What Putin said at the forum "Strong Ideas for a New Time" in Nizhny Novgorod

      On August 28, 2026, at 18:25, SocietyPresident of Russia Vladimir Putin spoke at the plenary session of the forum "Strong Ideas for a New Time" (16+), which is currently taking place at the Nizhny Novgorod Fair. One of the main themes of his speech was the development of domestic technologies and support for innovative projects.

      At the beginning of his speech, the head of state called the capital of the Volga region one of the largest industrial, business, scientific, cultural, and spiritual centers of Russia. He noted that the city has historically been a place where people united to solve complex problems and work for the benefit of the country.

      Putin recalled the events of 1611, when the Second People's Militia was formed in Nizhny Novgorod, which subsequently liberated Moscow from invaders.

      Another historical parallel was the All-Russian Industrial and Art Exhibition of 1896. It took place on the current territory of the Nizhny Novgorod Fair, where Russian inventors, including Alexander Popov and Vladimir Shukhov, presented their developments.

      The president also quoted the words of scientist Dmitry Mendeleev about the need to not only view the exhibition but also to study, analyze, and reflect on it. Putin noted that this approach remains relevant today.

      Speaking about the developments presented at the forum, the head of state emphasized their innovative nature. According to him, some solutions are currently absent among competitors.

      Putin stressed that at Strelka, the confluence of the Oka and Volga rivers, projects are once again being discussed that could determine the country's development for decades to come.

      The president stated that Russian products and technologies should be widely disseminated throughout the country—from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. To achieve this, he said, it is necessary to ensure long-term demand for domestic products and to form a comprehensive system of support for innovations.

      Putin paid special attention to the initiatives of forum participants. Among them are projects in the field of space, proposals to improve the work of paramedic and midwifery stations and primary healthcare, measures to support families with children, as well as the creation of new opportunities for youth.

      As a result of reviewing these and other significant initiatives, the president promised to give instructions to the government, ministries, and agencies.

      In addition, Putin proposed that the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) work out additional incentives for companies that invest in social, educational, and enlightenment projects, as well as in the development of schools, clinics, sports, and youth infrastructure.

      Among the promising technological areas, the president highlighted robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and distributed energy. According to him, such developments need to be more actively integrated into everyday life. They can be used to enhance the resilience of infrastructure, explore hard-to-reach areas, and develop the space industry.

      Putin also supported the preparation of a new edition of the "Atlas of Professions of the Future," which will take into account civilian and military competencies. The president noted the need to use the combat experience of participants in the special military operation when training personnel and to create opportunities for veterans for further professional realization.

      Let us remind you that before participating in the plenary session of the ASI forum, Putin visited the exhibition of participants in the "Know Our" competition. The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.