The Skolkovo innovation city project will attract leading experts from around the world, and will help Russia’s scientific and engineering potential to reach the global market, experts announced at a round table meeting at RIA Novosti that was part of the eighth meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
“The problem is that the contemporary scientific and industrial community has a rather poor command of social and economic technologies. Skolkovo is a project that attracts global expertise to help Russia’s engineering and scientific potential meet the global market,” said Vladimir Rubanov, Vice President of the Defense Industry Contribution League and member of the Council on External Defense Policy.
Vice President of the Skolkovo Foundation Stanislav Naumov noted that the foundation essentially operates 24/7.
“We have an expert board consisting of 500 experts, 30% of whom are foreigners. The management team is international. We work around the clock. Skolkovo applicants can apply online. Applications are processed within 34 days, and we believe this is one of the fastest options,” he said.
He believes “Skolkovo Valley” is a place where “gifted people” can have a networking opportunity while taking a stroll in a park.
“We have an inside joke that the area of the Skolkovo valley should be measured in Nobel prizes,” he added.
At the same time, Valery Makarov, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Head of the Central Institute of Economics and Mathematics, pointed out that there is no strategy of scientific development in Russia, as there is no interaction “between businesses, innovators, scientists and teachers.”
“Skolkovo has already played a tremendous role, as a platform for discussion between various groups. Skolkovo attracts professionals,” he added.
Nikolai Mikhailov, Sistema Chairman’s Aide on Innovations, believes that Russia must rely on Europe’s vast experience in innovations.
“We talk a lot about transferring technology but there are no results. Europe once dealt with the same problems and it was able to resolve them. It is very important for Russia to refer to this experience to find out what this valley can harvest,” he said.
Moscow, November 10 – RIA Novosti.
