Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in Russia: Outlines of a New Policy

Abstract

The present article, which continues the discussion of advanced manufacturing technologies initiated in Foresight-Russia issue 2 (2014), evaluates the current state of this field in Russia. The analysis here examines the state of the relevant scientific research and the readiness of industry to adopt the new technologies developed by researchers. The study is based on bibliometric and patent analyses, as well as on expert evaluations of the markets related to different segments of advanced manufacturing. Apart from several localized achievements, Russian research institutions and industrial enterprises show a low level of competitiveness in this area. Specific problems that hinder the development and implementation of new technologies by Russian industry include sub-optimal organizational structure of supply chains in the manufacturing sector and the shortage of domestic demand for new technologies. The latter problem is caused by the reluctance of potential industry customers to commit to long-term collaborations with the developers of new products and to create new key or ‘platform’ technologies on the basis of individual firms.

The analysis suggests that Russia undoubtedly has potential for the development of advanced manufacturing. Such potential can be realized by the coordinated actions of stakeholders and the development and rational introduction of new policy and regulatory instruments by the government. The most relevant instruments to achieve this goal are policies to incentivize cooperation between technology developers and users. In conclusion, the authors highlight some policy recommendations which they argue can bring positive changes in the sphere of advanced manufacturing technologies. A key recommendation is to create project-focused consortia which unite industry representatives and centres for advanced research that are undertaking pre-competitive R&D in areas that are important for advanced manufacturing. Another recommended policy instrument is to strengthen manufacturing supply chains based on small and medium innovation enterprises through the enhancement of the current technological infrastructure.