Mr Sobyanin briefed the President on the progress in implementation of instructions he gave on August 31, 2009, at a meeting of the Commission for Modernisation and Technological Development of Russia’s Economy.
Other topics of discussion included projects related to new nuclear energy technologies, manufacturing new medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, and a draft law on energy efficiency that was based on the proposals brought forward at a State Council meeting devoted to these issues. The President noted that colleagues in Kazakhstan were preparing an analogous draft law and suggested looking at one another’s versions. Mr Medvedev had discussed such option with President Nazarbayev during his recent visit to Kazakhstan.
A special attention at the meeting was devoted to the socially valuable project of developing computer technologies and creating an “electronic government”. Mr Sobyanin reported that in line with Government instructions, 74 of the most high-demand services provided by authorities will be extended electronically. The draft law on obligatory provision of such services in an electronic format has already been submitted to the State Duma.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the project intended to improve Internet access will be discussed at a meeting of the Commission for Modernisation and Technological Development of Russia’s Economy in October.
Issues of project financing, including venture financing for new research, were also reviewed.
The President noted that the Government should pay attention to new ideas put forward by the public, including on the Internet, in regard to technological modernisation. Such ideas should be monitored, and the most interesting ones should be selected for subsequent implementation.
Mr Medvedev handed over to Mr Sobyanin suggestions made by a Russian Internet user concerning certain technological projects. The President remarked that the electronic government and electronic communication mechanisms are specifically designed to ensure systemic interaction of the authorities and the public.