(Photo credit: www.molpalata.ru)

In today’s always-on global economy, digital infrastructure has become an essential foundation of modern economies. Modern Russia recently interviewed Minister of Telecommunications and Mass Communications Igor Shchegolev to learn about Russia’s strategy for expanding and enhancing its digital infrastructure and making high-speed, broadband Internet access available and affordable across the country.

Will you tell us your views on the importance of broadband, high-speed Internet access for businesses and consumers in Russia?

In his address to the Yaroslavl Global Policy Forum earlier this month, President Medvedev emphasized that Russia’s multinational and multiethnic makeup is a creative asset. My research into London’s creative industries leads me to fully agree, and this goal to unlock the potential of Russia’s diversity is a move that deserves a warm welcome.

September 7 marks the opening of the 2011 Yaroslavl Global Policy Forum, bringing together government officials, business representatives, scientists and journalists from more than 40 countries for two days of discussion. It is lauded as an opportunity for world leaders to contemplate solutions to major challenges facing the global community, such as international security and efficient policy-making in the global economy.

Modern Russia spoke with Franz Thönnes, co-chairman of the cross-party working group of the German Bundestag on visa liberalization with Russia. Thönnes is a former Parliamentary State Secretary, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and SPD parliamentary group’s rapporteur for Russia.