Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov said his visit to the United States  has produced positive results. Talks were held between the Skolkovo Foundation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. The participants discussed the results of the first year of the MIT-Skolkovo Foundation joint work on creating the new SkolTech research university in Russia. 

The results were considered to be satisfactory. The parties have formed a strong international team of managers and scientists, the first groups of students have begun their studies and the development of research centres has started. 

The Deputy Prime Minister called upon both sides to continue their intensive cooperation. “It is necessary to make common efforts to create research centres whose profile will be determined by the priorities of Russian industrial and scientific policy,” Mr Surkov said. These priorities cover new materials, including composite materials, biotechnology, telecommunications, energy transmission and storage, improving hydrocarbon production and processing efficiency and environmental safety, he said. 

In addition, the Prime Minister said he believes it is necessary to improve the planning and reporting system of their joint activity.