Innovation and Modernisation in Contemporary Russia: Science Towns, Technology Parks and Very Limited Success

This book explores how technological modernisation and innovation policies have been implemented in Russia since the Soviet era, highlighting the country's excessive dependence on natural resources and the federal centre of power's control over science, technology, and innovation policies. Despite efforts, Russia's innovation outcomes are comparatively poor due to the political economy model.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of technological modernisation and innovation policies in Russia, spanning from the Soviet era to the present day. It explores the Russian state's efforts to address the country's excessive dependence on natural resources by implementing an ambitious programme of economic modernisation. This programme includes giving innovation greater policy prominence, boosting state funding for research and development, and emphasising science towns and technology parks as key instruments for stimulating innovation.

Drawing on extensive original research conducted with a multidisciplinary approach, the book offers a detailed account of Russia's innovation performance. It sheds light on why, despite these substantial efforts, Russia is currently experiencing comparatively poor innovation outcomes. The book argues that a critical factor contributing to this situation is the country's political economy model, wherein science, technology, and innovation policies are predominantly controlled and funded by the federal centre of power and led by domestic political and economic elites.

The book proceeds to examine the historical roots and evolution of Russia's technological modernisation and innovation policies. It explores the Soviet era's emphasis on heavy industry and state-directed economic development, as well as the subsequent transition to a market-oriented economy in the 1990s. The book also discusses the challenges and opportunities that Russia has faced during this period, including the impact of globalisation, the rise of China, and the need to diversify the economy.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the specific policies and initiatives implemented by the Russian government to promote technological modernisation and innovation. It discusses the establishment of science towns and technology parks, the development of research and development institutions, and the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation. The book also examines the role of the private sector in driving innovation in Russia, including the growth of start-ups and the development of venture capital markets.

However, despite these efforts, Russia continues to face challenges in promoting technological modernisation and innovation. The book identifies several key factors that contribute to this situation, including a lack of investment in research and development, a weak education system, and a lack of incentives for innovation. It also discusses the political and institutional barriers that hinder the implementation of effective innovation policies, such as corruption, bureaucracy, and a lack of coordination between different government agencies.

To address these challenges, the book offers several recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. It suggests that the Russian government should increase its investment in research and development, particularly in areas that are critical to the country's economic development, such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and information technology. It also calls for the development of a more robust education system that emphasises science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation through policies and programmes that support start-ups and small businesses.

Furthermore, the book suggests that the Russian government should work towards creating a more conducive environment for innovation by reducing corruption, streamlining bureaucracy, and promoting coordination between different government agencies. It also calls for the development of a more inclusive and diverse innovation ecosystem that includes both the private sector and academia, as well as the participation of civil society

In conclusion, this comprehensive book provides a valuable insight into the complex dynamics of technological modernisation and innovation policies in Russia. It explores the historical roots, evolution, and challenges of Russia's efforts to promote innovation, and offers recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to address the country's current challenges and achieve sustainable economic growth. By examining the political economy model that controls and funds science, technology, and innovation policies in Russia, the book sheds light on the factors that hinder innovation outcomes and proposes strategies to overcome them. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between technology, innovation, and economic development in Russia and other countries.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032187792