On Wednesday, Kremlin officials released directives from President Vladimir Putin aimed at enhancing collaboration between Russia and China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). This decision comes shortly after Putin expressed intentions to collaborate with BRICS partners and other nations on AI initiatives, signalling a strategic shift for Russia amid ongoing challenges with Western sanctions.
The instructions specifically task the Russian government and Sberbank, the nation’s largest bank and a pivotal player in its AI development efforts, to forge deeper ties with China in technological research and development related to artificial intelligence. In his announcement, Putin asserted the importance of this collaboration, emphasizing the need to "ensure further co-operation with the People's Republic of China in technological research and development in the field of artificial intelligence."
The backdrop to this move includes significant pressures stemming from Western sanctions, primarily aimed at restricting Moscow's access to key technologies necessary to support its military actions in Ukraine. These sanctions have compelled major global producers of microchips to cease exports to Russia, severely hindering the country’s ambitions in AI. German Gref, the CEO of Sberbank, noted in 2023 that the procurement of graphics processing units (GPUs)—integral components for AI development—remains particularly problematic for Russia, highlighting the difficulties the country faces in replacing crucial hardware.
In a bid to bolster its position in the global AI landscape, Russia is seeking to establish itself as a competitor against the United States, which currently holds a dominant position in this significant arena of 21st-century technology. In this context, Putin previously announced the formation of a new initiative called the AI Alliance Network, intended to unite specialists from BRICS countries and other nations interested in collaborating on AI advancements.
Current assessments highlight Russia's standing in AI development, with studies indicating that the country ranks 31st out of 83 countries assessed by the Global AI Index produced by UK-based Tortoise Media. This places Russia significantly behind not only the United States and China but also fellow BRICS members such as India and Brazil, indicating challenges ahead for Russia as it looks to establish a foothold in the rapidly evolving AI industry.
As developments unfold, the focus on international collaborations, particularly with nations outside of Western influence, appears to be a cornerstone of Russia's strategy for future advancements in artificial intelligence.
Source: Noah Wire Services