Tomsk in Siberia is all set to spearhead the country's technological revolution.
Tomsk, an ancient Russian city tucked away amid endless Siberian forests and swamps, would seem an unlikely place to spearhead Russia's technological revolution. Yet, it is from here that science and technology is staging an impressive comeback. In the coming years, Tomsk, known for its hydrocarbons and iron ore resources, may emerge as the innovation capital of Russia.
Russian leaders have announced the goal of transforming the resource-dependent economy into a knowledge-based economy. While today oil, gas and minerals account for 80 per cent of Russia's export earnings, by 2020 the share of innovative industry is set to grow from five per cent to 30 per cent. The government funnelled $25 billion into Research and Development in 2010 and plans to more than double the funding over the next 10 years. President Dmitry Medvedev, who made innovation a focus of his tenure, last year signed a plan to build a futuristic high-technology research hub on a thousand acres of wasteland in Skolkovo outside Moscow. Even as the construction of the multi-billion Russian version of the Silicon Valley gathers momentum, a high-tech economy is up and going 3,000 km away in Tomsk.
Enormous potential
What makes Tomsk special is its enormous scientific potential. It is home to Siberia's oldest university, set up in 1888. Today, the city boasts of 25 academic and research institutes, six universities and 16 other schools of higher education. The city of 500,000 residents has nearly 100,000 students, drawn from all over Siberia and other Russian regions, as well as from 14 foreign countries.
Russia has been traditionally strong in academic research but weak in applications, with the notable exception of defence technologies. After the breakup of the Soviet Union, the situation worsened as the economy nosedived in the course of a painful transition to free market. Over the past decade, the Russian economy has bounced back, growing 10-fold to a $2 trillion GDP. But it remains heavily reliant on commodities. However, the picture is beginning to change.
Tomsk was the first among Russian regions to adopt a strategy of innovative development. In recent years, the local government has built a ramified network of business incubators, venture funds and technology transfer centres to facilitate the commercialisation of a vast treasure trove of academic research. The high point of this effort was the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) that offers considerable tax breaks, exemption from customs duties and other benefits to companies specialising in nanotechnologies, IT, electronics, biotechnology and medicine. A nuclear cluster will be added to the Tomsk SEZ next year, when the previously secret military nuclear facility, Seversk, will be converted into a civilian research centre. The Tomsk tech-town is still in its early stages but its 57 tenants have already come up with some amazing world class innovative products.
Elecard, a top world manufacturer of video codecs, whose customers include Microsoft and Sony, has developed, jointly with another Tomsk company, Triaxes — a technology to convert 2D films into 3D format and to shoot glasses-free 3D content with stereoscopic cameras used today for filming movies which are seen with glasses on.
The Tomsk-based firm, Mikran, has teamed up with Nokia Siemens to produce LTE base stations for Russia's first 4G network. The company supplies electronic equipment to Indian telecom and defence sectors, and manufactures critical transmit/receive modules for phased array radars deployed on Russia's latest MiG-35 fighter planes.
A new gearing technology developed by the CJSC “Technology Market” allows for the construction of smaller size gearboxes with higher load capacity, longer life and greater efficiency than any existing gearings.
Some high-tech products of the Tomsk SEZ have special relevance for India. A revolutionary nano-filter, AquaVallis, purifies 100 per cent biologically polluted water and does not require any further disinfection. It features higher flow rate, longer cartridge life and lower cost per unit of filtered water, and is ideal for countries like India. The filter was displayed at a Russian national exhibition in New Delhi in 2008 but no Indian firm showed any interest in the product.
A wound nano-dressing developed by Tomsk scientists not only heals all kinds of burns and inflammations much faster than traditional bandages but is also effective in fighting hospital infection and drug-resistant bacteria — the curse of modern medicine.
A replica
Tomsk offers a glimpse of what Russia may look like in 10 or 20 years. Its economy, traditionally shaped by hydrocarbons, timber and defence industries, is a scaled replica of the Russian economy. The commodity sector still dominates but the region's 400 innovation driven enterprises contribute 20 per cent to the gross regional product. Tomsk plans to double the share in the next few years.
A number of foreign companies have set up shop in Tomsk to tap its rich natural and intellectual resources. India is represented by ONGC Videsh Ltd which in 2009 acquired Imperial Energy, an oil company that has production assets in the Tomsk region. However, daunted by harsh climate and challenging terrain conditions, the company has considered pulling out. Tomsk Governor Viktor Kress, a strong advocate of closer business ties with India, tried hard to make OVL stay.
“I am aware that the OVL has opened talks with [Russian oil company] Bashneft for selling the Imperial Energy, but we would like them to carry on. I'm sure they will overcome their problems and expand operations in our region; we can offer them more oil blocks,” Mr. Kress told The Hindu during a recent press tour of Tomsk by Moscow-based foreign media. He expressed the hope that more Indian companies would come to Tomsk.
