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In one of Russia’s largest science centres, Mr Putin took part in the opening of a new building at the Zelenograd innovation and technology centre, visited a plant owned by the Angstrem company that produces integrated electronics, and toured the MIET Technology Centre, a state-owned scientific-industrial complex.

“At a time when Russia has a strategic objective – rapid economic modernisation – it needs a thorough reform of the science and technology sector,” stressed Acting President Putin at a meeting with scientists.

Mr Putin described the present state of the science and technology sector as unsatisfactory. “The problems have been accumulating for decades. Their roots lie in monopoly and lack of transparency in the innovation sector. Science has been getting leftovers in the way of financing. The militarisation of science, the gap between fundamental and applied research have prevented the outlay of huge intellectual resources from yielding due returns.”

So, it makes no sense to restore the funding of science in the former amounts and shape, the acting head of state believes. The achievements of fundamental science will remain objects of symbolic pride unless a system to stimulate industry’s active demand for research and development through a far-flung innovation infrastructure is created. Intellectual property must be brought into the economic and commercial sphere, stressed Mr Putin.