This text is an automatic translation from Русский. It was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Read original →Russian IT Industry in 2025: A Year in Review. Part Two
Key developments in Russia's IT sector in 2025: AI moving from theory to practice, sanctions pressure, budget cuts, and major achievements. Industry experts from leading companies weigh in on challenges and growth prospects.
— What events and changes in 2025 became pivotal for the IT industry? And which external events had the greatest impact?
Press service of the Big Data Association:
"At the Big Data Association, we view 2025 as a transitional year for the big data and AI market—a year of moving into a more mature phase of development. The key event was the institutional establishment of the 'data economy' as a strategic priority for Russia."
IT company Simpl, Artem Shilyaev, Head of International Business Development:
"For the Russian IT industry, 2025 passed under the sign of mounting pressure. Sanctions restrictions, complex and expensive logistics, currency fluctuations, and declining export margins significantly affected the plans of major companies."
Stakhanovets, Dmitry Isaev, CEO:
"The main event of the year was a qualitative leap in our technologies. Instead of urgently creating separate programs, the industry has shifted to building comprehensive and user-friendly ecosystems."
IT integrator Fusion, Oleg Elmanov, CEO:
"The main change in the IT industry in 2025, in my opinion, is the transition of generative AI from 'let's try it' and 'let's play around' to real tools."
LANIT-TERCOM, Vadim Sabashniy, CEO:
"The ecosystem of government IT systems has been joined by the MAX messenger. It was met with great caution and even negativity, but it could potentially become an important infrastructure element."
— What challenges did the IT industry face in 2025? How were they addressed?
Press service of the Big Data Association:
"One of the key challenges of the year was the gap between the rapid growth in data volumes and the shortage of quality datasets suitable for AI training and analytics."
IT company Simpl, Artem Shilyaev, Head of International Business Development:
"The main challenge is the reduction of IT budgets and the shift in client focus toward solutions that ensure continuity and resilience of core production equipment."
IT integrator Fusion, Oleg Elmanov, CEO:
"Increased regulatory oversight of personal data, tougher penalties for breaches, and an emphasis on cybersecurity."
«LANIT-TERCOM», Vadim Sabashniy, CEO:
"The industry has faced a shift away from large-scale projects in favor of smaller launches and maximizing the use of in-house resources."
— What is the main systemic risk in the industry for 2025?
Press service of the Big Data Association:
"In our view, the key systemic risk remains the imbalance between tightening regulation and a lack of stimulus measures."
IT company Simpl, Artem Shilyaev, Head of International Business Development:
"The key systemic risk is declining customer solvency."
"Stakhanovets," Dmitry Isaev, CEO:
"The main risk is resting on our laurels."
IT integrator Fusion, Oleg Elmanov, CEO:
"IT infrastructure dependence on equipment suppliers, periodic shortages, and rising component prices."
LANIT-TERCOM, Vadim Sabashniy, General Director:
"Cybersecurity risk. They hacked everyone they could, and those they couldn't, they tried repeatedly."
— What are the most important achievements you can highlight from the past year? What can you be truly proud of?
Press service of the Big Data Association:
"In 2025, this momentum was reflected in Strategy 2030, developed on the Big Data Association's platform."
IT company Simpl, Artem Shilyaev, Head of International Business Development:
"For Simpl, the key achievement of 2025 was the creation and commercial launch of the product 'Simpl.Intelligent Generation.'"
Stakhanovets, Dmitry Isaev, CEO:
"Domestic IT solutions are no longer just a forced substitute."
ARPP Otechestvenny Soft, Renat Lashin, Executive Director:
"The main achievement of 2025 is preserving the favorable tax regime for Russian IT companies. The IT sector's contribution to Russia's economy today stands at around 6% of the country's GDP."
IT integrator Fusion, Oleg Elmanov, CEO:
"The real-world adoption of AI assistants in business, and as a result, increased productivity among developers, analysts, and testers."
LANIT-TERCOM, Vadim Sabashniy, CEO:
"The AI sector has moved from hype to real-world application."
— If you could ask Santa Claus for a gift on behalf of the entire industry this New Year, what would you wish for?
Press service of the Big Data Association:
"We would wish for a unified, predictable, and stimulating data economy regime in Russia."
IT company Simpl, Artem Shilyaev, Head of International Business Development:
"On behalf of the IT industry, I would ask for a superpower called cooperation."
Stakhanovets, Dmitry Isaev, CEO:
"We would make one big and important wish—a confident outlook on the future."
IT integrator Fusion, Oleg Elmanov, CEO:
"Stability, fewer regulatory changes, and of course qualified personnel for all of us!"
LANIT-TERCOM, Vadim Sabashniy, CEO:
"A unified social tax at 7%."
The IT sector is in a state of conscious maturation: the data and AI market is becoming institutionalized, generative technologies are moving into practice, but at the same time pressure is mounting—financial, regulatory, and personnel-related. The industry's overall request has been formulated with utmost clarity: predictable rules, a stimulating environment, and the ability to operate not in survival mode, but in development mode.