Production based on high technologies and knowledge-based economy should account for at least 20% of the country's GDP by 2020, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said at a meeting of scientists and teachers/lecturers held in Belgorod to discuss research and innovation activities of Russian universities.
"This is an ambitious goal," he said. "However, we plan to attain it by increasing R&D expenditures to 3% of GDP in 2020 from 1.12% in 2007, and also by dramatically increasing the results attained by fundamental and applied research and design projects."
Mr Ivanov said the academic sector and the development of cutting-edge technologies remain the prerogative of the state, although the independence of the research community has greatly expanded. "A special programme gives them broad powers in choosing priorities for fundamental research and financing," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
He said that 250 billion roubles would be allocated in 2008-2012 for financing fundamental research at state academies of sciences.
Mr Ivanov said Russia's innovation infrastructure numbered over 200 facilities organised with different forms of state support.