Technological Horizon: Models of Non-Raw Material Exports
The development of technologies, including as part of efforts to achieve technological sovereignty, should form the basis for achieving the necessary two-thirds increase in Russia’s non-raw material, non-energy exports by 2030. Traditionally, Russia’s presence in international markets has been ensured by large vertically integrated structures that incorporate solutions from small technology companies into their projects, thus “pulling” them for export as part of the final product. Nowadays, the situation is evolving, allowing relatively small players – known as “hidden champions” or “national champions” – to effectively operate in foreign markets. These companies, often unknown to the general public, can achieve market leadership due to the highly competitive nature of the technologies, products, and services they offer. Both models have their advantages and disadvantages. Corporations may not always possess the speed and flexibility required to create new products; however, they do have the capability to develop end-to-end solutions. Small and medium-sized technology companies are at risk of being taken over by foreign “partners” who seek not to cooperate on a parity basis but to seize intellectual property. Therefore, it is important for the state to retain the “technological keys” in critical industries, as well as to avoid the uncontrolled export of technologies, thus preventing Russia from becoming a “factory of ideas” that are subsequently implemented abroad. To maximize the synergy effect of Russian companies entering international markets, it is necessary to reconsider the model of non-raw material exports. What is the state’s role in the export of Russian technologies: “concierge” or “night watchman”? To ensure that domestic companies (including the largest Russian corporations and “hidden champions”) carve out market niches abroad for other Russian producers, what instruments of state regulation and support measures are necessary? How should cooperation with foreign partners be established? How can international cooperation contribute to the development of the domestic market?
Moderator
Natalya Popova,
First Deputy General Director, Innopraktika
Panellists
Andrey Bezrukov,
President, Technological Sovereignty Exports Association; Professor, Department of Applied International Analysis, MGIMO University
Maxim Kolesnikov,
Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation
Nikolay Kolpakov,
Chief Executive Officer, Innovative Engineering Center
Kirill Komarov,
First Deputy General Director, Director of the Development and International Business Unit, State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM
Igor Lyapunov,
Senior Vice President for Information Security, Rostelecom; General Director, Solar
Pavel Stepanov,
Deputy General Director, Geoscan Group of Companies
Mikhail Sterkin,
Deputy General Director for Sales, Marketing and Logistics, PhosAgro