Deputy CEO Of Sberbank: Russia Increases Position In AI Despite Being Affected By Western Sanctions

First Deputy Chairman of the Sberbank Executive Council, Alexander Vedyakhin. (photo: x @dgwbirch)

JAKARTA - Russia has the potential to increase its position in the global ranking of artificial intelligence (AI) by 2030 despite being hit by Western sanctions. "This is thanks to our talented developer and generative AI model," said Sberbank's Deputy First Executive Council Chairman, Alexander Vedyakhin.

In recent years, a number of AI developers have left Russia, especially after military mobilization for the Ukrainian conflict in 2022. However, according to Vedyakhin, many of them are now returning to their homeland due to exciting new opportunities, and it is important to continue to encourage experiments in the sector.

"Russia is six to nine months behind the United States and China, which are the world's main pioneers of AI, in various parameters. However, this could change rapidly," he said.

"I believe Russia can significantly increase its position in international rankings by 2030 through self-developed and regulatory support in the field of generative AI," added Vedyakhin, whose bank leads AI development in Russia.

Western sanctions, he said, were aimed at limiting Russia's computing power. However, Russia is trying to overcome these shortcomings by utilizing its talented scientists and engineers.

Currently, Russia is ranked 31st out of 83 countries in AI's implementation, innovation and investment, according to the UK-based Global AI Index of Tortoise Media. This ranking is far behind the United States, China, and even other BRICS members such as India and Brazil.

With more and more developers returning to Russia and strong regulatory support, Vedyakhin is optimistic that Russia could become a major player in artificial intelligence in the coming years.