Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in ASI Supervisory Board meeting chaired by Vladimir Putin

On March 7, during his working visit to Samara, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov took part in a meeting of the supervisory board of the autonomous non-profit organization “Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects” (ASI) chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting summed up the results of the Agency’s work in the past six years and set prospects for 2018.

In his welcoming speech, Putin noted successful practical results the Agency has achieved in various spheres. For example, according to him, over its seven years of work, the Agency has become a real centre of attraction for energetic and proactive people throughout almost the entire country.

Putin continued that as part of the national technology initiative, it is necessary to provide conditions for rapid introduction of new developments in production, to support start-ups and high-tech companies, to create breakthrough products, including in the digital economy, and to facilitate their access to global markets.

Together with innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs, it is necessary to prepare proposals to remove legal barriers for the creation and wide application of robotics, artificial intelligence, unmanned vehicles. It is necessary to continue work on developing professional competencies, meeting the needs of technological breakthrough, the tasks facing the digital economy.

He said that due to the Agency’s activities children’s technoparks, quantoriums, have opened in 37 regions. The Atlas of New Jobs has also proved to be in demand. This year, quantoriums are planned to be set up in 51 regions throughout the country. The ASI’s project "The Ticket to the Future" will receive one billion roubles from the state budget. The project will be launched in the next academic year.

The President urged to continue work on creating a favorable business climate in Russian regions. "As part of the national entrepreneurial initiative, we have substantially updated the legislation and eliminated many excessive barriers. However, it is important to constantly move forward.”

Putin added that today it is necessary to assist the regions in introducing  targeted models for improving the business environment. Special efforts should be focused on supporting social initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people. This includes creating comfortable conditions for people with disabilities. Such projects are proposed by socially-oriented non-profit and business organizations. Barriers in the way of their activity must be removed, best practices must be widely promoted, the President said.

“We will certainly continue work on supporting the volunteer movement. It is necessary to help authorities at all levels with creating comfortable and clear conditions for volunteers’ work.” Putin noted. “I would like to ask you to specifically address the development of the Mentorship movement. I believe it is one of the agency’s key tasks. We understand how important it is to pass on not only expertise but also love for your job, from hand to hand, from heart to heart,” he added.