Problems of Transition to an Innovation Model of Economy

Abstract

The article refers to the problem of technological backwardness of Russia and ways to overcome it. The author assesses the situation in the country innovation environment, conducts benchmarking of Russia and leading innovative countries, describes a system for creating and distributing “smart public money” through development institutions, in particular through the Russian Venture Company (RVC) - State fund and a development institute of the Russian Federation, one of the key tools in building its own national innovation system. To assess the state of the environment in innovation RVC developed a two-dimensional matrix. Based on a comparative analysis, it is concluded that the Russian science structure, as well as its productivity to innovation and technology, is far behind the advanced world science. The author believes that Russia should focus on breakthrough technologies, rather than on the modernization of existing ones. He sees the problem in that that too few large companies in Russia are engaged in innovative activity, therefore RVC gives boost to working with the corporate sector. Considering the instruments of state support, the author proposes to use the National Technology Initiative (NTI) in order to collect them in a clear pool, built in the investment decision-making process support. The article details the role of corporate science and universities as sources of innovation. Presented are the principal results of the RVC activities in 2016 and plans for the current year. There are still a lot of barriers on the way of innovation in Russia that need to be addressed for the successful technological development. The author emphasizes that innovation only appear in a favorable business climate, where there is freedom of creativity.