Criminalistics as a Driver of Scientific and Technological Development

The article examines the role of criminology as a factor in scientific and technological development in the context of growing hybrid threats and sanctions pressure. The unique synthetic nature of criminalistics, which integrates scientifi c and technical methods to address law enforcement challenges, has garnered signifi cant attention. The study demonstrates that the substantial potential of the university environment — particularly departments of criminalistics — for developing forensic technics remains underutilized an analysis of registered intellectual property confi rms this gap. The paper high-lights promising avenues for maximizing this potential, specifi cally the development of accessible forensic training equipment and software, including VR simulators, with case studies from Kutafi n Moscow State Law University (MSAL) and other institutions. The author argues for overcoming stereotypes regarding the limited capacity of law schools to produce practical innovations. Furthermore, the importance of fostering inter-university and industrial collaborations, as well establishing small innovative enterprises, is emphasized. The conclusion posits that criminalistics can become a significant driver of scientific and technological development if university teams actively leverage their internal resources for scientific and technical creativity.