ROSTOV-ON-DON, April 22 The prospects for the development of artificial intelligence were discussed in the Rostov region as part of the fifth interregional forum “New Time — New We,” the regional government reports.
The forum was attended by more than 300 participants from small and medium-sized businesses in different regions of the Russian Federation.
According to the First Deputy Governor of the Rostov Region, Alexander Scriabin, the use of artificial intelligence and IT technologies is one of the most important tasks. “The future of the Don is a technologically developed, comfortable region with ample opportunities for self-realization. Therefore, the government and the regional governor personally pay special attention to the development of innovative potential, and here we have positive dynamics,” he said, welcoming the forum participants via video link.
Today, 600 organizations carry out innovative activities in the Rostov region. Collaborating for many years with the Innovation Promotion Fund, the region has attracted more than 2 billion rubles in grants to the economy. Every year Rostov inventors receive about 1.5 thousand patents for inventions, utility models, industrial designs, and trademarks. 
The key event of the forum was the plenary session “Artificial intelligence — the tomorrow that has come.” The discussion of the current topic was attended by the Minister of Economic Development of the region Maxim Papushenko, representatives of the legislative assembly, the regional Ministry of Communications, credit organizations, and the business community.
“»The introduction of modern digital technologies in management, automation and robotization of production, the use of artificial intelligence technologies — all this significantly increases the productivity of Don companies,» Papushenko said. He noted that the region has the necessary groundwork to ensure the region's leadership in the market of technological products.
The head of the Ministry of Economic Development in his speech spoke about promising areas and market niches for the use of artificial intelligence. As part of the forum, a training seminar was held «Writing routines for primary tasks. Learning to communicate with AI.» The event participants also got acquainted with an exhibition of developments and technological projects based on artificial intelligence and IT technologies.