RIF 2020: Stress-Tested and Reinvented
In a year defined by a pandemic and global economic shifts, Russia’s digital economy proved to be more than a survival tool. The 2020 Russian Internet Forum (RIF) showcased how digital infrastructure kept society functioning, while exploring how Runet can evolve through 2030.
RIF in the City
For the first time, the iconic IT forum moved into an urban conference format. At the opening, it was announced that government support for the sector would intensify. President Vladimir Putin signed a decree establishing five national development goals through 2030, explicitly prioritizing digital transformation. COVID‑19 highlighted how deeply intertwined economic sectors are, all vulnerable to external shocks.
Speakers urged a new level of scenario planning—anticipating not only changing conditions but competitors’ moves. Runet’s resilience, many argued, rests on a strong 'digital contour': the mature interplay among digital content, e‑commerce, advertising, marketing, infrastructure, and communications.
Without the pandemic, some quipped, this leap might have taken 3–4 years instead of two months. Russia embraced remote work, digital signatures, and client service at a pace few expected. RAEC announced a new 'Gaming and Esports' cluster, underscoring gaming as a growth driver for media and entertainment. Gaming leapt from panel topic to full-fledged communication platform within the forum.
A View from the Top
Maxut Shadaev, Russia’s Minister of Digital Development, opened the 'GovTech' section by praising companies advancing online education and telemedicine. He pledged ongoing state support to stimulate demand for existing digital services instead of duplicating them. 'All services must be accessible online,' Shadaev said, setting a goal of dramatically reducing the need for citizens to visit government offices. The digital market, he added, requires new digital talent, calling for professional retraining and emphasizing that artificial intelligence must not be underestimated.
GR Club: Policy and Support
Continuing a high-level policy discussion held earlier in Innopolis with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the GR Club at RIF highlighted gaps in government support.
Many companies in the 'digital contour'—from user services and cloud computing to social networks, game platforms, marketplaces, and streaming services—lack clear industry codes in Russia’s economic activity classifier, leaving them ineligible for tax benefits such as the IT 'tax maneuver.' Participants proposed a package of measures, including the concept of digital HR passports for companies and specialists, designed to complement traditional recruiting tools and optimize workforce management.
Growth Frontiers
A dedicated social-advertising track addressed consumer protection amid a surge of online transactions: Russians made three times as many online purchases in the first half of 2020 as in the same period of 2019, fueling fraudulent sites. Experts also weighed the macro pressures of the pandemic, a weakening ruble, global economic realignment, and politics, warning the downturn could surpass that of 2014–2015. Runet’s audience now reaches nearly 80 % of Russia’s population, with over 70 % relying solely on mobile internet.
The ICT workforce numbers about 1.8 million, including 950,000 in IT roles across sectors and government, 500,000 in the IT industry itself, and 350,000 in telecom. Russia ranked 23rd globally for digital economy dynamism, technology access, and public trust. Internet advertising has overtaken TV and is moving toward deep personalization as regulators battle deceptive ads. Mobile commerce is surging, with free grocery and meal delivery, expanding marketplaces, and omnichannel retail. Some 42 % of retailers now deploy AI-based solutions—mostly piecemeal.
In media and entertainment, legal content clearly dominates, streaming music is the main consumption mode, and streaming video growth has exceeded forecasts, while streamers and vloggers gain influence.
Cybersecurity Shifts
Cyber defense strategies are changing. The priority is rapid detection rather than prevention. Demand is rising for intelligent security systems as attackers increasingly combine malware infections with social engineering. The forum’s consensus: Runet is strengthening, but success depends on elevating both user competence and expert oversight.
