The Russian government is ramping up its support for local industries, particularly focusing on the production of children's products as part of its wider regional development initiatives. At a recent coordination council meeting held in Moscow, attended by representatives from all 89 regional ministries overseeing industrial development, participants discussed the strategies aimed at boosting the sector up to the year 2030.
Zhargalma Badmazhapova, the head of the Zabaikalsky Krai Ministry of Economic Development, emphasized the importance of unified regional subsidies to support this underdeveloped industry. "Отныне для развития этой отрасли основным каналом поддержки станет Единая региональная субсидия. Только за первое полугодие её уже получили примерно 200 организаций в 32 регионах. Общая сумма поддержки составила более 230 миллионов рублей," she stated. Currently, there are over 3,000 companies engaged in children's product manufacturing across Russia, but Badmazhapova pointed out the need for more. Zabaikalsky Krai, with few producers, is now focusing on areas such as children’s clothing and playgrounds, striving to implement proven support measures from other regions.
Despite the good intentions, challenges remain. Badmazhapova highlighted low competitiveness compared to foreign counterparts and the absence of unified support systems as major obstacles. "...отсутствие единой системы поддержки производителей, отсутствие у большинства предприятий сертификата 'российскости продукции'," she noted. Nevertheless, with minimal tax rates for small and medium-sized businesses involved in manufacturing, the region aims to identify additional support measures to cultivate domestic industries.
At the same time, technological initiatives are also making strides. The second phase of a federal project aimed at eradicATING digital inequality, known as UCN 2.0, is making significant progress. Rostelecom has just enhanced mobile connectivity for over 2,500 residents across sparsely populated areas of the Republic of Komi by deploying high-speed internet. Vitaly Osipov, the acting minister for digital development and communications, underscored the project’s social importance, stating, "Связь нужна каждому. И ее повсеместность — вопрос времени." He indicated the necessity of secure, stable communication networks for remote areas, especially where geographic distance complicates accessibility.
The UCN 2.0 initiative has already connected 42 localities and laid nearly 30 kilometers of fiber-optic cable. This effort is part of the national digital economy strategy, addressing the needs of small communities and ensuring they can participate fully and equally in digital society. Subsequently, the public is set to contribute to future projects through voting mechanisms for the next phases of development.
Further uniting science and industry, the Perm Engineering and Industry Forum showcased the collaboration between the Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNIPU) and local industries. At the forum, innovations such as composite materials for aircraft engines were exhibited. Pavel Pisarev, head of PNIPU's Composite Materials Research Laboratory, highlighted the importance of scientific-industrial collaboration, noting, "У нас сформировалась научно-промышленная кооперация," signaling the nation's commitment to technological independence by advancing homegrown advancements.
Through these initiatives, the region aims to achieve technological sovereignty by moving toward self-sufficiency and developing competitive technologies. Dmitry Makhonin, the governor of Perm Krai, emphasized the national goal of ensuring technological leadership, stating, "Это значит, что к 2030 году наша страна должна достичь технологической независимости..." Illustratively, the shared resources between academic institutions and industry participants are poised to solve real-time tech problems and create the products necessary for the global market.
On the sociocultural front, the 'Social Contract' program has emerged to uplift families within the Amur region, providing financial support as they transition to stable sources of income. With 1,634 social contracts established, the focus has shifted to practical outcomes for individuals aspiring to improve their living standards. Natalia Kiseleva, the minister of social protection of the population of Amur Region, explained, "Главная цель программы 'Социальный контракт' - помочь семье выйти на более высокий уровень жизни." Funding from the federal budget ensures the program can assist even more families by 2025, thereby addressing life challenges head-on.
These concerted efforts, combining technological progress with social welfare programs, symbolize Russia's approach to fostering regional development through collaborative initiatives across various sectors. By working together, regional authorities, industries, and educational institutions can cultivate environments for sustainable growth and technological innovation, benefiting the populace and enhancing the nation's competitive edge.
