The Russian economy is undergoing significant shifts toward technological and financial sovereignty, underscoring the need to invest in the country’s development. This message was conveyed by Valentina Matvienko, spokesperson for the Federation Council, during the forum “Dialogue with Women Entrepreneurs” The Voice of Women’s Business. In her remarks, she highlighted that strengthening national capabilities across science, health, and education systems is essential as Russia moves forward.
Matvienko stressed that the moment is favorable for investment in Russia’s regions, new enterprises, and emerging business ventures. She tied this momentum to a broader strategy of empowering domestic innovation and building resilient institutions that support long-term growth, economic diversification, and inclusive prosperity.
Echoing the traditional maxim that “the home and the family are the center of life,” the speaker connected this philosophy to a contemporary perspective on gender roles. She noted that women have long been trusted custodians of households, families, and community welfare. In the current environment, this alignment with women’s worldviews is opening up new avenues for leadership and entrepreneurship, enabling women to contribute more decisively to the nation’s progress.
Statistics cited in the discussion showed that women now account for more than 40% of all small and medium-sized enterprises in Russia, reflecting a substantial shift toward female entrepreneurship and leadership within the economy. This trend is seen as a catalyst for innovation, social development, and economic resilience across diverse regions.
In a related development from mid-February, Sergey Ivanov, the Special Representative of the President for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport, commented on the importance of prioritizing domestic production. He suggested that it is unnecessary to import every component down to the smallest bolt, advocating for strengthening local supply chains, improving quality controls, and fostering self-reliance within key industries. This stance aligns with broader governmental objectives to reduce dependency on external suppliers while boosting domestic manufacturing, research, and sustainable practices. ”