A Comment on the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation

The article discusses the text of the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of Russia approved in early 2024. The author notes that it was prepared in accordance with the Federal Law “On Strategic Planning in the Russian Federation” of June 28, 2014, No. 172-FZ. The Strategy replaces a number of documents that have been adopted earlier. The expert community have different opinions on the preparation quality of concepts, strategies, programs and other strategic documents being approved. The reason lies in the absence of a clear system and hierarchy of strategic planning documents. In the Strategy under discussion, there is a vagueness of the used conceptual framework and some shortcomings in the analytical part of the document. In addition, the authors of the Strategy connect the issues of the development of the science and technology sector in the Russian Federation mainly with external challenges and threats and pay less attention to internal problems caused primarily by the inefficiency of the R&D management system, insufficient financing and a low proportion of private funding. It is shown that no significant changes are expected in the management system of scientific and technological development in Russia in the next decade. We can welcome the establishment of the Science and Technology Council of the Commission for Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation under the Russian Government and its machinery and the introduction of the model of “qualified customer”, as well as the use of new tools: long-term fundamental academic research programs and programs of scientific and technological development of Russia. But the discussed Strategy does not pay enough attention to the issues of education and training of research and engineering personnel.

development strategy, scientific and technological development, innovation, R&D financing, R&D management, staff education and training