The 8th Central Russian Economic Forum expected to take place in Kursk in a new two-day format (on 26-27 June 2019) will entirely focus on the “Digital Region” theme.
The President and the Government of Russia have set the Russian regions a strategic objective of building a digital economy to lay foundation for the successful implementation of all national projects. This requires focusing on areas with powerful technological potential, reconsidering conventional approaches, adjusting the legal framework to the new digital reality. This lays groundwork for our successful future.
People should be the cornerstone of digital transformation. The Forum will help us answer the question: how can people living in regions of Central Russia benefit from a digital economy, what should be given priority to improve every human being’s life through digital transformation.
Digital platforms in healthcare and education, electronic systems in the housing and utilities sector, in transport, smart solutions in the urban economy add to a new comfortable living environment. The application of digital platforms by producers, especially in the segment of small and medium-sized businesses, leads to a revival in business activity, provides access to sales markets, creates new jobs. The value of such systems for small towns, settlements and villages can hardly be overestimated: digital networks unite them into a single economic space ensuring employment and decent living standards. The IT development obviously requires substantial changes in the education and personnel training system. The Forum should propose concrete steps towards achieving these objectives.
It is definitely impossible to build an effective digital economy in a single region. We have brought this matter to the general public for discussion to identify the key problems and find effective solutions together with federal and regional executives, experts, businesses, and members of the public. To that end, we have proposed the Central Russian Economic Forum as a venue.
I am certain that colleagues from other regions have something to show us, and we will be happy to share our experience on the Forum theme. May I invite everyone to an active dialogue during the Central Russian Economic Forum and wish all the participants and hosts successful rewarding work, constructive ideas and professional achievements for the benefit of Russia!
Roman Starovoyt,
Acting Governor of Kursk region
