New Architecture of Development

In recent years, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives has become one of the platforms where new approaches to the development of the economy, technology and the social sphere are being tested. The focus is on projects that help attract strong staff, support entrepreneurs, launch new productions and find solutions for the quality of life. Today, many initiatives supported and implemented by the Agency go far beyond individual programs and turn into working mechanisms for regions, businesses and professional communities.

From April 2026, a fundamentally new mechanism for attracting foreign specialists to Russia has been launched. Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 883 introduced a special legal status for foreigners "of interest to the Russian Federation." Talents from other countries can now take advantage of the program, which is overseen by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.

The procedure is based on the logic of the most detailed and thoughtful approach to each stage of a foreigner’s move to Russia: from submitting an application to obtaining a visa and residence permit.

Starting from April 15, foreign specialists can apply through the special portal "Time to Live in Russia". Since the launch of the digital service, 2.700 people have already registered on it. 170 applicants submitted a full set of documents in the first two weeks. More than half of them are in-demand specialists. It is noteworthy that the average age of applicants for the status of an expatriate is 37 years old, which indicates the seriousness of intentions and a balanced decision to move to Russia. Another characteristic detail: about 55% of applicants are married, many are considering moving with their families.

Under the terms, status can be obtained by scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, athletes, of the professions, talented students and graduates, holders of state and departmental awards, and highly qualified specialists with at least five experience in priority sectors manufacturing, IT, microelectronics and energy. Applicants are required to provide documentary proof of their unique competencies and talent: diplomas, certificates, and publications.

Ather mandatory requirement for applicants is respect for traditional Russian values. The project is by the ANO Agency for Attracting Foreign Talent, which operates as a single-window service.

In a relatively short time we have managed to develop and launch a for attracting foreign specialists who an interest for Russia. Since April 15 the Agency for Attracting Foreign Talent has been operating as a single window. It now maintains a common database of candidates, assesses whether candidates meet the criteria, verifies their diplomas and awards, and interviews. Aclear and straightforward path now for talented and highly qualified foreign nationals who want to contribute to the development of our country. They will support before they even arrive in Russia, and then here on the ground with, selecting housing, and finding schools for their children — Svetlana Chupsheva, ASI.

ASI, together with the Roscongress Foundation and VEB. RF (the state development corporation Vnesheconombank, which functions as national development institution), announced the launch of the fourth season of the all-Russian competition Znay. The major innovation of 2026 is the launch of the Our track created a Presidential instruction on strengthening support for the technology sector.

The new track comprises 16 industry nominations. The key partners of the technology track are Gazprombank and the NTI Foundation (the National Technology Initiative Foundation, which supports R&D projects in breakthrough technology areas). Developers of solutions in artificial intelligence and machine learning, cybersecurity, biotechnology, unmanned systems, next-generation green energy, agrotechnology, transport infrastructure, educational technology, and healthcare technology can all put themselves forward in this track.

The annual all-Russian competition for growing brands, Znay, has been held on the instruction of Vladimir Putin since 2023. Its goal is to help domestic entrepreneurs reach a new level and raise of their products both within the country and beyond.

Over three years the competition has proved a for growth. Where the emphasis previously was on consumer goods, we are now placing our on companies that are shaping technological sovereignty, — Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential.

The statistics the project. Over three seasons, 31,000 companies have entered the competition and 3,000 growing domestic brands have received support. According to ASI data, previous winners demonstrate impressive growth dynamics: revenue increases averaging 50 percent, with some companies recording sales growth of two to three times. The year 2025 set a record for participation: 14,200 brands from every region of Russia.

Znay traditionally invites small and medium-sized enterprises with a production localisation share of at least 30 percent and positive financial performance. Alongside the technology nominations whose partners include Gazprombank, Rosatom, and Sber the all-Russian competition retains its tracks for producers, clothing, beauty industry products, and household goods.

The prize package is practical and responds to the needs of growing businesses. Winners receive assistance in attracting investment from VEB. RF as well as new sales channels on marketplaces and the shelves of federal retail chains (partnersWildberries and Magnit). They also gain access to media promotion and PR support, training programmes, and expert sessions. Applications for the competition are accepted until 1 June. Winners and finalists are to be announced in July.

On May 15, the application period opened for the sixth Silnye Idei dlya Novogo Vremeni forum (Strong Ideas for a New Era). The organisers are ASI and the Roscongress Foundation; co-organisers are VEB. RF and the government of Nizhny Novgorod. Until 15 June anyone can submit their initiatives and projects at the platform. Experts will select the 100 most interesting and promising ideas, and the final will take place on 22−23 July in Nizhny Novgorod.

Today the main competition is for time and the capacity to implement solutions quickly. Over six years the forum has become a through which initiatives are into real projects, — Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential and Chairman of the organising committee.

The forum community now numbers around 600,000 people. This proves that want to participate in development. The initiatives of citizens, business, and regions receive the support of development institutions, — Anton Kobyakov, Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the organizing committee.

Over six years the forum has been attended by residents of every region of Russia and 45 countries worldwide. In 2025 more than 35,000 initiatives were submitted twice the number at the first forum in 2020. The event is held annually by decree of President Vladimir Putin.

This year ideas are being accepted across five directions: the national social initiative, the personnel initiative, the technological initiative, ecology and climate, and the national entrepreneurial initiative. A distinctive feature of the sixth forum will be the extensive use of artificial intelligence in evaluating ideas, analyzing trends, and selecting projects.

The forum makes it possible to see what genuinely matters to people today and what changes they want to see around them. One of the most sought-after topics has been, for example, the revival of rural villages; healthcare, education, and healthy living traditionally concern everyone. There is also growing interest in the agenda of the future what cities, schools, and companies should look like, and what technologies we need, — Svetlana Chupsheva, Director General of ASI.

Today the projects that matter most are those offering new solutions for the economy, the social, and quality of life. The forum helps to identify such initiatives, and the task of the expert council is to select the strongest ones those capable of receiving practical follow-through, — Igor Shuvalov, Chairman of VEB. RF and Chairman of the ASI Expert Council.