Formation of a Mobilization Mode of Science Management in Russia

The article examines theoretical approaches and practical steps to the formation of a mobilization mode of management in the Russian science policy. The introduction of such a mode is connected with the pressure of sanctions and other restrictions that have appeared since 2022 and the increased task of ensuring technological sovereignty. The aim of the study is to identify the characteristics of the mobilization mode in science and on their basis to analyze the processes occurring in civil science management in Russia in the last 2–3 years. The central questions are how the mode of mobilization is formed and whether all the necessary components ensuring the development of technological sovereignty are taken into account. A mobilization mode in science is generally understood as such management of scientific and technological potential and allocation of resources, under which the primary science and technology tasks of national importance should be solved in an accelerated manner. Drawing on the analysis of previous works, we identify four attributes that should characterize such a regime. They include (1) changes in goal setting, focusing on priority areas of development and restructuring of legal and regulatory frameworks in line with the new goals, (2) growth in research funding and increase in the scientific workforce, (3) organizational changes characterized by increased coordination and centralization, and (4) search for international partners who share the country’s goals and objectives in science and technology. Contemporary Russian science policy is further analyzed on the basis of these attributes. The regulatory and legal framework of science, changes in the system of management and international cooperation, as well as current and planned personnel and financial parameters are considered. We conclude that although the mobilization mode of science management is officially proclaimed, not all its components are developing at the pace and scale required to address new scientific and technological challenges. The most vulnerable components are related to funding and human resources.