First session of chairmen of committees of the Association of innovative regions of Russia took place in Kazan within the confines of VII Kazan venture fair. The session was held by Chairman of the AIRR Council, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

Representatives of all regions – members of the AIRR, federal ministries and agencies, Russian development institutes took part in the event.

The Tatarstan President informed that during the session chairmen of the committees would summarize results of work and set tasks for 2012.

Rustam Minnikhanov thanked all participants for participation in VII Kazan venture fair and expressed confidence that the exposition would be interesting for attendees.

Commenting on work of the committees, the RT President stressed that activity of each committee should be aimed at dynamic development of the whole association. He believes that a list of main criteria for an innovative region should be made in the nearest time jointly with the Ministry of economic development.

The Tatarstan President pointed out the need for establishing cooperation with functioning Russian and foreign development institutions, such as Vnesheconombank, Rosnano, Skolkovo, Russian venture company, Fund of development of minor forms of enterprises in scientific-technical sphere and others.

According to the Tatarstan President, creation of the fund of grant support for scientific centers and companies conducting research in the sphere of national security can be an important measure for the AIRR development.

CEO of the Association Ivan Bortnik reported on outcomes of work of the AIRR. Chairmen of AIRR committees also made reports at the session.

Memorandum on cooperation of the AIRR and European network of business innovative centers was signed in presence of the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and RF Minister of education and science Andrey Fursenko. CEO of the AIRR Ivan Bortnik and EBN Director general Philippe Vanrie put their signatures on the document.