One particular challenge to Russia’s ability to translate intellectual capital into economic opportunity – a challenge that is not only surmountable but also has the potential to alleviate other innovation barriers –is the lack of networking skills among Russian technology and R&D organizations. A culture of innovation based on open networking and information sharing, attributes that characterize innovation hubs like Silicon Valley, has yet to fully develop in Russia. Such a culture is crucial for successfully seeking and collaborating on international projects and bringing innovation to the market.

Many Russian researchers, professionals and policymakers – regardless of their talents and the sincerity of their efforts to build an innovation economy in Russia – grew up under closed system and do not have the necessary networking skills to leverage relationships both within Russia and, most importantly, beyond its borders. Support is needed to nurture new ways of networking, sharing information, and creating an innovation infrastructure across Russia.

Understanding these challenges and taking steps to proactively address them were the driving forces behind the creation of the Russian Technology Transfer Network (RTTN). To specifically address the lack of networking savvy, RTTN developed and published a networking guide entitled, "How to Effectively Network/Communicate in International R&D projects.” The guide, available in both English and Russian, was created under the framework of FP7 ISTOK-SOYUZ project, which is an EU project designed to promote R&D cooperation and knowledge transfer between the EU and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Inno Group , a Europe-based consulting company that designs and implements innovation strategies, was also instrumental in helping RTTN establish itself and launch such initiatives as the guide