Science foundations as a form of financing innovative activities (US and Russian experience)

The article analyzes the organizational basis and activities of the system of science foundations of the United States and the Russian Federation which occupy one of the main places in the national innovation systems. The structure, goals, genesis and organized reform of science foundation in the North American model of innovative development are analyzed in detail. This system is a model of a spiral, which includes five institutional components, which are science, business, the state, civil society and consumers of products. The developed legislative system regulates the introduction of scientific and technological achievements in economic activities. The national legislation has led to the creation and implementation of special federal programs that ensure the innovative activities of the United States. The role of Russian science foundations is determined on base of the US experience in supporting research. It justifies the idea that at the present stage the state should act at the same both as a source of demand and financing for innovation, and as the main mediator of innovation processes...