Information technology and society: Measures to support IT industry discussed at the forum RIW-2014

The Minister of Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation Nikolai Nikiforov spent section "State support of the information technology industry" within the framework of the forum RIW-2014, which is held in Moscow. Together with representatives of the legislature and development institutions at sections were discussed forms of support and prospects for further development of information technology (IT) in Russia. 

In his speech Nikolai Nikiforov told about already existing forms of support for the Russian IT industry and outlined the prospects for its successful development in the future.

So, at the moment to overcome of the personnel shortage in the industry at state universities by 35% was increased the number of budget places on the IT function; were relaxed conditions for receiving benefits in small IT companies, resulting in significant growth among firms that applied in the Russian Ministry of Communications for support; in addition, before the end of the year will take effect six new industrial parks, which are designed to ensure a comfortable and accessible work place of IT companies in the regions of Russia.

The number of additional forms of support mentioned by the minister included conferences in Russian software (software) for the procurement of the state bodies and public companies.

The Minister stressed that the Russian manufacturers needed support from the state. Among the possible forms of support he called direct state order for software development, capitalization software companies, software grants and subsidies to the customer.

Nikolai Nikiforov said that the forms of support will be discussed with the industry as part of the Expert Council for Information Technology at the Ministry of Communications of Russia. He also said that the ministry will set up six working groups to discuss technical issues, development of competitive domestic IT products.