MOSCOW, March 4. /TASS/. Russia is set to achieve technological sovereignty in the bioeconomy sector by 2030 and solidify its position as a global leader in the field by 2036, according to Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. He outlined these ambitions proposing to discuss a national project on bioeconomy development.
This sector integrates cutting-edge advancements in biotechnology, renewable biological resources, and the creation of next-generation materials.
"We anticipate that the implementation of these plans will enable us to secure technological independence in bioeconomy by 2030 and achieve global leadership by 2036. This will be facilitated through the establishment of new markets, the development of systemic infrastructure, and pioneering scientific advancements," Mishustin said.
During the strategic session, the Prime Minister proposed outlining the key objectives necessary for the successful execution of the national project, including determining financial requirements and funding sources. "The development of the bioeconomy should have a positive impact on the overall economic trajectory of the country and contribute to national strategic goals set by the president. It could also reduce dependence on imported critical components and expand export opportunities," he emphasized.
Strong foundation
Mishustin recalled that the fundamental elements of bioeconomy were already being developed in the 1960s. However, at the time, the focus was primarily on products for healthcare and animal feed industries. Today, the demand is significantly broader, encompassing gene engineering, synthetic biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biosynthesis, and precision fermentation, which are at the forefront of technological innovation.
"Without exaggeration, the field that we plan to develop is at the cutting edge of the global technological race, where competition for world leadership is most intense," Mishustin remarked.
He highlighted that Russia possesses significant competitive advantages, including vast and diverse bioresource reserves, which should be leveraged to secure leadership in the field. These resources primarily include agricultural raw materials, forestry, and marine bioresources, he specified.
"Developing domestic processing capabilities based on these assets will diversify Russia’s economy, generate highly skilled jobs, drive intellectual innovation, expand production in related industries, and enhance exports of high-value-added products. In the agro-industrial complex, for instance, Russia will be able to export not just grain, but also enzymes, biopolymers, and other advanced bio-products," he added.
The Prime Minister underscored that Russia already has a foundation for this initiative, citing the existence of over 225 bioeconomy product manufacturers, as well as nearly 50 research institutes engaged in relevant scientific studies.
National Project structure
The national project framework consists of three core federal initiatives, each with measurable societal results and outcomes.
"These include significant increase in the share of domestically produced bioeconomy products, as well as scientific and technological support and a human resource strategy. The measures we adopt must have a long-term impact, strengthening Russia’s scientific research base and fostering the development of domestically pioneered, including unique, bio-products," Mishustin outlined.
The primary goal of the initiative is to consolidate efforts, expertise, and resources to establish competitive enterprises, including through the modernization of existing facilities, positioning Russia as a leading force in the global biotechnology market, Mishustin concluded.