“We would like to cooperate with India in not only hydrocarbons. We invite Indian businessmen to join our SEZ. We have developed a range of technologies that Indian companies may find very useful.”
Foreign business is indeed discovering the taste of the new Tomsk economy. Japanese, Singaporean, Taiwanese, Australian and European companies have settled in the SEZ but Indian companies are conspicuously absent from the region's high tech sector. Tomsk's trade with India stands at just over $1 million, which is 0.1 per cent of the region's foreign commerce.
India's low visibility in Tomsk is in stark contrast with the high-profile presence of China focussed on the rich pool of local talent. There are about 1,500 Chinese students enrolled at Tomsk universities, mostly in engineering faculties. The Confucius Institute has been operating at the Tomsk State University since 2008, offering Chinese language training to Russian students and running several language classes for schoolchildren. A number of leading Chinese universities have cooperation agreements with Tomsk universities that provide for regular exchange programmes and joint research. The prestigious Tomsk Polytechnic University has been invited to open a branch in the Liaoning Province of northeastern China. Tomsk has similar partnership arrangements with the Japanese, German, French, Australian and other foreign universities. Again, there are no Indian varsities among Tomsk partners. Some time ago, Tomsk signed a cooperation memorandum with Mumbai, but it is still too early to say whether it will make any difference.
Local India fans make their best to compensate for the lack of interest on the part of Indian government and business. There are half-a-dozen Indian dance groups which offer classes in classical and Bollywood styles to enthusiasts, give concerts and make the Indian presence felt at various cultural events. Moreover, Tomsk dancers have extended their reach far beyond their region to cater to the growing interest of Russians in India and its culture. One of the best known groups, Satvika, has set up a “Bharatanatyam school in Siberia” offering week-long intensive courses to groups and individuals prepared to travel hundreds of kilometres to Tomsk to get initiated in the ancient art of Indian dance.
Right time for India
It is rather unfortunate that Russian cities like Tomsk are low on India's radar screen. This probably betrays a widespread but outdated view of Russia as being little more than a source of energy and commodities for India's booming economy. It was a misconception 10 years ago, and is even more so today. In the 1990s, Indian business missed a chance to gain a foothold in the Russian up-and-coming manufacturing industries such as automobile, food and tobacco. Today, it has an opportunity to catch up by joining Russia's innovation push. Now is the right time to enter the burgeoning market of Russian high-tech. On the one hand, the Russian government is pouring money into cutting edge technologies while, on the other, Russian business is yet to develop an appetite for innovation, with just 10 per cent of companies investing in innovation.
“We are inviting Indian business to come and set up joint R&D centres with Tomsk companies in IT, nanotechnologies, biotechnologies and other priority areas for both our countries,” says Governor Kress.
Comments:
It is heartily to see so much of warm regards for India in the remote parts of Russia, for its presence and contribution, be it for trade, students or dances. Thanks for all the trust, friendship and support, all through. India must seize this opportunity to heavily reciprocate the welcome from the Russian community and build everlasting partnership. I can hardly think of any other country so much welcoming. Indians should start accustoming to the tough terrains of Siberia and other parts, which can herald the beginning of ease of people-
to-people travel and communications. Tomsk look very much promising for investment as well as education. It is indeed, time to look north as well.
Reading this really makes sad that India is supposed to be the word replacing Tomsk in this article. Though churning out finest class of brains from the elite institutes like IITs a place like Tomsk stands miles ahead and deserves the position. The facilities available in India may not be world class but innovations don't know any bounds, for sure. Our marginal expenditures of the GDP are leading us nowhere in the technical field. I feel really sad for India but equally hopeful that someday GoI, rather IITs and NITs, would take some imperative decision to enhance the facilities at premiers institues to boost the confidence in order to encourage them in the field of sciences.
As always, a nice one from Vladimir. Its hard to believe that except having one of the largest defence cooperations in the world, our countries have little to share or trade. India just seems to follow China everywhere.. to Africa, Latin America and probably they are waiting for the chinese companies to make a foray in here. Indian companies should explore new avenues, markets and tap knowledge that is being under-utilised, like the one said by the author. It is in this context that the Government of India should come into. The union commerce ministry must actively encourage closer tie-ups of indian firms with BRIC countries so that our shared interests are protected and at the same time, we can benefit from the high growth in these nations.
Our Government must not let this opportunity to pass by -- resurgent Russia is going to be the next big player in the world economy as US is going on a decline.
Our India is still fascinated by USA, called AMRICA by people from north India.The primary aim is not to get or put India on the path to progress but to see how they can get green card.Even efforts are made to get chidren to get born there to get naturalised citizens.
