Active regional development initiatives are gaining momentum across Russia, with regions like Leningrad and Volgograd demonstrating significant advancements. The Leningrad region is particularly focused on enhancing digital security and information infrastructure amid rising cyber threats.
The Committee for Digital Development of Leningrad Oblast recently convened at the St. Petersburg State University of Economics for a strategic session on "Information Security for Universities." During this meeting, Committee Chairman Andrei Sitnik emphasized the importance of updating data protection systems and leveraging contemporary domestic technologies. "Given the rise in cyberattacks, Leningrad Oblast is proactively modernizing its data protection systems and implementing domestic technologies. We actively engage with universities and federal security agencies, as well as external experts. We are always willing to share our experiences and exchange best practices to create even safer digital environments," Sitnik stated.
Director of the State Budgetary Institution "OEP" Yaroslav Pirogov highlighted the region's commitment to import substitution within the IT sector, achieving 98% import substitution of its IT infrastructure, thereby reducing dependency on foreign vendors. "Our region is implementing various organizational and technical measures to protect information, which includes categorizing objects of the Critical Information Infrastructure, developing regulatory frameworks for information security, and employing domestic methods and means of protection (MSE) for web applications among numerous other initiatives," Pirogov explained. These measures have been successfully executed as part of 2024's cybersecurity initiatives, which safeguarded over 2000 terabytes of data across more than 60 public information systems.
Similarly, Volgograd has seen substantial migration from compatriots, indicating the effectiveness of regional development measures aimed at attracting populations. According to local sources, 484 compatriots moved to the Volgograd region in 2024, with 174 of them relocating under the government program. Since 2012, 21,053 people have resettled there, with Volgograd city and surrounding districts being the most favored locations for these newcomers.
The resettlement initiative offers fast-tracked citizenship, government aid for housing establishment, and compensation for relocation and document processing. To qualify for the relocation program, individuals must be of working age and possess at least secondary vocational or higher education. The program also welcomes students who are nearing graduation and are ready to work within the region.
New developments are also noted within the software market for information security, which saw significant growth. Reports indicate the software market for cybersecurity saw a 13% increase from the previous year within the public sector, driven largely by the rising number of comprehensive governmental contracts. The total volume of procurement under the regulations for public procurement grew by 8.6% year-over-year. Similarly, contracts signed under the 223-FZ, primarily for state companies, surged by 24%.
This increase is attributed to government organizations increasingly adopting specialized solutions and more serious investments toward securing digital environments. Notably, the growth of suppliers like "KryptoPro" and "InfoTeX" significantly contributed to the market's rise, as firms prioritize immediate and technical needs during procurement processes. Statistics from the Tender Plan indicate slight fluctuations in the number of tenders, with 5,700 published under 44-FZ and 1,900 under 223-FZ, signifying stable demand for cybersecurity products.
It's also worth mentioning the humanitarian efforts tied to the special military operation, as local administrations respond to the needs of servicemen and their families. The "United Russia" party reported delivering over 140,000 tons of assistance to frontline regions, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most.
Overall, these initiatives across the Leningrad and Volgograd areas showcase the government's dedicated approach to regional development, driven by both technological advancement and proactive community engagement to bolster support for families and individuals affected by broader national strategies.