Sustainability-oriented innovative projects (experience of Russia and Saint-Petersburg)

The aim of the paper is to analyse innovative projects oriented to sustainable development of Russia in general and Saint-Petersburg in particular. A literature review of international and Russian publications devoted to the relevance of innovative projects oriented to sustainable development was conducted. The paper confirms the hypothesis that the most important responsibility and starting point for sustainable development lies in the technology and innovation management, with particular attention to the importance of actions and guidelines relative to the external environment. Conceptual documents are presented and 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. Socio-ecological and economic priorities for Russia are reflected. The results of the Russian regions purity rating of Russian Public Organization “Green Patrol”are presented. Saint-Petersburg, for the first time is in the top five of the “Environmental rating” regions. The preliminary results (innovative projects and activities) of the 2017 year of ecology in Russia and Saint-Petersburg are outlined. Innovative projects oriented to sustainable development of Saint-Petersburg are analysed. A broad range of projects and activities aimed at environmental protection and the formation of a comfortable urban environment, includes more than 70 directions: work on improving the system of treatment of hazardous waste, repair and reconstruction of heat networks, reconstruction of boiler plants and others. Innovation projects and activities oriented to sustainable development of Saint-Petersburg were correlated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The paper can be useful for scientists and practitioners interested in measures to ensure sustainable development through innovative projects realisation.