Scientific and Technological Advancement of the Russian Federation: Current State and Prospects

Introduction. The article is devoted to the study of the current state of the research and development sector in the Russian Federation during the transition from the first to the second stage of the implementation of the Strategy for the Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation. In addition, the authors also prepare proposals for improving the state scientific and technical policies. Methods. This paper employs theoretical methods, including non-comparative and comparative analysis, cognitive synthesis, abstraction and concretization, systemic approach and structural-functional method. Results and Discussion. The paper presents the dynamics of changes in the key indicators of scientific and technical activity in the Russian Federation as well as significant risks and threats/challenges constraining scientific and technical activities, which are divided into two groups: organisational and economic (internal) challenges and global technological (external) challenges. The main research results are: a set of measures in the framework of the state scientific and technological policy, ensuring the further scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation, including the improvement of the public administration system through the development of mechanisms for financing research and development; creation of favourable conditions for involving enterprises of the real economy and other companies in all stages of research and development; creation of an integrated system for assessing scientific, research and technology results; introduction of a holistic system to support scientific, research, technological and innovation activities, providing targeted support at every stage of the innovation life cycle; introduction and development of the mechanism of scientific diplomacy in Russia; development of science and technology at the regional level; development of mechanisms for involving qualified personnel to scientific activities; development of a holistic system of expertise, monitoring and forecasting for scientific, research and technological activities. Conclusion. Results of this research substantiate the assertion that such areas as science, technology and innovation should operate as a whole structure integrated into the socio-economic system of the country and ensuring the technological selfsufficiency and competitiveness of the national economy.