Innovations

Saratov Region can boast of high sci-tech and innovation potential, highly qualified engineers and scientists and completely formed regional innovation system.

The research, innovation and production complex formed in the region is meant to provide continuous cycle “research – development – technology – production – commercialization”. The complex includes major companies – strategic innovators, the defence industry enterprises traditionally producing hi-tech output, telecommunication companies, small innovative companies, universities and RAS Saratov Research Center organizations.

Adopted in 1997, the Law “On Innovations and Innovation Activity” is the primary document aimed at encouragement of innovation development in the region. The Law specifically determines the procedure for state accreditation of innovative companies and organizations.

The state accreditation certificate can be issued, provided that:

• innovation activity is the primary activity of the claimant
• the volume of innovation goods, works and services make up no less than 70% of the total output over the past three years
• claimant’s Founding Charter envisages establishment of the academic board as one of the regulatory bodies

Measures of state support to innovative companies include:

• granting subventions, subsidies, tax allowances from the regional budget
• provision of budget credits from the regional budget
• granting state guarantees of the region as provided for in legislation
• extension of due date for tax, duty and penalty payments as provided for by the RF Tax Code
• assistance in obtaining and keeping in force protection documents for the items of intellectual property
• renting out the regional public property to the specialized subjects of innovation activity

The Ministry of Industry and Energy of Saratov Region has developed the regional innovation sci-tech program “On Hi-Tech Development in Saratov Region in 2010 – 2015”. The program envisages creation and further development of certain hi-tech production sectors (nano-, bio-, laser and IT-technologies), granting support to innovative enterprises and creation of a hi-tech park that could unite all the innovative enterprises being at different stages of their development, ranging from idea to commercialization.

Besides, the following bodies are to be established:

• Regional institute for sci-tech and innovation programs management, designed to provide overall production and technical support to the subjects of sci-tech and innovation activity, including consulting services
• Regional support fund for sci-tech activities meant to deal with project financing including that at the seed stage

Innovation infrastructure of Saratov Region is represented by techno parks at four leading Saratov universities, innovation technological, information and contact centers, business incubators, technology transfer centers, venture and guarantee foundations, micro-credit fund.

High scientific and technical potential of the region is provided by 6 RAS institutes, 21 research centers, 19 project institutes, 14 universities, a great number of technical institutions, colleges, vocational technical schools.