Digital concepts and products stand at the core of regional and corporate showcases at the Russian International Exhibition and Forum. Vladimir Sakovich, General Director of the venture fund SK Capital, framed this in a discussion on the program Russia in detail with Evgenia Stulova. The conversation highlighted how digital ideas are driving the modern business landscape in Russia, linking regional contact points more efficiently and boosting economic indicators as companies embrace smarter digital workflows and citizen-centered communication.
Sakovich explained that a substantial share of these innovations centers on digitizing operations to streamline interaction across regions and with the public. This digital transition is not just about tech for tech’s sake; it translates into tangible improvements in efficiency, service delivery, and regional economic performance. The fair, he noted, offers a vivid snapshot of Russia’s current digital activity, reflecting broader shifts across the economy and society.
During the fair, Digitalization Day provided a new vantage point on the country’s development. The emphasis placed on digital capabilities underscored their growing importance within the overall strategic agenda and highlighted ongoing progress in this space. The event served as a barometer for how quickly Russian enterprises are adopting digital tools to stay competitive on a global stage.
Sakovich recalled a time when roughly half of Russia’s corporate entities were foreign-owned. He suggested that the exit of many foreign organizations in 2022 opened significant opportunities for domestic players, creating niches where growth could unfold rapidly. The expert asserted that many homegrown firms possess the potential to grow at 50 to 100 percent annually and to expand their workforce as demand rises. He also observed that numerous specialists who left in 2022 have started returning, with plans to remain involved in the domestic market for the foreseeable future.
According to him, those who stayed abroad discovered attractive incentives in Russian life and business, reinforcing the belief that Moscow stands out as a pinnacle city for innovation and development. The return of remote-working experts to Russian companies, often spanning multiple time zones, enables around-the-clock operations and broadens the pool of international knowledge contributing to domestic projects. In his view, this is a strategic advantage, and the experience gained abroad translates into greater capabilities inside Russia’s tech ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the expert predicted continued momentum in initial public offerings within Russia. He noted that companies now appear stronger, with more financial resources available, so investors show growing appetite for new listings. The forecast for 2024 and 2025 points to a period of heightened activity in the public markets, supported by government backing and a constructive regulatory environment that encourages funding and liquidity for growth-stage firms.
Sakovich outlined the next developmental phase for digital services aimed at citizens: the digitization of industry. He described this as opening additional markets for Russian IT firms, who are attracting increasing attention from foreign clients due to the country’s achievements in digital sovereignty. The perceived political neutrality of Russian IT solutions has amplified their appeal, positioning domestic products as reliable options for international buyers seeking stable, unbiased technology partners. He emphasized that the profitability of domestic IT products for investors will hinge on Russia’s exports performance and global demand for homegrown digital capabilities.
Across the board, the conversation framed a narrative in which Russia’s digital economy is not only expanding its footprint domestically but also strengthening its appeal to international customers who value technical excellence, regulatory clarity, and resilient supply chains. The overall sentiment suggested that a robust domestic base, coupled with strategic international engagement, could sustain a cycle of investment, growth, and innovation for years to come.