Trouble Looming: Russian Technical R&D up to 2030

Strategies and roadmaps for technical development constitute part of Russia's system for strategic planning. The attendant decisions will result in forming Russia's future scientific base in a ten-year-perspective. In 2021, this was still very much a Soviet-era scientific base. Modernising Russia's scientific base will be a challenge, but up to 2030 the Soviet legacy will be enough to develop prioritised segments of different technologies. National security is the focus in Russian decision-making. This in turn means that technical development within the military or security-related sectors will continue to be a priority in a ten-year perspective. Technical development within the civilian sector, as well as finding commercial applications, will continue to be in second place. Furthermore, international cooperation will suffer. The state, its interests and security, in terms of national sovereignty and military power, is key to Russia's political leadership. Russia will not become a global technological leader across the board. The US and China are ahead and there is no sign that Russia is about to increase the resources devoted to R&D or take the necessary measures to stimulate civilian innovation. However, up to 2030 Russia will continue to be prominent in prioritised segments of technology. In addition, Russia can compensate for not being first with the latest by being quick in incorporating new technology into military tactics and doctrine.