Russia's IT Industry Nearly Doubles in Five Years, Now 2.4% of GDP, PM Mishustin States

Prime Minister Highlights IT Sector's Expansion

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that the nation's information technology (IT) industry has experienced substantial growth, nearly doubling its size over the past five years. This expansion has elevated the sector's contribution to Russia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 2.4 percent. The Prime Minister delivered these remarks at the inaugural Russian IT forum, 'Digital Solutions,' held in Moscow.

Significant Growth Trajectory

Mishustin detailed the impressive trajectory of the IT sector, noting an average annual growth rate of nearly 28 percent over the last five years. This makes the IT industry one of Russia's fastest-growing economic segments, consistently producing competitive products and services. The upward trend continued into the first half of 2025, with sales of IT services and products increasing by more than 14.5 percent. This robust performance underscores the industry's dynamism and its increasing role in the national economy.

Government Support and Strategic Goals

The Prime Minister emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to supporting the IT sector, attributing part of its success to strategic policies. He noted that the departure of foreign companies created new opportunities for domestic IT firms, which the government has actively fostered. Key support measures include:

• A 0 percent profit tax for accredited IT organizations, which was in effect until December 31, 2024.
• Reduced insurance premiums for IT companies, set at 15 percent, with even lower rates of 7.6 percent for income exceeding a certain threshold.
• Concessional loans with interest rates under 3 percent for operational maintenance and new project implementation.
• Exemption from compulsory military service for IT specialists employed by accredited organizations until the age of 27.
• Significant grants and subsidies, with allocations such as 130 billion rubles for IT development and over 8 billion rubles for particularly significant projects.

A strategic objective outlined by the government is to ensure that 80 percent of all enterprises transition to using Russian software by 2030, particularly in resource and production management systems. This push for import substitution aims to enhance technological independence and foster domestic innovation.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

The IT sector's current contribution of 2.4 percent to Russia's GDP reflects its growing economic significance. Mishustin highlighted the industry's ability to develop competitive cutting-edge solutions and the government's commitment to supporting their entry into international markets. The 'Digital Solutions' forum itself, organized by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, serves as a platform to promote dialogue on digital transition and outline key tracks for developing the IT sector, showcasing Russian IT products and fostering cooperation between businesses and the state. This concerted effort aims to solidify Russia's position in the global digital landscape and achieve technological leadership.