Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in events within the framework of Russian Innovation Week in Boston

On September 17 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in the panel discussion “Russia’s New horizons: building capabilities to compete in global markets” within the framework of Russian Innovation Week in Boston.

Board Chairman of OAO “ROSNANO” Anatoly Chubais, former US Ambassador to Russia John Bayerly took part in the discussion.

The main purpose of Russian Innovation Week is to demonstrate potential of Russian innovative industry, help Russian investors and venture funds to establish contacts with American partners, and Russian technological companies to get access to capital sources.

Russian and American officials, business leaders, venture investors and entrepreneurs in the sphere of technologies are taking part in the Russian Innovation Week. The conference is organized by OAO “RBK”, OAO “ROSNANO” and Skolkovo Foundation.

Besides the main programme, events for business-angels, investors and representatives of Russian corporations dedicated to experience of American partners in preparation and conclusion of deals, implementation and capitalization of innovation technologies, co-investing in technologies will be also held within the framework of the Russian Innovation Week.

Today, Rustam Minnikhanov and members of Tatarstan delegation also took part in the panel discussion “Government as a key player in creating regional innovation ecosystem: challenges, benefits and difficulties”.

Answering moderators’ questions, Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan is interested in developing educational system, beginning from schools to universities. According to Tatarstan President, it is important to have highly skilled personnel and develop industrial platforms. Tatarstan is greatly supported by the federal center in this respect.

Tatarstan President reminded that one federal university and two scientific and research universities with comprehensive scientific and laboratory facilities for training specialists in different economic sectors are functioning in the region. Since 2006 more than 2 thousand people were awarded grants under the regional programme “Algarysh” for education and training in Russia and abroad.

Speaking about cooperation with innovation institutes, Rustam Minnikhanov said that Tatarstan actively cooperates with OAO “ROSNANO”, Skolkovo Foundation and Russian venture company and reminded that Tatarstan is implementing mutual projects with these organizations.

Tatarstan President said: “We are going to develop innovation potential, search new possibilities for growth.”

Rustam Minnikhanov also met with Rector of Carnegie Mellon University Mark Kamlet, Senior partner of Runa Capitals fund, Chairman of Parallels Board Sergey Belousov within the framework of Russian Innovation Week.