The Technological Breakthrough and Spatial Development of the Country
Key conclusions
Only radical technological breakthrough can boost the economy
“We see the need in a radical advance both in the address to the Federal Assembly and in May executive orders (of the President – ed.). Economic growth should approach 5–7% rather than 1–2%, which is possible only through rapid introduction of science and technology into our economy. These 5–7% should be achieved alongside other countries fast growth and development due to science and technology. This is the first point. Secondly, we have to admit that we are not making much progress in science and technology. The situation has not been improving, which calls for a radical technological breakthrough,” Alexander Sergeev, President of Russian Academy of Sciences.
“We need a scientific breakthrough to enter a new level in science and economy <…> However, first we have to state the task before making this leap,” Roman Korolev, Head of the Department of the Institute of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, Russian Federal Nuclear Centre - All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics.
“Currently we bet on the strength youth capital <…>, so young people can meet the challenges our companies face today,” Andrey Antonov, Deputy Governor for Economy, Tomsk Region.
Ambitious goals call for developing human capital and improving living standards
“High living standards are very important for us <…> We propose to create a new territory management model through coordinating the efforts of multiple facilities that function on our territory today. It resulted in developing Akademgorodok-2 model initiative with increased scientific and innovation potential,” Andrey Travnikov, Vice Governor of Novosibirsk Region.
“People are the main driving force of the country in implementing the goals set by the President,” Kirill Babaev, Managing Partner for Russia and CIS, Kreab AB.
There is no single tool for technological breakthrough
“We should carefully maintain the balance of all tools. There is no single tool that can resolve all the issues,” Andrei Fursenko, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation.
Problems
Uneven economic development of the country
“The vast territory of our country is not just a huge challenge, but a great potential to transform into a new quality as well: the quality of economic development and quality of life,” Mikhail Kotyukov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
“Between 2013 and 2017, the distribution of (scientific) patents across the country did not change significantly. Notably, 50% of patents come from the first five regions,” Ekaterina Shapochka, Managing Director of the Forum Analytical Centre.
“Several years ago Germany faced the challenge of uniting two states into one territory <…> among other things, in science. 26 years passed and only now we can see a single scientific and educational space <…> This is the timeframe that we should keep in mind,” Elena Eremenko, Head of Helmholtz Association Office in Moscow.
Solutions
The need to redesign the entire system of education and science
“Rapid aggravation of the general situation makes us change and think outside the box <…> In this sense, it spurs to our ability to think creatively, which is our competitive advantage <…> A breakthrough is a push for anything else. It is related to super- and cross-disciplinary aspects as well as convergence, which implies <…> significant transformation in science and education. The country that grasps and implements this idea first, will win the whole game,” Mikhail Kovalchuk, President of Kurchatov Institute National Research Centre.
“We should probably attribute a new meaning to the word ‘campus’. A huge number of new programmes <…> and territories to host them can be created around campuses,” Elena Shmeleva, Head of Talent and Success Foundation, Member of the Presidential Council for Science and Education.
Goal-based approach of the education system
“We care about Russia’s place in the global community and on the intellectual map of the world. In a sense, today we find ourselves at the starting point again. If we define this point correctly, we have a good chance to succeed,” Andrei Fursenko.
“Experience and youth are concentrated at the universities. This is where technological breakthroughs can happen,” Vladimir Knyaginin, Vice President of the Strategic Research Centre Foundation.
Creating large scientific centres in Russia’s regions
“Construction of several large-scale centres in the territory of the Russian Federation will create a foundation for a scientific breakthrough. A technological leap calls for decentralization. Currently <…> the proportion between federal and regional investments is not the one we need,” Grigory Berezkin, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ESN Group.
Development of communications
“Transport and economic development are closely interconnected <…> One of the tasks is developing transport systems in Siberia and the Far East,” Mikhail Pogosyan, Rector, Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University).
Development of digital technologies
“Today oil and gas industry is developing the product portfolio in this field,” Konstantin Pryadilov, Head of Drilling Projects, Gazpromneft Science & Technology Centre LLC.
For more details go to the Roscongress Foundation Information and Analytical System’s website.
