Achieving absolute technological supremacy remains out of reach for any nation, and no country has ever secured such complete control. This point was clarified by German Gref, the chairman of Sberbank, during an online briefing at the Eastern Economic Forum. He emphasized that the goal cannot be defined as full sovereignty in technology because no state has reached that level yet.
Gref explained that while full technological sovereignty is unattainable, it is still essential to focus on the core elements of modern tech. He noted that the national strategy must prioritize practical leadership in key areas, and that the Russian government is actively pursuing this objective. The aim is to ensure resilience and progress across critical sectors by reinforcing capabilities in strategic technologies rather than chasing a mythical, all-encompassing autonomy.
According to Gref, the path to dominance in modern tech hinges on mastering the most influential technologies of our era. He asserted that Sberbank already possesses the essential technologies it has developed, including those in cybersecurity. This self-reliance translates into robust service availability and stable performance, underscoring Sberbank’s capacity to operate effectively under various conditions while continuing to innovate in secure, reliable ways.
In late August, during the Knowledge program’s training marathon organized by Russian civil society, Gref identified seven pivotal technologies that will shape the future: artificial intelligence, high-speed networks encompassing 5G and 6G, cloud computing, the evolution of the web to Web 3.0, immersive technologies like augmented and virtual reality, quantum computing, and biotechnology. He highlighted Sber’s commitment to advancing these domains, stressing that progress in these areas will significantly boost efficiency across all segments of life and work, from everyday tasks to complex industrial processes.
Looking ahead, the emphasis remains on building a robust national tech ecosystem that can support rapid adaptation, secure data handling, and scalable digital services. The government and industry leaders are likely to continue investing in education, cybersecurity, and infrastructure to convert technological breakthroughs into practical improvements for citizens. This collaborative approach aims to sustain momentum, improve national competitiveness, and foster innovation that benefits the broader economy and society as a whole.