Institutional aspects of Russia’s transition to the sixth technological structure: political incentives, economic barriers and environmental impact

Abstract

The main subject of the World Economic Forum 2016 in Davos was the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), characterized by, according to the chairman of the world economic fund Klaus Schwab, a combination of technologies that blur the boundaries between the physical, digital and biological spheres. Modern technologies are changing as fast as ever, creating new challenges and identifying promising opportunities for development. Our response to the challenges of Industry 4.0 is the neo-industrialization of the Russian economy, based on the use of modern industrial technologies and the development of human capital. However, the upcoming fourth industrial revolution is a serious challenge for the government. Unfortunately, most experts are not inclined to be optimistic about Russia’s prospects in this race. The main competition of the new revolution is not that much about technologies themselves but about the skills and education that are necessary for their application. Competition is escalating at the level of education systems, but ready-made specialists in the context of globalization still need to be maintained, and so far, the low level of salaries in Russia only contributes to a further ‘brain drain’. Finally, national characteristics and systematic approach are important in the Industry 4.0 development. The development of new industrial revolution elements is uneven, which is why the additional advantages of interdisciplinary research and development are missed out on.The task delivered by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin was to create a ‘smart’ economy, which determines the need for the rapid development of science and the dynamic implementation of its achievements. Since this task covers many aspects of life, a special integrating indicator is required to assess the success of its implementation. The concept of ‘technological structure’ is claiming its role today.