Geology of the Future
The globalization of commodities markets, economic sanctions, the intensive development of the IT industry, and remote exploration techniques all mean that a new approach towards long-term planning is required in the geology sector. Geology is a strategically important sector for Russia, and its development is directly linked to the safeguarding of state interests. Moreover, geology is one of the most knowledge-driven parts of the economy, where there is high demand for innovation. The achievements of geology – the discovery and subsequent development of new oil or gas fields – are becoming the drivers of economic growth both regionally and countrywide. It is for this reason that it is now so important to form a consolidated view of the long-term outlook for development, not only taking into consideration the requirements of the sector itself, but also meeting the needs of related industries, as well as those of the country’s development strategy. To what extent will the world be dependent on energy by 2050? What trends will have an influence on the geology of the future? What kinds of scenarios for the development of related sectors should be taken into account even today, in order to effectively plan long-term measures to maintain and increase the country’s mineral resource base?