<p>Gosplan 2.0 and 61% Trust: How Russia Makes a Large-Scale Turn to AI</p>

Russia is entering a new era of digital sovereignty. Against the backdrop of active implementation of artificial intelligence at the state level, public sentiment is showing a striking shift: more than 61% of citizens express trust in neural networks. This data, obtained from a survey of 1,500 respondents aged 18 to 55, indicates the formation of a sustainable trend, which I, as an analyst, consider one of the key drivers of the domestic technology market.

Who trusts neural networks and to what extent

The study results show a clear stratification by generation. The highest level of loyalty was recorded among young people aged 18–24: they are more willing to rely on AI than others. Conversely, respondents over 45 show noticeable caution — this group contains the largest number of opponents of new technologies. However, the overall picture is impressive: only one in ten participants expressed clear distrust of neural networks.

The practical application of AI covers many areas. Algorithms are most often used for content generation — texts, images, and videos (52% of respondents do this). Half of the participants use technology to translate various materials, and 45% search for needed goods. Interestingly, a third of citizens encounter smart algorithms in navigators and maps, and one in five uses them in games or software. Gender differences are also noticeable: women more often choose AI for working with content, while men prefer it for text translation.

Citizens' trust coincided with the state's pivot towards AI

The growth of public interest coincided with large-scale reforms. In early July, the State Duma adopted in the first reading a framework law on AI, which divides large basic models into sovereign and national ones. Both groups of developers are obliged to comply with Russian laws and consider traditional values, as well as label any generated content. Simultaneously, the government introduced 40 specialized services into the work of departments.

Risks and new initiatives in state regulation

The course towards the nationalization of the digital environment continues to strengthen. Vladimir Putin ordered the creation of a strategic planning system "Gosplan 2.0" based on artificial intelligence. The new platform will handle capacity distribution, forecasting demand for raw materials, and coordinating import substitution.

However, the expansion of control by officials raises questions from businesses. Representatives of the RATEK association criticized the FAS initiative to recognize the AI turnover as a strategic sphere. Experts fear that due to vague wording, ordinary smartphones and household appliances could fall under restrictions, potentially provoking an electronics shortage.

My expert opinion: The synchronization of a high level of public trust with ambitious state projects creates a unique window of opportunity for the Russian AI market. However, the key risk is a bias towards administrative control, which could stifle innovation at its roots. The market needs a balance between strategic planning and flexibility for private developers.