Putin Urges Business to Fund Science, Warns of Tech-Driven Society…
Putin urged the business sector to fund the development of Russian science at its own expense. President Vladimir Putin is calling on Russian companies to invest in domestic science, as less and less funding remains in the federal budget for it, with every third ruble spent on the war against Ukraine.
Consensus
- Putin conducted a meeting in Novosibirsk focused on science and education.
- Putin emphasized the need for Russian businesses to act as direct clients for breakthrough scientific technologies.
- Putin expressed concern about societal division due to automation and artificial intelligence, warning against a future where people only 'press buttons' without thinking.
- Putin called for broad regional access to scientific, educational, and social infrastructure.
- Putin stressed the importance of developing independent thinking in education to counteract the risks of automation.
- Putin highlighted the importance of innovation speed and long-term scientific goals in areas like quantum technologies, biotechnology, space, and fusion energy.
- The meeting was part of a session of the Council on Science and Education.
- The event included discussions with young scientists.
Points of divergence
- Putin cited data from ISIEZ HSE showing that federal spending on civilian science was 792.1 billion rubles, only 2.5% of total spending, and 22 times less than military and security expenditures totaling 17.8 trillion rubles. — tg_moscowtimes_ru
- Putin discussed the risks of AI and automation with young scientists, specifically mentioning the potential for a society divided into an intellectual elite and people who only 'press buttons'. — kommerant
- Putin identified three key technologies that could transform life and governance: artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and platform solutions, and stated Russia would only cooperate with countries respecting mutual obligations. — m24
- Putin specifically tasked the government with developing organizational and legal mechanisms to ensure regional access to scientific infrastructure. — vedomosti
Coverage (9 sources)
- Putin called on business to fund development of Russian science at its own expense — The Moscow Times
- Putin called not to allow division into elite and 'button pushers' — Коммерсантъ
- Putin called to stimulate in Russia development of future technologies. President holds in Novosibirsk meeting of Council on... — РИА Новости (Telegram)
- Putin called to stimulate in Russia development of future technologies. President holds in Novosibirsk meeting of Council on... — РИА Новости (Telegram)
- Putin called to make science in regions accessible — Ведомости
- Putin called on Russian business to invest in breakthrough scientific technologies — Коммерсантъ
- Putin called to stimulate in Russia development of future technologies. — РИА Новости (Telegram)
- Putin called not to allow division into elite and 'button pushers' — Ведомости
- Putin called on not dividing society into 'elite' and 'those just pressing buttons' — Москва 24