The theme of the new Interra is “Conditions of Innovation Breakthrough of the Regions”. Last
year we apperceived that we already have innovation environment. This time Interra will be
focused on the conditions necessary for the development of such environment in a region, city or
country wishing to become a leader in innovation economy.
We are going to consider all the layers – from individual inventors’ initiatives to parliamentary
activities. Surprising as it may seem, Russia still doesn’t have a law on innovations. In the first
place we need one to clarify the definitions – what exactly should be considered an innovation?
For this purpose we organize parliamentary hearings with the participation of four committees
of the State Duma. This indicates the recognition of the importance of innovation environment
development in Russia. These are the signs that investment and social climate are developing.
At the last Interra we created some sort of chaotic environment, so this Forum is supposed
to create a model of a region where innovators work. I really hope we will manage. We have
received a lot of applications. Many of the applications are for the participation in events
intended to consider changes in region management practices – events gathering experts able
to define topical issues in economy, politics, and interstate relations. We hope, this Interra will
be as interesting as the last one, but the practical result will be more tangible. By the practical
result we understand elaboration of certain sensible technologies applicable in any region.