The article is intended to assess the level of technological development of Russian industrial regions using the method of statistical cluster analysis and discusses some special features associated with the formation of smart (promising) regional clusters. The work is based on the statistical data on production capacity, investments in scientific and technological progress, the level of production automation and other indicators characterizing the technological development of industry sectors. We evaluate these indicators and identify the regions with the highest level of technological development as well as those lagging behind the average values. The authors prove the importance of enhancing the industry's technological base to increase the competitiveness of the regions and the entire country. The positive impact of advanced technologies on the development of smart (promising) regional clusters is emphasized. © The Authors, published by EDP Sciences.