Mikhail Mishustin opened the IT Forum "Digital Solutions" at the National Centre RUSSIA
Russia’s IT industry has been leading in growth among all major sectors by key indicators over the past five years, and domestic developments have become the foundation of digital sovereignty. This was stated by the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin, as he opened the IT Forum "Digital Solutions" at the National Centre RUSSIA, which will run from 12 to 15 November.
"The Russian IT industry is now among the leaders in growth rates of key indicators over the past five years across all major sectors. Its contribution to the gross domestic product has almost doubled during this period and currently stands at 2.4%. Record results have also been achieved in software development: in the first half of this year, this segment grew by a third. Most importantly, more sought-after and competitive products are now being released," said Mikhail Mishustin.
There is demand for Russian IT products, the Prime Minister noted. Sales of domestic IT services continue to grow – in the first half of the year, the volume of sales increased by more than 14.5%. At the same time, companies are actively investing in business expansion, modernisation, research, and development. This includes the advancement and application of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies. According to Mishustin, all these efforts lay the groundwork for long-term technological leadership. In the first half of 2025, capital investment in IT enterprises amounted to about 300 billion rubles – for the second consecutive year, exceeding the total investment spending of telecom operators.
"It is important to maintain the current momentum, achieved through the truly coordinated, team-based efforts of businesses, developers and clients – and, of course, the talent of our innovators who are not afraid to bring their creative ideas to life," he said.
Mikhail Mishustin stressed that, given the significance of the IT sector for the Russian economy, the Government of Russia continues its policy of support. From next year, preferential insurance contribution rates will be introduced – at 15%, which is twice lower than in other sectors. If employees’ income exceeds the base limit, such contributions will be even lower – 7.6%. In addition, the profit tax will not exceed 5%. He added that, at the request of entrepreneurs, the benefit exempting them from value added tax when selling domestic software products has been preserved.
The Prime Minister highlighted one of the most promising areas – the platform economy, which accounts for around 5% of GDP and creates new opportunities for citizens and businesses. The private sector, in turn, gains a new way to organise its activities – to optimise processes, bring products to market, and simplify logistics and consumer interaction.
"In the first half of this year alone, e-commerce volumes increased by more than one third, exceeding 5 trillion rubles. Large universal online marketplaces have been making a significant contribution to the growth of this market for several years. On the instructions of the President, the Government is improving the regulatory framework to protect the interests of both consumers who use these platforms and entrepreneurs who sell goods and services through them. With input from the business community, the relevant federal law has been prepared. It has been adopted and will enter into force in October next year. I would also note that marketplaces are fostering the development of related sectors," Mikhail Mishustin continued.
The Government of Russia supports demand for domestic IT solutions. Mikhail Mishustin noted that such products are given priority in procurement for government agencies, state corporations, critical information infrastructure facilities and in the implementation of departmental digital transformation programmes.
"The President has emphasised that our strategic objective is to multiply the use of national software solutions across all key sectors. And we continue moving towards this goal," said the Prime Minister.
The IT Forum "Digital Solutions" is being held for the first time by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media with the support of the Government. The event brings together leading representatives of Russia’s IT industry and public authorities for dialogue on all aspects of digital transformation.
As part of the event, an exposition of the best Russian IT products is open at the National Centre RUSSIA. The exposition is divided into eight thematic zones dedicated to the country’s key areas of digital development: "Telecommunications", "Public Services", "Software", "Artificial Intelligence", "Platforms and Services", "Cybersecurity", "Russian Hardware", and "Personnel and Training". The Prime Minister also toured the exposition of IT products.
The business programme covers three thematic blocks: business, society, and federal and regional authorities. Each focus area is allocated its own day. The programme includes over 90 sessions featuring more than 600 speakers.
The Forum will also host the award ceremony for the national award "Digital Solutions", which celebrates IT projects that have made a significant contribution to the country’s digitalisation.
A platform is not merely a new business, but a new form of organising economic activity.
