MOSCOW, November 24. /TASS/. Artificial intelligence technologies should be massively implemented in all industries in Russia this decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday at the AI Journey Conference.
"The goal for the current decade is to ensure mass introduction of artificial intelligence. It should cover all sectors of the economy, the social sphere, and the public administration system," he said.
"We have completed an important and major part of our planned course, and we have laid the groundwork for the rapid growth of artificial intelligence," Putin stated. "Today Russia has scientific achievements, unique researchers who create breakthrough technologies of a new era," he said.
Putin added that achievements in the artificial intelligence sphere will largely determine the place Russia will hold in the world in the future. "The value of breakthroughs in the artificial intelligence sphere is tremendous. The competition among states is fierce. The place of Russia in the world, our sovereignty, security and soundness of our country depends on results we will attain," the head of state said.
Putin proposed to include the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies in every national project and every state program, as well as in the investment programs of companies. The president gave instructions to prepare an updated strategy for the development of artificial intelligence in the country. "We must be able to form a genuine technological, digital and, to a large extent, cultural, and educational sovereignty of Russia and our entire society," he said. According to Putin, these are the priorities that should be included "in the updated national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence."
The president also praised the speed of development of artificial intelligence technologies in the country. "We are dynamically advancing in all areas of the national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence. We support the development of education and science, introduce measures to support companies, adjust legal regulation, and this gives us practical, significant results," he noted.
He added that the Russian authorities have set unprecedented incentives for the IT industry, and they will continue to support it. "I consider it necessary to further strengthen support for technology companies and start-ups," Putin said.
CEO of Sberbank Herman Gref said earlier on Thursday that the introduction of artificial intelligence in various sectors of the Russian economy can add 1% to Russia’s GDP in 2025. "According to Sberbank's preliminary estimates, the introduction of artificial intelligence in various sectors of the Russian economy can provide an additional increase in the country's GDP by 1% already in 2025. The adoption of artificial intelligence in major economic sectors leads to a five to sevenfold rise in indicators such as speed, quality, personalization, and economic efficiency," Gref noted.
"The cost of AI is rapidly falling, and its capabilities are rapidly expanding," Gref said, adding, "We can already say that we are on the edge of significant growth in terms of the impact that AI will have on our lives".