The presented scientific article examines the role of innovation in ensuring the sustainable development of the region and increasing its competitiveness. The topic under study remains extremely relevant in the modern world, where various external and internal challenges are constantly facing, such as climate change, resource depletion, population growth, and increasing social inequality. This problem is becoming particularly important in the regional context, forcing regions to look for new ways of managing that meet modern requirements. The article analyzes the key aspects of the relationship between innovation processes and the sustainability of regional socio-economic systems. An approach to the formation of an innovative strategy of the region aimed at long-term development and strengthening of its competitive position at the national and international levels is proposed.