"Digital Solutions 2026" Forum Launches in Moscow to Discuss Digital Transformation and AI

Moscow, Oct 6 (KUNA) -- The International Forum on Information Technology (“Digital Solutions 2026”) kicked off today in the Russian capital, Moscow, to discuss issues related to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, along with several government officials and representatives from the technology and business sectors, are participating in the forum.

Speaking at the event, Mishustin said that strengthening the domestic digital industry is a strategic goal for Russia, emphasizing that “our country cannot allow a scenario in which it becomes dependent on foreign technologies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.” He added that Russia’s development of its own AI technologies has become a matter of national competitiveness and digital sovereignty, noting that countries seeking leadership in this area are imposing restrictions on technology transfers, thereby increasing other countries’ reliance on their decisions.

Mishustin pointed out that Russia is currently witnessing the innovation of leading technological solutions that will help shape the future, expressing his belief that “countries imposing sanctions on Moscow will ultimately be forced to resume cooperation and interact with it in the technology sector.” He noted that Russia ranks first among the top 20 e-commerce markets in terms of growth rates, while also highlighting that the number of cybercrimes in the country has declined by about one-third during the first eight months of this year.

The forum, which runs until October 10, will discuss a range of issues related to the future of the digital economy, including AI applications, development of digital infrastructure, enhancement of cybersecurity, support for the domestic software industry and technological solutions, as well as ways to expand cooperation between the government and the business sector in technology.

The convening of the forum comes as Russia focuses on strengthening its domestic technological capabilities and reducing its reliance on foreign technologies, as part of a broader strategy to support digital sovereignty and develop an integrated national system in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence. (End) D.A.N./N.A.A.