limiting economic growth

Introduction. The article proposes to consider innovation not only as a factor of economic development, as well as a tool to resolve difficult conflicts and overcome the limitations that can not be overcome by other means. Theoretical analysis. In the process of development of economic systems they formed conservative structures that this development is stopped. The paper put forward the hypothesis that such contradictions are not solved structures of the economic system. And they themselves contradictions and limitations arising from them can be overcome only through external innovation. Empirical analysis. Through the prism of the proposed model of the innovation process is considered the economic evolution of the Saratov region. By bringing the various arguments given assessment of the innovation process in the Saratov region at the present stage. Results. It is concluded that the formation of the economic system in the Saratov region of the complex insoluble contradictions: the branch structure of the deformation, the uncertain position of the region in the nationwide system of division of labor, the lack of public resources, the unattractiveness of the region for investors, low quality of regional management. According to the authors, the resolution of conflicts and overcoming the limitations posed by them is only possible at the expense of external innovation.