Research universities in Russia: the ways of formation and development

The world experience of research universities formation and development is analyzed. The criteria and role of research universities in USA and European Higher Education systems are discussed. The experience of categorizing higher education institutions in Russia and research university tasks, characteristics and criteria are considered. The concepts of innovative and research universities that have been already used by Tomsk universities (TPU and TSU) are presented. Possible pathways of formation and development of research universities in Russia are discussed. The focus is made on the idea of leading universities consotria creation that is successfully implemented abroad.