RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN RUSSIA AND ITS ROLE IN NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS

There is now a large body of literature showing that research and development (R&D) activities have a major impact in the economy, leading to increases in productivity, competitiveness and economic growth. Using the concept of national innovation system this paper is an attempt to understand the current status of Russian technological development and the role R&D might play in the transition from a command economy to a free-market economy. Despite the effects of a declining R&D workforce and continuing underfunding of R&D institutions, a considerable R&D potential is still in place. The major barriers for its effective contribution to economic and business recovery are discussed in detail. Some innovation and R&D policy implications at both central and regional levels are also drawn