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Digital economy growth is a significant contributor to regional GDP, according to a specialist at the Presidential Academy in the Urals.

Digital economy expansion significantly contributes to the increase in the region's GDP, according to an authority from the Urals Presidential Academy.

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Digital economy growth significantly contributes to the expansion of the region's GDP, according to...
Digital economy growth significantly contributes to the expansion of the region's GDP, according to a specialist at the Presidential Academy in the Urals.

Digital economy growth is a significant contributor to regional GDP, according to a specialist at the Presidential Academy in the Urals.

In a strategic move to create a sovereign digital space, Russia has introduced a new domestic digital platform called "Max". This all-in-one "super app" is developed by tech company VK, often referred to as Russia's equivalent to China's WeChat.

Unveiled in early 2025, Max was born out of a directive from President Vladimir Putin to establish a national messenger app that integrates communication with state and banking services [1][3]. Key features and aims of Max include:

1. **Multi-functionality:** Max combines messaging, chat, calls, chatbots, and mini-apps, similar to WeChat's model. This includes a social network, news aggregator, and a payment system integrated within the app [1][4].

2. **Government and state services integration:** Max is positioned as the platform where all public and government services will be accessible digitally. Users can interact with government officials, submit documents with electronic digital signatures, verify identities, and access online government services (like those offered through the Gosuslugi platform) without leaving the app [1][3][4].

3. **Banking and payment features:** The app includes payment systems that allow financial transactions, aiming to replicate WeChat's ecosystem where users can pay bills, book services, and conduct banking inside the platform [1][3].

4. **Control and monitoring:** The app will be linked to Kremlin interests and controlled in a way to allow the government to monitor and regulate content and connectivity, reducing reliance on foreign services like Telegram or WhatsApp. It aims to isolate Russian users within a national digital ecosystem aligned with state policies [2][5].

5. **Security and anti-anonymity:** Putin's decree mandates that users cannot have an anonymous presence on Max, enhancing state control over digital identities and interactions [2].

As of mid-2025, Max is already operational with millions potentially able to transition from foreign messengers. The Kremlin plans to start using Max actively once it is fully functional, signalling strong government backing [1][4].

The digital sector is becoming one of the main factors influencing the dynamics of Russia's gross domestic product, ensuring 20-30% of its growth [6]. The development of the digital economy in Russia is systematic and is being carried out within a separate national project "Economy of Data and Digital Transformation of the State", planned until 2030 [8][9].

The experience of China, Japan, and South Korea shows that digital services allowing transactions effectively become an economic ecosystem that generates added value and reduces transaction costs [7]. Alexander Pobedinin, head of the economics and management department at the Presidential Academy in the Urals, commented that the new Russian messenger differs from its competitors in its domestic origin [10].

References: [1] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/25/01/2025/5de615e39a79473a7d6e164c [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/china/russia-moves-create-own-messaging-app-challenge-whatsapp-telegram-2025-01-25/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/russian/business-55665035 [4] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/01/russian-messaging-app-max-launches-new-payment-options-a72491 [5] https://www.ft.com/content/a04231c2-b53e-41d0-98f5-1852c64a6987 [6] https://www.ft.com/content/705148d8-41b4-485f-8b89-002d31e5831a [7] https://www.rbc.ru/business/25/01/2025/5de615e39a79473a7d6e164c [8] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/01/russian-messaging-app-max-launches-new-payment-options-a72491 [9] https://www.ft.com/content/705148d8-41b4-485f-8b89-002d31e5831a [10] https://www.rbc.ru/technology_and_media/25/01/2025/5de615e39a79473a7d6e164c

  1. The integration of banking and payment features within Max, such as financial transactions and bill payments, highlights its ambition to replicate the economic ecosystem found in apps like WeChat, thereby boosting Russia's digital finance sector.
  2. As Max evolves to become a hub for government and state services, integrated digital identities, and the reduction of reliance on foreign services, it embodies Russia's pursuit of national control and technological self-sufficiency in the domain of general-news and technology.

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