The Skolkovo Foundation, which is completing the construction of an international tech hub on the outskirts of Moscow, will spend the next few years focusing on developing tech entrepreneurship in the regions.
In a meeting of the Fundation’s scientific advisory council on Tuesday, Igor Drozdov, the chairman of the board, suggested that a franchise model be rolled out across regions where Skolkovo startups are already concentrated.
These startups could thus benefit from the same level of support, tax incentives, grants and other services as those currently offered by Skolkovo in Moscow. About half of the Foundation’s 1,642 startups are based outside of the Moscow region.
“The idea is not to force them to move to Moscow to be part of the Skolkovo ecosystem, but for them to remain in the regions and continue their work while enjoying the advantages offered by Skolkovo,” Drozdov told the council.
He noted that the Foundation’s Far East office, opened in 2015, has been very successful, and has already attracted more than 30 high tech startups.
Skolkovo to focus on boosting innovation and economic development in Russia’s regionsRead More
