Tatiana Goroshnikova, Associate Professor at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Candidate of Technical Sciences, shares her perspective on the country`s drive towards technological superiority.
Is Russia`s technological leadership a distant future or an already tangible reality? If you`ve ever encountered online banking in, say, Germany, you`ll easily understand how far Russian FinTech has advanced. Instant transfers by phone number, QR code payments even in public transport, and comprehensive ecosystems of services within mobile applications – all of this has become an integral part of our daily lives. It`s worth noting that in most European countries, such capabilities are still a dream, as payment information isn`t always available on the same day there.
There will be increasingly more examples of leadership in high-tech sectors, as this issue receives attention at the highest level. «We need our own developments and the organization of production on our own platforms, and currently, our level of technological development and the state of the economy allow us to do this,» emphasized Vladimir Putin during a meeting with VEB.RF Chairman Igor Shuvalov. The head of VEB, in turn, highlighted that in several areas, Russia already possesses all the prerequisites for global leadership, particularly in unmanned aviation. This work is actively carried out both in cooperation with the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) and through the Industrial Development Fund.
The support ecosystem for innovation is also expanding. The working group of the Presidential Council for Strategic Development and National Projects now includes not only key federal but also regional organizations. Igor Shuvalov leads this group. An audit of existing support measures is currently underway. This logical step will allow for more effective use of available resources, bringing greater benefits to both the economy as a whole and to the regions and cities where high-tech projects are being implemented.
A striking successful example is the launch of industrial production of basic 5G stations at the Aquarius company`s plant in Shuya, Ivanovo Region. The production of Irteya stations was established there at the beginning of 2025. Thanks to subsidies from the Ministry of Digital Development, their output will triple next year, and by 2027, the plan is to reach a minimum production of 10,000 stations per year. This represents a significant bid for leadership in infrastructure that is critically important for building a modern economy.
Significantly, high-tech projects are not only implemented in the digital realm; they directly contribute to improving the quality of life for ordinary people. For instance, the introduction of automated hybrid energy complexes (AHECs) addresses the vital challenge of providing heat and electricity to residents in the most remote corners of the country, particularly in Yakutia. An AHEC combines an energy-efficient diesel power plant, solar panels, and an energy storage system. This is a significantly more reliable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective energy source than traditional diesel generators. Over the past three years, 12 such automated AHECs have been commissioned in the Republic of Sakha, with two more expected to be launched this year in the Kobyaysky and Oymyakonsky districts. This means that even more remote settlements will receive stable and affordable energy supply. The importance of this for Russia, with its vast expanses and harsh climate, is self-evident.
To maintain the pace of innovation, it is crucial to support and scale the most advanced solutions. The synergy of state and business resources in this direction is justified both in the short and long term. This will open up access to new markets for companies, provide cities with modern infrastructure, and offer people technologies that enhance their quality of life.
