Putin says Russia’s sovereignty depends on the speed of innovation

Tuesday 11 August 2026 - 20:30

By: Azzat Manal

Putin says Russia’s sovereignty depends on the speed of innovation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that the country’s sovereignty and long-term development increasingly depend on how quickly scientific and technological innovations can be transformed into practical applications, including in the defense sector.

Speaking during a meeting of the Council for Science and Education in Novosibirsk, Putin called for stronger support for Russia’s research ecosystem and for continued investment in scientific infrastructure capable of addressing future challenges.

The Russian president instructed the government to provide the necessary funding in the country’s next three-year budget to support the creation and continued operation of major scientific centers in different regions. He also backed the further development of advanced universities and research institutions outside Russia’s main metropolitan areas.

Putin also urged Russian businesses to play a more direct role in turning scientific discoveries into commercial products. According to the president, companies should become direct customers for advanced technologies and assume responsibility for developing competitive products based on domestic research.

The meeting also highlighted several major scientific projects. Putin said the first research stations of the SKIF project, the Siberian Circular Photon Source, are expected to become operational before the end of 2026. The facility is being developed as a major source of synchrotron radiation for scientific research and is intended to strengthen Russia’s capabilities in advanced materials, biology, chemistry and other fields.

Another priority identified by the president was the development of national genetic-resource centers. Putin called for clearer financial and institutional support to expand research in genetics and biotechnology, with potential applications in the bioeconomy, pharmaceutical production and food security.

The Russian government is also seeking to strengthen the connection between scientific research and industrial development. The approach reflects Moscow’s broader efforts to reduce technological dependence on foreign suppliers and increase the role of domestic research and innovation in strategic sectors.

By placing innovation at the center of economic and national development, the Kremlin is emphasizing the importance of shortening the path from scientific research to practical technologies. The strategy is particularly significant for sectors such as defense, biotechnology, energy and advanced manufacturing, where technological capabilities can directly influence national competitiveness.

Putin’s remarks in Novosibirsk therefore underline a broader Russian policy objective: strengthening scientific infrastructure, supporting regional research centers and encouraging businesses to transform domestic discoveries into marketable technologies.