RUSSIA’S IMPORT SUBSTITUTION POLICY IN THE FUEL AND ENERGY SECTOR

Abstract

The matter of import substitution of high-tech equipment for the development of Russian industry plays a crucial role for the national economy in conditions of severe sanctions pressure. The introduction of sectoral sanctions and trade restrictions in 2022 revealed industries that are most dependent on foreign supplies, it also significantly increased the cost of previously freely imported goods and services, as well as destroyed the system of international industrial, technological and scientific cooperation. At the same time, the external factor has become a powerful impetus for mobilization of national resources and consolidation of efforts of the state, enterprises and science in order to develop national advanced technologies and equipment. In this regard, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the major substitution measures for the most critical technologies for the Russian economy in the fuel and energy sector. Special attention is paid to the Concept of technological development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030, approved in May 2023, which proposes a new agenda of scientific and technological development of the country for the coming decade. The authors identify the main problems on the way to achieve technological sovereignty of Russia in the context of geopolitical crisis.