April 27, 2021. Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) presents the data of a survey describing what Russians think about technological leadership and its importance for a state.
Most of Russians (82%) consider it essential for a nation to be a technological leader. The percentage of those who share this stance is higher among men (56% vs 35% women) and young people aged 18-25 (88%).
They are opposed by 9% of respondents.
Opinions split almost equally over whether Russia can be considered a leading technological country: 55% somewhat agree and 41% somewhat disagree with this opinion. The share of those who disagree is higher among those respondents who have incomplete higher and higher education (51%).
In terms of technological development, Russia is a leader in defense (65%), space industry (42%) and nuclear power (41%). Medicine (25%) and biotechnology/genetic engineering round out the top five spheres (13%).
Russian nationwide VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted on April 10th, 2021. A total of 1,600 of Russians aged 18 and older took part in the survey. Results are based on telephone interviews. Stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone numbers was used. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes to the wording of questions and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
In your opinion, is technological leadership likely to be important or unimportant for a country to be independent? | ||||||||
| Total respondents | Men | Women | Aged 18-24 | Aged 25-34 | Aged 35-44 | Aged 45-59 | 60 and older |
Very important | 44 | 56 | 35 | 37 | 38 | 41 | 52 | 47 |
Likely important | 38 | 29 | 46 | 51 | 45 | 45 | 33 | 30 |
Likely unimportant | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
Not at all important | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Don’t know | 9 | 6 | 10 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 13 |
In your opinion, can the modern Russia be considered as a leading technological country? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondent) | |||||
| Total respondents | Incomplete secondary education | Secondary education (school, vocational school) | Specialized secondary education (technical school) | Incomplete higher (at least three years in a higher education institution), higher education |
Definitely yes | 18 | 28 | 27 | 22 | 11 |
Rather yes | 37 | 41 | 36 | 40 | 37 |
Rather not | 25 | 10 | 21 | 20 | 31 |
Definitely not | 16 | 15 | 11 | 13 | 20 |
Don’t know | 4 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 |
In your opinion, what area does Russia have a leading position in technologically? (closed-ended question, any number of answers, % of total respondent) | |
| Total respondents |
Defense | 65 |
Space industry | 42 |
Nuclear-power engineering | 41 |
Medicine | 25 |
Genetic engineering, biotechnologies | 13 |
Machine building | 11 |
IT technologies | 11 |
Communications | 9 |
Other | 7 |
Don’t know | 9 |