Dmitry Medvedev: We think the focus on innovative development is of utmost importance for our country

On March 25, at a meeting at Kazan State Power Engineering University Chairman of the Russian Government Dmitry Medvedev, who came on a one-day working visit to Kazan, said that development of innovative territorial clusters should have a synergistic effect and create a chain reaction in a good sense.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Presidential Envoy in Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich, Vice Prime Minister of the Russian Government Arkady Dvorkovich and other Russian and Tatarstan officials took part in the meeting.

“We have gathered to discuss the issue of developing innovative territorial clusters. It is symbolic, that we are meeting in Tatarstan, since the republic has been working in this area for a long time and has shown certain success,” Dimtry Medvedev said when opening the meeting.

Dmitry Medvedev reminded about the government economic programme “Economic Development and Innovative Economy up to 2020”, with the funding of 5 billion roubles being allocated annually to set up innovative clusters.

“A definite amount of funds is spent to develop the clusters. But the main thing is that this should yield a synergistic effect and create a chain reaction, in a good sense, because we have a great experience in this field, but it does not always work. It is important to spread this experience. We need to promote the most up-to-date and effective business behavior patterns, especially in such a complex field as innovations. We lack the impulse that would allow speaking of Russia as of a modern and highly innovative country,” Dmitry Medvedev said.

Dmitry Medvedev asked to make relative proposals during the meeting.

Chairman of the Russian Government was reported on Tatneft’s plans regarding oil production at high water cut conditions. According to specialists, new up-to-date technologies are required for further progress.

Deputy Director General of OAO “TAIF”, Board Chairman of OAO “Nizhnekamskneftekhim” Vladimir Busygin told about problems of development of Kama production cluster.

Board Chairman of private technopark Navigator Campus Ramil Ibragimov offered to implement a project on production of component parts for 3D printers.

Board Chairman of technopolis “Khimgrad” told about creating conditions to provide additional redistribution of petrochemical products at the techopolis and its further development. He also noted that the technopark is ready to spread its experience.

Rectors of Tatarstan universities and officials representing Samara, Ulianovsk and Mordovia regional clusters also made their proposals.

We think the focus on innovative development is of utmost importance for our country. Without contribution to innovations we will face hard times, Dmitry Medvedev summed up.