Russia’s extremely strong economic growth is one of the country’s recent major accomplishments. Undoubtedly, the natural resources sector has played a significant role in this achievement. However, economic growth based solely on the natural resources sector is neither sufficient nor sustainable. We are entering the era of the global information society, where knowledge is the core resource and mechanism of accelerated development. Russia’s continued economic growth will depend on the successful development of the innovative industries of the nation’s economy, particularly innovative infrastructure.
The advanced development of high-tech industries, including the Information and Communication Technology Sector (ICT), is also a key condition for a strong and growing economy. In most developed countries, ICT represents 8-12% of a country’s GDP and is one of the leading sectors in terms of capitalization of the global economy. This sector’s role will only strengthen with time. Alongside oil & gas, Russia’s ICT is one of the two drivers of economic development. Since 2000, this sector has developed four times faster than the average performance of the Russian economy. ICT has demonstrated rapid, steady and stable growth in all of its segments. The implementation of a number of key national projects and other large-scale government programs will also encourage the development of innovative industries.
The task of developing innovative sectors of the economy is one of Russia’s top priorities. The Strategy for the Development of Russia’s Information Society, approved in 2007 by the Security Council of the Russian Federation, serves as a basis for government policies and priorities for the development of the innovation economy. The Strategy is designed to facilitate a qualitative breakthrough in three key areas: national information and communication infrastructure; creation of a scientific and technical basis for innovations; and provision of sufficient, affordable and secure ICT-services.
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