Government Approves Russia's Science and Technology Foresight 2030

A foresight document, developed by the Ministry of Education and Science with the HSE’s participation, defines the key science and technology (S&T) areas Russia needs to develop in order to boost the competitiveness of its economy.

The foresight project was started in 2011 and coordinated by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK). The survey data was collected from more than 2,000 experts in 15 countries,  review of over 200 international and national Foresight studies and  analyses of statistical, bibliometric and patent data.

The foresight document highlights six science and technology priority areas, namely: information and communication technologies, life sciences (biotechnology, medicine, and public health), new materials and nanotechnology, rational use of natural resources, transport and space systems, and energy efficiency. For each of these areas, the forecasters described some of the global challenges, threats, and opportunities for Russia; identified innovative markets; and assessed the potential demand and competition for Russia's innovative technologies and products, benchmarked against global leaders.

High level expert panels were held to discuss S&T Foresight 2030’s key points.  The foresight document will inform government programmes, innovative programmes of major Russian companies, and the roadmaps of high-tech industries.

Author: Oleg Seregin, January 15, 2014