STATE COUNCIL, SC TO HOLD SESSION ON NEW TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCTION

MOSCOW, February 24 (RIA Novosti) - The development of the national innovation system is the topic of a joint session of Russia's Security Council and State Council presidium, to take place in the Kremlin tonight, Vladislav Sherstyuk, first deputy secretary of the security council told journalists. The state council is a consultative body under the president, established by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

In the framework of the preparation for this session, Russian Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo held conferences of the security council in Russian regions, as well as made a trip to Kazakhstan to study the experience of creating an innovation system in that republic. For Russia, issues connected with establishment of techno-cities and technical centers represent a special interest, Mr. Rushailo told journalists.

He said Russian authorities should "stimulate and regulate innovation activity, create favorable conditions for it." In Mr. Rushailo's words, Russia has a high innovation potential, but its scientific-technical complex, especially its state sector are hardly adapted to market conditions. "Our innovation system is in embryo. Many developments are not realized, also due to the fact that these results are unknown to investors and consumers," Mr. Rushailo said. Russian industry "needs a deep technical modernization," said the secretary.