High-tech industries for an innovative economy: Expert opinions

Abstract

The most important aspect of the transition to the knowledge society is the interaction of science and industry. The article considers the ‘triple helix’ theory as a basis for managing the innovative economy. The interaction of science and business can provide Russia with larger incomes, especially provided the state participation in the country’s innovative economic development. The authors analyze official documents regulating the cooperation of universities, research institutions and innovative enterprises, and the features of financing this cooperation. The article is based on the databases of the monitoring research of the Institute of Sociology of FCTAS RAS ‘Continuous education and knowledge intensive industries: Institutions and practices of interaction’ which was conducted with the financial support of the Russian Science Foundation. On the basis of 100 expert interviews conducted in 2017– 2019 in 12 regions of the Russian federal districts with key figures of innovation processes (chief engineers, leading designers, rectors, ministers, heads of development institutions, venture funds, technoparks and special economic zones), the authors describe the practices of interaction of scienceintensive companies with other participants of the innovative economy. In the framework of the triple helix theory, the authors consider the interaction of knowledge-intensive enterprises with higher educational institutions, the main challenges these enterprises face, investment legislation and risks of investment in scientific research. The authors argue that the state policy in this field needs a network of subjects that would ensure a dialogue between the state, science, business and education at different stages of creating and promoting innovative products. The authors also consider some issues of the development of innovation infrastructure, and possibilities of using the experience of other countries.