Rustam Minnikhanov: “It is impossible to establish the innovative economy without strong support”

On October 31 speaking at the round table within the framework of international Moscow forum “Open innovations” Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that strong regional and federal support is required to establish and develop the innovative economy in the Russian regions.

Governors of Novosibirsk, Tomsk and Kaluga regions told about competitive advantages of their regions. In his speech, Deputy Chairman of Vnesheconombank Mikhail Kopeikin mentioned Tatarstan as the leader in terms of number of projects being implemented together with VEB. According to information provided by Kopeikin, Vnesheconombank financed Tatarstan projects in the amount of 5.5 bln rubles.

During the round table the business representatives made their proposals on how to increase marketability of the regions.

As Board Chairman of the Association of Innovative Regions Rustam Minnikhanov answered the question if Russian regions should collaborate or compete with each other. According to Tatarstan President, relations between Russian regions were established during the Soviet times and it is unreasonable to break them.

He also pointed out the importance of international trade turnover. Rustam Minnikhanov is sure that the product promotion, new business start-ups and jobs are a governor’s tasks.

According to him, the Association of Innovative Regions is meant to exchange the development experience between Russian regions. Tatarstan President believes that the Association enables promoting ideas at the federal level.

“It is impossible to build the innovative economy in the regions without strong support. The infrastucture creation and educational development require large investments. Therefore, we should cooperate with the federal center on this matter,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

Board Chairman of OAO “Rosnano” Anatoly Chubais, heads of Russian regions, business representatives and experts took part in the round table “Russian regions: how to compete in the global economy”.