Rustam Minnikhanov: work on realization of cluster initiatives should be intensified to further and sustainable development of the Association of innovative regions of Russia

On May 22, speaking at a regular board session of the Association of innovative regions of Russia in Tomsk, Acting President of Tatarstan Republic and Board Chairman of the Association  Rustam Minnikhanov said that activity of the Association for the last five years can be highly appreciated. 

According to Rustam Minnikhanov, collaborative work on realization of cluster initiatives, cooperation with  Fund for the Promotion in the field of  support for innovation projects and cooperation in developing innovative infrastructure should be intensified to provide further and sustainable development of the Association. 

Rustam Minnikhanov expressed his gratitude for being elected as Board Chairman of the Association and reminded that over the five years the organization has become an established inter-regional ground that includes republics of Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Mordovia, Altai, Krasnoyarsk, Perm and Irkutsk, Kaluga, Lipetsk, Novosibirsk, Samara, Tomsk, Tyumen, Ulyanovsk regions. “Currently, these regions account for 20 percent of research and development expenses, a quarter of technological innovations, one fifth of all innovative output. Every ninth innovative enterprise operates there”, he added. 

It should be mentioned that intensive work has been carried out with parliament society on improving legislative environment and in providing favourable investment climate. 

The Association cooperates on a regular basis with General Directorate on regional and urban policies of European Commission, European economic commission of the United Nations, France, Germany and the Netherlands and has been developing relations with Switzerland and the USA.

Summing up, Rustam Minnikhanov outlined  that the association participated in the work of Council on economic modernization and innovative development of Russia that determines strategic development priorities of the country and its regions.

To the point, Rustam Minnikhanov  presented to members of the Association gratitude letters for Association promotion and innovative development of Russian regions.