines its functions. The authors propose their own definition of national innovation system as a system­universe and formulate its external and internal functions.

Keywords: National innovation system, system-universe, functions of national innovation system, innovation policy