Remember the phrase «Bush`s legs»? Today`s students might not grasp the irony behind American chicken drumsticks symbolizing import dependency in the 1990s. Now, Russia not only feeds itself but, as Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut noted, ranks among the top three global leaders in agricultural export volume. This remarkable progress is largely attributed to successful technological implementation.

The agro-industrial complex (AIC), alongside other sectors, is steadily reinforcing Russia`s economic sovereignty. Data from the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge indicates that the highest rates of import substitution in 2023–2024 were observed in industries producing computers, electronic and optical goods, electrical equipment, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and petroleum products – showcasing a broad range of development.

While the most severe economic downturns appear to have been averted, there is no room for complacency. «Initially, after numerous sanctions were imposed, we rightly focused on import substitution. However, solely relying on import substitution and so-called reverse engineering won`t lead to technological leadership,» stated Vladimir Putin during a meeting with VEB.RF head Igor Shuvalov. The President emphasized that both the current state of the Russian economy and its technological development allow for the implementation of domestic innovations and the creation of production based on proprietary platforms.

Russia has already established strong foundations for leadership in several areas, notably in unmanned aviation. VEB.RF is actively pursuing this path, collaborating with the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI), the Industrial Development Fund, and other organizations. Shuvalov pointed out that all conditions are in place to develop a technological leadership project based on these achievements.

Unmanned systems and other advanced technologies are already improving daily life and work, for instance, by reducing labor costs in agriculture. The AIC itself has become a significant proving ground for implementing cutting-edge domestic solutions. Agricultural holdings increasingly use Russian UAVs for crop monitoring, fertilizer application, and planting small-seed crops. Digital twins of farms, AI-powered and big-data-driven harvest planning systems, and autonomous vehicle controls are all innovations developed by Russian IT companies.

Long-term government support measures, including national projects, state programs, preferential loans, grants, and subsidies, play a crucial role in the dynamic growth of the domestic economy. This is a responsive system that requires continuous refinement to maximize effectiveness in evolving economic landscapes. For example, development organizations are currently auditing support measures for tech leadership projects. VEB.RF is conducting this work in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Development and within a working group of the Presidential Council for Strategic Development and National Projects, led by Igor Shuvalov. The working group`s composition suggests an expanded scope of support, including participation from regional organizations. This approach ensures prompt access to top expertise and accelerates the adoption and scaling of advanced technologies both domestically and in promising foreign markets. To be a leader is to be one step ahead.