Skolkovo Innovation Center

The Skolkovo Innovation Center is a high technology business area that is being built at Skolkovo near Moscow, Russia. The site aims to be a highly modern complex created to encourage science and technology companies. Although historically Russia has been successful with development of science and technology, its lack of entrepreneur spirit led to government intervention of patents and nonproliferation of Russian tech companies beyond the scope of regional service. This site is tasked with the development of technology start-ups but also marketing them correctly. As corporations and individuals become "residents" of the city, with proposed projects and ideas receiving financial assistance. Skolkovo was first announced on 12 November 2009 by then Russian president Dmitry Medvedev. The complex is headed by Viktor Vekselberg and co-chaired by former Intel CEO Craig Barrett.

In March 2010 Vekselberg announced the necessity of developing a special legal order in Skolkovo and emphasized the need to offer a tax holiday lasting 5–7 years.

In April 2010 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev charged the government with working out specific legal, administrative, tax and customs regulations on Skolkovo.

In May 2010 Dmitry Medvedev introduced two bills regulating working conditions in Skolkovo. The bills were adopted by the State Duma in September of that year and, on 28 September 2010, the President of the Russian Federation signed the bills into federal law.

In August 2010 Dmitry Medvedev introduced a bill easing migratory policies in regards to Skolkovo.

On 20 August 2010 a new government decree regulating visas for participants of the Skolkovo project was published. According to this decree, specialized and highly skilled foreign nationals who arrive in Russia with the purpose of securing employment at Skolkovo will be granted a visa for a term of up to 30 days. In the event of successful job placement they can then obtain a work visa for a term of 3 years.

A new highway was opened connecting Skolkovo to the MKAD in June 2010. Railway transport will be available via Belorussky Rail Terminal and Kiyevsky Rail Terminal. A link to Vnukovo International Airport is also planned.

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