Innovation Forum to be held jointly with Tatarstan

Tatarstan Republic Rustam Minnikhanov has accepted St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matvienko’s offer to collaborate in the organization of the St. Petersburg International Innovation Forum this year. Besides, the head of Tatarstan is on the Forum’s  Organizing Board.

Rustam Minnikhanov said in his letter to St. Petersburg Governor that the forthcoming Innovation Forum will foster developing guidelines to introduce high-end technology into the real sector of economy and also enhance the existing long-term partner relations between St. Petersburg and Tatarstan.

It should be noted that the Northern Capital and the Republic of Tatarstan signed an agreement on cooperation in trade, research, social and cultural areas in 2009. The Tatatrstan’s delegation visiting the Innovation Forum won’t be the first time Tatarstan officials come to St. Petersburg. Rustam Minnikhanov came to the city on an official visit in May to discuss economic, cultural and humanitarian aspects of cooperation of the regions with Governor Valentina Matvienko. 

The Republic of Tatarstan is the leading Russian region in terms of innovation activities. There exists a special economic production zone bustling with projects being carried out, two hi-tech research parks, venture funds and business incubators. Tatarstan and St. Petersburg are ranked 4 and 5 in the Russian Regions Innovation Activities Rating-2010 made by the National Association of IT Innovation and Development. 

Photo: Rustam Minnikhanov (left) and Valentina Matvienko meeting at the Smolny in May 2010.