In the article there are considered problems and systematized experience of innovation infrastructure formation in the regions of Ural Federal District; proposed a method of assessing the innovative-technological potential, used to study processes of innovation development of the metallurgical complex in the region.

The article gives the evaluation of the technological development level of the regional metallurgical complex; the condition of the innovation activity and the reasons for its depression. Negative tendencies and system problems of the regional metallurgy are highlighted. The capabilities and constraints of the industry development considering global tendencies, changes at the world market and new challenges are viewed. Strategic directions of the regional metallurgy development in the long term are identified concerning not only the gauge improvement and the production quality but also new technological and organizational decisions. Priority of the innovation development strategy providing brand new technological image of metallurgy is substantiated. The results of the formed regional metallurgical complex technological development program up to 2020 realization are presented.