Twenty years of S&T priority setting in Russia: lessons learned
ISSN: 1463-6689
Article publication date: 5 October 2018
Issue publication date: 14 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a retrospective analysis of the experience gained in the course of 20 years’ history of S&T priority setting and critical technologies’ identification, in terms of expected and actually achieved effects and lessons learned.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is based on analysing project documentation and reports, as well as on interviewing project team members. Each project’s effects are evaluated in terms of the six key foresight functions.
Findings
The key factors affecting success of priority S&T areas and critical technologies’ selection and implementation have been identified. They include focusing on practical implementation, linking S&T with socio-economic goals, combining thematic priorities with infrastructural and functional ones, as well as integrating priority selection in the S&T policy process.
Research limitations implications
The task of evaluating priority setting exercises over a long period requires a substantial information base to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis. The projects considered in the paper also need to be analysed in a context of socio-economic development.
Practical implications
The lessons learned presented in the paper could contribute to further development of approaches to selecting science and technology priorities and critical technologies, and their more efficient implementation.
Originality value
Priority setting has significant influence on policymaking and decision-making at the national and industry level. The evaluation of a unique 20-year experience provides substantial information and practical hints for further increasing efficacy of this instrument.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The paper was prepared within the framework of the Basic Research Program at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) and supported within the framework of a subsidy by the Russian Academic Excellence Project “5-100”.
Citation
Sokolova, A., Grebenyuk, A. and Sokolov, A. (2018), "Twenty years of S&T priority setting in Russia: lessons learned", Foresight, Vol. 20 No. 5, pp. 449-466. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-04-2018-0033
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited