Mikhail Mishustin: “It is necessary to increase the share of research and development (R&D) expenditures to at least 2 percent of the GDP by 2030. For example, this can be accomplished by swelling private investment by at least 100 percent. This requires a new model for the development of science; this model will be based on national projects. When implemented, these projects should yield specific high-tech products, cutting-edge technologies and solutions for the real economy.”
Mikhail Mishustin chairs strategic session on the development of Russian science
Mikhail Mishustin chairs strategic session on the development of Russian science
Mikhail Mishustin chairs strategic session on the development of Russian science
Mikhail Mishustin’s opening remarks:
Good afternoon, colleagues.
During this strategic session, we will have to discuss the development of national science in great detail. Progress and innovations largely determining modern approaches in any sector of the economy and in the social sphere are impossible without science.
Russian science schools are making a substantial contribution to global fundamental knowledge and the creation of advanced technologies. Today, they retain old traditions and are involved in addressing serious state objectives
The President has specially noted that it is important for our fundamental achievements to expand still further, and they should make it possible to establish new sectors and new markets in Russia. This becomes particularly important nowadays when the country faces multiple challenges. All key spheres need more up-to-date and brand-new practical solutions, manufactured at local facilities. Consequently, the role of our scientists, innovators, production engineers, testers and the entire community increases greatly.
Last year, a presidential executive order approved the Science and Technological Development Strategy listing priorities that should be supported, in the first place. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to increase the share of research and development expenditures to at least 2 percent of the GDP by 2030. For example, this can be accomplished by swelling private investment by at least 100 percent.
This requires a new model for the development of science. This model will be based on national projects. When implemented, these projects should yield specific high-tech products, cutting-edge technologies and solutions for the real economy. They should meet the requirements of sectors and enterprises, making it possible to launch production as soon as possible.
We will have to pool resources of the state and the business community, chart financing priorities, facilitate common approaches towards planning and managing R&D expenditures and use the entire range of tools for boosting the investment activity of companies.
Addressing the plenary meeting at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, the President noted that it was necessary to establish a more intense interaction between educational organisations, research institutes and the business environment. In particular, this concerns small innovative companies. This approach will make it possible to raise the level of commercialisation of inventions, which is insufficient for the time being.
Let me stress that we have gained some experience of this interaction over the past few years. It is both relevant and effective. As for the research infrastructure that has been created, it is, to quote the President, our powerful competitive advantage.
The Priority-2030 projects have drawn billions of roubles in private investment, this resulting in thousands of innovations, including a plasma-powered propulsion system for small-size artificial Earth satellites; unique equipment and method for the production of large metal parts and blanks with the help of hybrid additive solutions; a self-contained mobile robot for diagnosing power substations and transmission lines, and more.
Consortiums are implementing more than 400 strategic initiatives.
A network of world-level scientific centres is successfully operating. In keeping with the relevant Presidential Executive Order, their mission is to develop and introduce into the economy some of most important science-intensive solutions.
We are also upgrading technology transfer centres to commercialise the results of intellectual activity. Let me remind you that there are 38 such centres.
Along with these, regions operate National Technological Initiative centres, as well as scientific-and-educational, biological resource, selection, and seed-growing centres. Megascience projects continue to be implemented as well.
Let me note that today, there are many young people interested in research and in making a career in science.
During my recent working visit to Sarov, I met with scientists who are just embarking on a path in Grand Science. They are quite enthusiastic. We had very interesting conversations.
The project for student designing bureaus that we are implementing at the President’s instructions, has taken off the ground to a good effect. Young people aged up to 35 years, from schoolchildren to industrial workers, can become involved, if they are technical creativity fans or professionals, including those engaged in applied research and design work.
There are over 500 of these university-based platforms in almost 30 sectors and 20 technological trends. Last year, their student body amounted to 28,000. These young men and women are skilled specialists of the future, so much needed by the economy.
The Government will continue rendering necessary support to these talented young people for them to fully tap their potential.
Today, we will also discuss in detail the development of the medical science. This most important area plays a great role in improving the people’s quality of life. It produces new methods of disease prevention and diagnosis, as well as their treatment and surgical procedures. Efficient medicines, vaccines and high-tech equipment are being created.
We have developed a modern research landscape by implementing the relevant strategy and specialized federal project (called Medical Science for People) over the recent years. It helped our scientists take the lead in regenerative medicine, transplantology, aortic repair and in many other areas. And, of course, in the development of vaccines and medicines. For example, we all know our scientists who developed a medication for Bechterew disease (ankylosing spondylitis).
The President has emphasized that special focus should be given to the medical science and support for the strong institutions that combine their research with practice.
Recently the Government allotted about 20 million roubles for their modernisation. Such actions are provided for by the national project Long and Active Life.
Colleagues.
We have all the key components that will form the basis for a new model of science, taking into account the goals and objectives
set by the President. We should define approaches and solutions during this
strategic session. Hopefully, they will lay the grounds for further development
in this area.
