Putin Highlights AI’s Role in Russia’s Technological Sovereignty

Moscow recently hosted the international AI Journey conference, where the main plenary discussion, titled “Future with AI,” concluded with significant insights into the importance of artificial intelligence for national sovereignty. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the event, which was moderated by Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank.

During the discussion, Putin expressed his gratitude to Sberbank and the AI Alliance for their efforts to foster collaboration among the government, business, and academic sectors in pursuit of technological progress. He noted that AI has experienced substantial advancements in recent years, particularly in its decision-making capabilities. This technological leap has positioned AI as a vital asset, with nations vying for control over essential AI models. Putin characterized the development of AI as one of the most significant technological undertakings in history.

Strategic Vision for AI Development

According to Putin, Russia is equipped with a comprehensive range of AI solutions managed by domestic experts throughout their lifecycle. He emphasized that this level of control is essential for maintaining state, technological, and value sovereignty. To support this vision, the country must strengthen its infrastructure for AI model development, such as data processing centers and electronic components. Additionally, Putin advocated for the widespread application of AI across various sectors, emphasizing the need for appropriate regulation and ethical standards.

Outlined in the Russian AI Development Strategy, the goal is for AI to contribute more than RUB 11 trillion to the national GDP by 2030. Putin urged federal and regional leaders to create a national plan for implementing generative AI technologies across industries and regions.

Herman Gref highlighted the transformative impact of AI on numerous facets of life, including healthcare, education, and industry. He noted that both Russian and international experts provided detailed insights on the potential transformations during the discussion.

Emerging Technologies and Future Implications

Professor Evgeny Burnaev, head of the AI Center at Skoltech, emphasized the role of multi-agent systems in facilitating the transition from automation to autonomization in manufacturing. He explained that generative AI models are already capable of processing technical drawings and enhancing satellite imagery resolution. Such advancements will allow AI agents to manage processes in manufacturing, logistics, and urban governance, leading to the emergence of new professions in specialized program design. Burnaev stressed the importance of ensuring these systems are secure, verifiable, and trustworthy.

Putin raised a critical question regarding the future of education in an AI-driven world: how to encourage critical thinking when technology can provide answers to any inquiry. Gref acknowledged the complexity of this issue, emphasizing that meaningful solutions require collective input from society.

Dr. Ajith Abraham, Vice Chancellor at Sai University in Chennai, India, presented findings from a comprehensive foresight study conducted by the International AI Alliance, established at AI Journey 2024. He noted that over 270 AI researchers from 36 countries contributed to the study. Abraham highlighted that AI significantly accelerates the understanding of industries, reducing what previously took months or years to comprehend to just days or weeks. This rapid advancement opens up new avenues for scientific research and discovery.

Futurist and science fiction writer Chen Qiufan envisioned a future where individuals will have AI-driven personal health assistants in their smartphones. These innovations could enable early disease detection, potentially increasing life expectancy. He predicted that multi-agent systems will evolve to serve as tutors, financial advisors, and wellness coaches, fundamentally altering daily life and personal development.

Reflecting on the previous year, Gref noted that the International AI Alliance welcomed 17 national associations and institutes from 14 countries. A year later, participation has expanded to include 11 new AI development associations from nations such as Brazil, Egypt, and Vietnam, bringing the total to 28 member organizations.

Gref concluded by affirming the rapid transition into a new era driven by AI. He stated, “The Industrial Revolution lasted 200 years, while this revolution will be 10 times faster. It is our responsibility to help people smoothly transition into this new era without shocks and stresses.” He expressed appreciation for the Russian government’s support in advancing AI technologies, highlighting that Russia is among the few nations with a complete suite of advanced AI capabilities. Gref emphasized that Sberbank would continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s technological progress.