Dependence on imports as a threat to innovative development of the Russian manufacturing sector

Subject The research investigates that the Russian economy became less dependent on foreign imports of materials, spare parts, software and equipment needed for science-intensive production. Objectives The article comprehensively studies the dependence of the Russian economy on imports, outlines proposals for making science-intensive enterprises less vulnerable to external factors. Methods The research is based on a systems method and methods of economic analysis. Results Having analyzed the dependence on imports, we revealed key types of negative factors posing technological threats to the innovative development of the national economy. They mainly arise in production management, creation of productive means, foreign imports of materials and components. The Russian machine building was found to be almost completely dependent on foreign high-precision mixed-use machines and respective components. The Russian radio-electronic industry lags behind the global technological progress, being yet unable to supply domestically produced electronic devices to the Russian enterprises. Some top priority enterprises have automated management systems which are run by foreign experts. The prevalence of foreign equipment, materials, devices, other components and software stems from the low demand of the Russian consumers. Due to some reasons, the Russian manufacturers have not yet been able to offer high quality products to the Russian consumers.