Support for digitalization of Russian import substitution in the context of sanctions policy

The paper analyses how effective import substitution policy can contribute to the achievement of Russia’s technological sovereignty, as well as improving national competitiveness and resilience to the sanctions factor. The purpose of the article is to provide recommendations to the system of export state support to stimulate digitalization in the process of import substitution in Russia. What makes the approach special is the analysis of the dynamics of patent activity in the Russian ICT (Information and Communication Technology) segment for the period 2010–2021 and critical analysis of import substitution policy results for the period 2014–2021. Our results show that stimulating of ICT competitive goods supply is necessary to optimize Russian positioning in international trade. The article also considers that in the conditions of sanctions against Russian economy, it is highly necessary to overcome the country’s excessive dependence on import. In conclusion, the author presents the key areas of stimulating digitalization of import substitution in Russia under sanctions.