A New Structure for Industrial Policy

By government decision, the Commission on Import Substitution has been dissolved and replaced with a new Commission on Industry.
The primary mission of the revamped body is not merely to replace foreign goods, but to develop internal production capable of entering global markets.
The Commission will coordinate the efforts of federal and regional authorities, improve regulatory frameworks, and create favorable conditions for the growth of domestic industries.
This marks a strategic shift from short-term measures to a long-term industrial policy aimed at strengthening the country’s technological sovereignty.

Technological Levy and Support for Key Sectors

One of the key instruments of the new strategy is the technological levy, introduced in a draft law by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
It will be paid by both importers and Russian manufacturers of certain product categories where domestic participation remains low.
Funds collected through this levy will be directed toward the development of radio electronics, microelectronics, and other critical technologies.
In essence, it is a new mechanism for targeted financing of industries essential for building modern industrial and digital infrastructure.

Strategic Resources: Rare and Rare-Earth Metals

At the same time, the government is preparing a roadmap for expanding the extraction and processing of rare and rare-earth metals — key components in the production of electronics, telecommunications equipment, drones, and technologies used in energy and transportation.
Building this industry represents a step toward forming a new technological core of the national economy.
Russia possesses reserves of many of these elements, but their processing and industrial application have remained limited.
Creating a full-cycle chain — from extraction to integration into high-tech manufacturing — will strengthen the country’s independence from external suppliers.

From Import Substitution to Industrial Development

Complete import substitution is unattainable even for highly developed economies.
Russia’s modern strategy focuses not on “replacement,” but on building a self-sufficient industrial ecosystem capable of long-term development regardless of external constraints.
This shift prioritizes sustained growth of the real sector, technological modernization, and support for industries that ensure economic stability — from mechanical engineering and energy to industrial safety and height-access technologies.

Impact on Engineering and Technical Training

The transition to a new industrial model increases the demand for qualified engineers capable of working with modern technologies and equipment.
In the coming years, specialists in mechanics, electronics, industrial safety, robotics, and industrial operations will become essential for the expansion of domestic production.
Training such professionals is becoming a top priority for sectoral education institutions and professional training centers, as they play a critical role in strengthening the country’s technological competence.