Foresight in Russia: Implications for policy making

Abstract

Foresight has become important in Russia, including identification of National S&T priorities and Critical technologies, and three cycles of the National S&T Foresight being performed during the last decade to guide development of S&T and innovation policies. The chapter shows that Foresight in Russia has evolved from being just one on information source for S&T and innovation policy, towards a full-scale instrument for addressing key issues of these policies. Foresight work and its impacts on major policy challenges and instruments including development of human resources, bridging the gap between business, R&D and the state, increasing efficiency of budget R&D funding, stimulating innovation are discussed in light of the Russian experience. Particular attention is paid to Foresight’s actual and potential role in developing and implementing such new policy initiatives as the National long-term R&D programme Technology platforms Innovation programmes for state-owned companies and building a system of National Research Universities