A very knowledgeable article indeed. Hope India Inc reads this and introspects seriously as it can lead to gaining solutions for the most pressing problems of India like water shortage, health effects etc. Russia is a leading reasearch giant in military tech but it will not hold back to advance its research in other areas as well. India has the potential man power to accomplish great things in short time, couple that with cutting edge research and technologies, who knows India might just surprise itself.
Instead of looking like an op-ed piece this article looks more like a propaganda article from erstwhile Soviet Magazine Sputnik. I am more curious to hear what Mr Vladimir Radiyuhin has to say about Mr Vladimir Putin baring his game-plan of becoming the president for a third term. In the process circumventing the Russian constitution and steering Russia dangerously close to becoming a quasi dictatorship again.
This is the right time and the best opportunity for India to make the best use of its immense knowledge capital. It is a well known fact that Indian Scientists, Astronomers, Engineers are contributing their best from somewhere outside India. It is now the apt environment extended by Russia to India, and I think Indian government should seriously contemplate in wooing the Indian entrepreneur's and corporates to collaborate with Tomsk. This would help India transition from its commodity based economy and use the "Indian Talent For India".
India Inc. can tap into vast resources of Academic research that Russia has to offer. Academic research in India has a long way to go to catch up with other countries. India Inc. needs to understand how important R&D is, to develop new cutting edge products.
India must do everything to promote business with Russia. Focusing only on defence ties carries the danger of the relationship fading away. I do appreciate Vladimir's style of criticizing without stinging.
First of all i want to thank THE HINDU & its team for provide readers such kind of knowledge and awareness.we have no other resource ,other than THE HINDU, to acquire our self such kind of world view,of events which are happening in areas like 'TOMSK' where we can not visit even in our dreams.
Now India which is far behind in both academic research and its applications when compared to USA ,RUSSIA,CHINA & EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.India should avail every opportunity which this world provide and use it to enhance its technological intellectual.This technological intellectual will be used to eradicate poverty,combat population problem,provide cheap health care and sanitation,fight food crisis. We know indie is heavily dependent on advanced countries for her technological needs like in defense equipments,heavy machinery,automobile etc. This dependency can not be sidelined unless we do better in research in various fields like energy,engineering,medicines and many more.
It is very knowledgeble article about about Russian influence comming back on track. AS far as India's situation, Russia is our all time best friend. Why we are so focussing on USA? What kind of help USA provide us in the past.We can analysis on seeing all problems which were faced by us in the past.
Tomsk has produced a water filter suitable for India! That says it all. India with its IITs, space programme and general chest thumping is incapable of producing a water filter that millions of poor Indians can use. These poor want just clean water not a PhD in IT. Is that too much to ask from cash rich Indian researchers?
I felt great by co-operation offered by remote cities in Russia and their will to grow with us. Indian education universities should set up campuses there also out IT companies should tap Russian market by setting up shop there. This is unique opportunity to grow faster in technology by forming joint ventures with Russian companies in this part . This article shows Tomsk has potential to do so .
A great insight provided by Vladimir.I agree that if we can provide access to ground-breaking technologies created in Tomsk to some of he mavens present in India .Then billions of Zuckensburg's can be created easily.
Interesting article on many fronts. First of all, there is an indication of a continuation of Russian friendship with India, perhaps the closest thing we have to an all-weather friendship. Secondly, there is a possibility, which may or may not be deemed irrational, that India's businessmen's apparent lack of interest in Siberia has much to do with the severe cold climate which prevails there. Finally, Russia has been a global hub for malicious computer software over the past 4 years. I wonder if these new investments in IT and high-tech development would provide Russian youth with jobs and opportunities which would dissuade them from criminal activities.
The fact that India has little presence in resource rich Tomsk while other nations (developing and developed) have entered the region, highlights the lack of proactiveness that India suffers from on the international front. Tomsk would surely play a crucial role, in times to come, with the Russian President determined to boost the potential of the region. The reason as to why India is absent there, inspite of Russia being a close friend and Mr. Kress emphasising Indian partnership, remains in oblivion. With a growing economy like ours, it's important to keep pace with the rest of the world (especially China, who is the prime competitor) or else we shall lag. Unfortunately, we do suffer from bureaucratic damping back home which prevents us from acting upon issues that are crucial. It's high time we wake up to an increased international participation not just in terms of providing aids but also resource tapping.
This is the type of model India needs. We must collaborate and set up incubation centres in most of the universities. Innovation matters more now to move ahead. Indian talent needs such projects of innovatipn to up grade innovation skills of engineering students. This will make Inia a innovative nation. Without innoation culture of India cannot progress much, talent is going out to western countries.
Russia has been a strong strategic partner of India since a long time. Its time for India to show the reciprocity and make its presence felt in Tomsk. This will further strengthen our relationship with Russia. we should learn from the china's policy which is doing everything to maintain its 10% GDP growth rate and is now way ahead of India.
These small steps will serve the purpose of having a large FOREX reserve and will improve India's position on international spectrum.