A Labor Law conference hosted by the MTS Exolve digital platform took place in Moscow on November 30, drawing the attention of more than five hundred business representatives. The central theme was a provocative question: Who will drive Russia’s economy through 2030, artificial intelligence or China? The gathering explored the latest advances in artificial intelligence and examined how developments in Russia and China intersect to shape future competitiveness and productivity.
The event began with remarks from Inessa Galaktionova, First Vice President for Telecommunications Business and a member of the MTS Board, alongside Ramil Bikkuzhin, General Manager at MTT. Their introductions set the tone for a conference framed as both a knowledge-sharing forum and a strategic networking opportunity. Attendees were invited to see and discuss emerging technologies and market dynamics, while also connecting with peers from the IT sector and large enterprises in both formal presentations and informal exchanges.
Throughout the day, participants examined the pace at which artificial intelligence is evolving within Russia and the notable achievements of the technology sector there and in China. The program highlighted pioneering concepts and concrete examples of AI usage, while also considering the practical limits of deploying such technologies in real-world business settings. A focus of the discussions was how ideas from China could inform Russia’s own AI strategies, and which business sectors are most likely to act as the engines of Russia–China collaboration in the near term.
German Klimenko, a respected figure in the IT sector, offered insights into the drivers that speed up digitalization at the state level. He discussed the opportunities and constraints that come with a digitally driven government and how those dynamics influence business strategy. He also identified areas where Russia already leads in the deployment of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as sectors where it still traces the path ahead.
Alexander Krainov, the director of the Yandex division responsible for AI development, explained the distinctive capabilities of AI-powered companies in Russia. He described how artificial intelligence becomes a product, how many such companies operate domestically, and the best ways to implement AI within business models. Krainov also spoke about cultivating a culture of AI adoption and the advantages Russian firms may hold in segments where AI integration is strongest. The discussions underscored the importance of aligning technology with corporate strategy to achieve practical, scalable benefits.