Results of World-Class Research Centers Performing Research and Development on the Priorities of Scientific and Technological Development: the Monitoring Results for 2021

Abstract

Introduction. World-class research centers were created as part of the national project “Science and Universities” in order for Russia to achieve leading global positions in certain sectors of scientific and technological development, to conduct breakthrough research mainly of a fundamental and exploratory nature, aimed at solving problems, at a global level of relevance and significance. Monitoring Tools. In the work, methods of analysis, synthesis, and system approach were applied. The main sources of information were the annual reporting data of world-class scientific centers, programs for the creation and development of WCRCs, analytical data from RIEPL, as well as statistical information from open sources, including the official websites of WCRCs. Results. In 2021, 7 WCRCs achieved the planned target values for the indicators in full, 3 WCRCs — partially; and many planned indicators were over-fulfilled. A total of 1,554 leading scientists, 1,189 research associates, 1,623 young researchers (under 39 years of age), 453 graduate students, and 92 faculty members are involved in the WCRC. Among the risks of non-fulfillment of the plans for the development of WCRCs up to 2024 are: failure to implement a number of activities on cooperation with foreign organizations; violation of terms and volumes of supply of equipment and consumables by foreign suppliers; problems in publishing articles in WoS and Scopus journals; complications in attracting foreign scientists to work at WCRCs, etc. WCRCs are taking measures to mitigate these and other risks. Conclusion. The materials in this scientific article may be useful in the development of proposals for the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation for the implementation of the NP "Science and Universities," as well as scientists, specialists and all those interested in the activities and development of the WCRC.