President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation has directed the government to explore options for creating benefits and incentives for domestic producers of supercomputer components. In a briefing from the Kremlin on September 6, the aim is to improve the conditions for developing supercomputer technologies by offering support to scientific and technological companies. The focus also includes examining financing mechanisms for supercomputers, the creation and enhancement of complex neural networks, and the advancement of their architectures.
The government was tasked with conducting a study, based on leading research centers, into the development and implementation of AI training programs. These programs are intended to prepare experts who will work on large language models and productive AI technologies. The intent is to build a pipeline of skilled specialists who can contribute to Russia’s evolving AI ecosystem.
A report detailing the outcomes of this work is to be delivered to the President by December 1, 2023. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was designated as the official responsible for carrying out the order. The directive follows a meeting with government members on July 19, during which the President emphasized the ongoing need to strengthen Russia’s standing in artificial intelligence and voiced concerns about insufficient momentum in promoting these technologies.
Additionally, Putin instructed that the 2024-2026 budget include funding for AI-focused research centers and require the mandatory use of artificial intelligence by companies receiving government support. This marks a push to embed AI capabilities within state-backed initiatives and public-private collaborations to accelerate adoption and innovation.
There was also mention of Roskomnadzor taking a more active role related to enforcing information controls for messaging platforms. The dialogue underscored the government’s ongoing priorities around information integrity and regulatory oversight in digital communications.