Speaking at the conference, Mr Zhukov said that the global financial turmoil will not affect the funding of national priorities in Russia. "National projects will be continued despite all difficulties caused by the world financial crisis," he emphasized.
"Both the President and the Prime Minister continue to see these projects as a priority; they will continue to receive special attention and the required funding," Mr Zhukov said. In his words, Project Education will be further developed, and its most effective areas will be continued.
At the same time, Mr Zhukov emphasized that the business community should also take part in funding education. "The Government will continue investing billions of roubles into innovations-based development, but we will expect businessmen to make a relevant contribution," Mr Zhukov said. "In Russia, 80% of R&Ds are funded by the Government, and in Europe it is the other way round," he noted.
Mr Zhukov recalled that "in 2006, 30 billion roubles from the federal budget were spent on support of innovations-based educational establishments; in 2007, the relevant figure was 15 billion roubles, and in 2008, 10 billion roubles."