President Vladimir Putin on Thursday proposed creating a special fund to finance Internet-based initiatives targeting pressing social problems.
The fund will offer financial support to online initiatives that result in an "improved standard of living for Russians and which use new technologies," Putin said during a board meeting of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, RIA-Novosti reported.
Among such initiatives, Putin listed electronic libraries, charitable organizations, distance-learning portals and "simply useful games" that have already attracted some financial backing.
The new fund could help solve Russia's "brain drain," according to Putin.
The fund would support "creative and talented" young people willing to work in Russia instead of "turning to Silicon Valley," he said. "Let's create the conditions for these people to realize their projects here, for the benefit of their motherland."
Answering how the fund would be financed, Putin said he would personally look for funding sources. "I would really like us to have a few hundred million rubles for serious and large-scale work," he said.
Andrei Nikitin, director general of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, announced at the same meeting Thursday that his organization would prepare proposals on the project by February 2013, RIA-Novosti said.
The Agency for Strategic Initiatives, a nongovernmental organization created by then-Prime Minister Putin in 2011, aims to improve the investment climate in Russia, support young and ambitious leaders and "build a country where people want to live and work," according to its website.
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.