Before discussing the region’s economic issues, Stanislav Voskresensky spoke about ongoing efforts to commemorate historical events and prominent figures associated with the Ivanovo Region, specifically the Land of Heroes project. This project disseminates information about heroes of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and modern Russia who lived in the Ivanovo Region – through social media, online platforms, and lectures. Particular attention is paid to heroes of the special military operation. In total, he noted, they have commemorated 157 Heroes of the Soviet Union, 21 Heroes of Russia, and four Knights of the Order of St George (III and IV Degree) from the Russian Empire.
Turning to industry, the Governor noted that the region’s economy has traditionally relied on light industry, predominantly small and medium‑sized enterprises. However, he said that for the economy to be truly sustainable, it is necessary to build expertise in other sectors and, most importantly, to achieve income growth. He gave several specific examples.
One such example is Neurosoft, a company that produces sophisticated medical equipment in the fields of neurophysiology, functional diagnostics and rehabilitation, including equipment for the rehabilitation of veterans and helping them regain mobility after injuries sustained during the special military operation. The company has decided to significantly expand operations and create facilities for other medical device manufacturers on the newly acquired technology park grounds.
Another example is Professional. For the first time in 30 years, a new road construction equipment plant has been built in Ivanovo. Furthermore, Aquarius, a microelectronics company, has mastered the production of 4G base stations and is developing 5G stations. Expertise is also being developed within light industry, and at least two investment projects have already been launched. All of this has allowed the region’s own budget revenues to increase by 170 percent over seven years. Fiscal revenues have more than doubled. The region has become less dependent on subsidies.
The additional revenue is being used to address important issues, such as renovating kindergartens and improving street lighting. The first 200 kindergartens have already been renovated, which accounts for almost two‑thirds of all kindergartens. Additionally in all small towns, 95 percent of streets are now lit.
Stanislav Voskresensky recalled the President’s remarks that, during a time of technological transformation and the development of artificial intelligence, it is important to train young people in a way that ensures they retain their ability to think and possess engineering skills above all else. The Solaris Centre for Gifted Children is being used for this purpose, and a project is underway in which young scientists give lectures on natural sciences to schoolchildren. Positive results have already been achieved. The Ministry of Education has set a benchmark for the proportion of schoolchildren who choose sciences, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and computer science, for their National Final School Exam (EGE). Last year, the Ivanovo Region ranked first in the country in terms of this indicator.
Summing up the discussion, the President noted the region’s positive growth dynamics, including in construction and agricultural output, but highlighted certain everyday issues, in particular, timely waste collection and the installation of appropriate waste disposal sites. People’s lives, Vladimir Putin said, are made up of such everyday matters.