The Russian Economic Development Minister is planning to stimulate the development of innovative clusters. It will gather plans from regional governments by March 15 to decide on how much money will be allotted from the federal budget.

There are about 10 well developed clusters, and about 100 emerging cluster in Russia. In the past, cluster development and policy has more or less been managed solely by regional government. In the new initiative the federal government will provide matching grants to regional governments as well as establish centers for cluster development that also will be developed in the regions with co-financing from the federal budget. The centers will coordinate the activities of cluster participants, provide informational and consulting services and will function as intermediaries between entrepreneurs and the authorities. More info