Putin's heir: Tech power grab stirs global tension
Katerina Tikhonova is seeking to take control of all high-tech companies in Russia. The daughter of Vladimir Putin, she aspires to create a "state corporation," according to an anonymous industry manager interviewed by "The Moscow Times," and reported by "Fakt".
Katerina Tikhonova, daughter of Vladimir Putin, plays a crucial role in the strategy for developing Russia's high-tech sector. The Innopraktika foundation, which she heads, plans to become the central hub for technology enterprises, proposing a "single circuit" for developing and implementing new technologies. According to the "T-invariant" service, Tikhonova aims to dominate the technology market in Russia, potentially leading to a significant monopoly.
With support from Natalia Popova, deputy general director of the fund, Innopraktika's initiatives include fostering innovation ecosystems around national technology leaders. At the annual congress "Innovation Practice: Science plus Business," Tikhonova presented the foundation's vision as a "one-stop shop" for high-tech companies, highlighting the importance of seamless progression from research to mass production.
Will Putin's daughter take over business?
However, such developments raise concerns among former high-level managers. They anonymously claim that consolidating all technological activities within a single circuit could evolve into a state-controlled corporation, Rosrazvitie, which could have significant implications. Although Tikhonova believes the fund will attract market investments with backing from influential partners such as Rosneft, Rostec, or Gazprom, there is no shortage of sceptical voices.
Tikhonova's activities have not gone unnoticed – the US imposed sanctions on her following the invasion of Ukraine. The rationale stated that her endeavours support the Russian defence industry. These restrictions raise questions about the future of her initiatives and their impact on international relations.
Tikhonova's initiatives may also influence Russia's relations with other countries, including Iran. As reported by "The Times," Iran is seeking support for its nuclear programme, which may complicate geopolitical events. The implications of secret technological cooperation could be significant for both Russia and its allies.
