Mr Medvedev’s message said in particular:
“Over the more than ten years of its existence this forum has earned a reputation as a convenient platform for highly professional dialogue between specialists from around Russia and their foreign colleagues and partners. On this occasion you will be discussing relevant and important subjects related to setting Russia’s economy on an innovative development track. These subjects include encouraging applied scientific research and investment and more active efforts to get state and private companies involved in advanced technology projects.
Effective resolution of these tasks is vital for our country’s ongoing economic growth and prosperity. I hope the busy programme and broad format of your meeting will help to produce constructive proposals and ideas and encourage fruitful discussion and the development of promising new projects.”
The forum began in 1998 as an initiative by the regional authorities in Tomsk Region (Siberia). Its main purpose is to provide an international platform for dialogue between state officials and members of the business and financial communities on organising mutually beneficial cooperation in the innovation field. More than 100 delegates will take part in the forum’s work, including representatives of major Russian companies and transnational corporations, foreign diplomatic missions, heads of investment companies, venture and innovation funds, banking community leaders, and prominent experts. An investment meeting, where projects for venture financing will be presented, an exhibition and business contacts exchange will also take place alongside the forum.
The XI Innovation Forum will take place on October 10–12.