The project activities will be focused on studying the role of the Higher Education sector in the National System of Innovation in Russia, e.g. in comparison with those in developed countries. There will be assessed described major policy initiatives aimed at increasing contribution of Higher Education to the economic and social development, promoting R&D at universities, integration of S&T and education.

The following trends will be taken into account while analysing Higher Education system:

• Funding system and mechanisms;
• The labour market impact (mismatch of the demand of the labour market and supply from universities);
• Growth of private universities;
• Legislation related to Higher Education system;
• Education policy and management;
• The regional issues.

The contribution of Russian universities to the national S&T is still very low compared to the developed countries. It is both explained by a traditional Soviet-style system of S&T, still dominated by large research institutes organisationally isolated from both education and industry, while contributions by companies and universities are marginal, and most of funding goes from the Government.

In this context there will be considered issues related to increasing impact of Higher Education on the national innovation system including integration of S&T and education as one of the strategic issues for Russia. The following issues in this respect will be addressed:

• Lack of input resources for R&D. The current share of the HE sector in total R&D expenditure is about 6%;
• Insufficient R&D activity. Only some 40% of Russian universities perform R&D;
• Small R&D output. Universities provide only 10% of total patents.

Expected project outcomes

The project will provide analysis and practical recommendations on policy measures to be implemented in Russia, including as follows:
• The institutional change (integration of universities and research institutes, organisation of joint departments and labs, associations
and consortia);
• Elimination of administrative and legal barriers (deregulation of the centralised management/funding system);
• Increasing efficiency of budgetary funding;
• Involvement of teachers, students and postgraduates in the scientific activity;
• Promotion of R&D commercialisation.

Draft plan of activities in Russia

2005
Preparation of a review of the National System of Innovation in Russia
2006
Organisation of a National Workshop
Case study
2007
Final report on the role of universities in the Russian NSI