President of Russia: Vladimir Putin held a meeting of the Presidential Council for Science and Education

January 21, 2016 took place the meeting of the Prsidential Council of Russia for Science and Education. The agenda covered the drafting and implementation of a long-term research and development strategy.

In his speech the head of state noted: “At the previous Council meeting, we resolved to develop a long-term strategy for Russia’s research and development. It has to be ready by autumn. I believe that at the same time, without any delay, we need to develop specific practical instruments for implementing this strategy that would make it possible to take into account the global tendencies and challenges, to respond to the requirements of society and the economy and to new technologies, knowledge and education competencies”.

Having our own advanced technologies is a key factor of the nation’s sovereignty and security, of our domestic companies’ competitiveness, a precondition for economic growth and better living standards for the citizens…

The key principle in implementing our research and development strategy is the close interaction between research, education, businesses and the state, their joint responsibility for the practical outcome. Here I would like to set up special councils in each of the priority areas. They could be strictly departmental, but they should not limit themselves to purely professional research. They need to have a broad range of targets and tasks…

Next, our education establishments should also be in line with our research and development priorities. We need to look beyond one or two decades and analyse which skills would be in demand in 10 and more years and what specialists we need to train today. This analysis should serve as a basis for proposals regarding the modernisation of educational programmes at all levels and at improving teacher training.

In conclusion Vladimir Putin noted: “We have good traditions of popularising scientific knowledge, and we need to make use of this experience…  would like to call on you and on all Russian scholars, professors and business representatives who have close ties with research, to take a more active part in educational projects on the Internet, on television and in print media, to tell about the achievements of our research, hold regular scholarly events at various locations designed for people of all ages, targeted at the younger generation.