Economic innovation policy in Russia

Even if Russia’s economic growth and foreign investment rates are impressive in the last years, still the industrial productivity lags behind these figures. Important for a resource rich country like Russia is, to diversify its economy by support of new technologies and education. In this context for Zverev stands the long term goal of the Russian government to change Russia’s economy from raw material and energy based to a high tech industry. For Zverev a central element to reach this goal is to increase expenditures for research and development and for training of specialists. To change the tax system could improve investment climate for innovations. Investment will come more and more from new developed state holdings as well as from investment banks.

A further handicap for successful innovation policy is for Zverev the symbiosis of corruption and administrative barriers in Russia. Zverev beliefs that the new president Medwedew has identify this problem and the new Russian government will stronger fight corruption. But a change is only possible step by step, because of nihilism as a mental problem in Russia.

On the question on investment goals of Russian companies in western developed countries Zverev mentioned, that they are first of all interested in strengthening business ties. For Andrej Zverev it was important to point out, that Germany is the leading economic partner for Russia. Obviously the new head of Russian government, Wladimir Putin, will strengthen the strategic partnership with Berlin.