The Russian Government is creating a center for the development of artificial intelligence (AI). The Ministry of Digital Development has already published a draft proposal for an AI development center supervised by the government.
“Supporting technological progress has traditionally driven industry growth, expanding access to innovation for both individual users and businesses. As part of the implementation of the state strategy for AI development, a specialized center will be established. According to the project documentation, its key mission is to provide informational, analytical, organizational, and technical support for government initiatives,” notes Dmitry Sytsko, Director of Information Technology at BCS Bank.
In addition to addressing priority tasks — such as formation, monitoring, and oversight — the center will be in charge of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework for governing public relations in AI, assessing infrastructure accessibility, fostering international cooperation, creating state support measures, coordinating scientific research and educational programs, as well as forecasting industry trends.
An additional resource for the center will be access to the IT expenditure register via the federal state information system, enabling more effective coordination of efforts to drive technological advancement. While the current objectives do not include establishing an international AI hub to serve as a reference for foreign professionals, the project is focused on building a sustainable ecosystem tailored to the domestic market, the expert notes.
Similar initiatives can be seen globally, he adds. For instance, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which defines legal standards for AI usage, has been in effect since August 1, 2024. In Luxembourg, a project to integrate AI into public services has been underway since 2019. These examples underscore a global movement toward the regulation and application of emerging technologies. However, unlike its international counterparts, the Russian center emphasizes coordination at the federal level, particularly among government agencies.
“For businesses, the project’s value lies in the potential for new platform-based solutions and domestic innovations that can be incorporated into corporate operations. The center is envisioned as a collaborative venue for the government and businesses to align their efforts, offering the opportunity to contribute to national priorities. Ultimately, the initiative’s success will hinge on the ability to unite government, science, and business in turning strategic goals into tangible technological outcomes,” Dmitry Sytsko concludes.