While much of the world is enjoying the third generation (3G) of mobile networks, some countries have already moved on to the next generation, called WiMax (4G). Among them, Russia is at the cutting edge of technology, poised to become the next IT empire.
Until recently, Russia was said to be a latecomer to the great technological game. The country was unable to play an important role in the current international IT revolution and was ceding leadership not only to the United States, but also to other emerging powers, such as India and China, despite many comparative advantages, such as its strong tradition in engineering and science. But this time is over now and a new generation of IT businessmen is creating a new version of Silicon Valley, following the government’s call for a Russian high-tech haven.
Albert Avdolyan might be one of the most relevant and successful examples of these game changers. Like many of his young entrepreneurial contemporaries, Avdolyan has built his company on rational business models rather than political networks. This new generation does not have the same reflexes that the so-called oligarchs inherited from the USSR. They were very young when the Soviet Union collapsed and they do not count on the Kremlin to support their businesses. Avdolyan’s company, Expatel, is now the rising star of Russian telecommunication and is highly ambitious, hoping to establish a global brand. That would be a rarity for Russia.
Within less than two years, Expatel has become one of Russia’s leaders in WiMax technology (4G), a technology which enables smartphones to become faster and more efficient. This technology will revolutionize the future of mobile Internet worldwide.
The government has clear goals, especially President Dmitri Medvedev, who has cultivated the image of a tech-savvy liberal. Russia wants the denizens of its Silicon Valley to create lucrative inventions that will help break the economy’s dependence on the sale of oil and gas. The Russian government wants its own Silicon Valley to emerge – a new version based on the excellence of the Russian educational and research system. The government’s ambition is admirable. But young entrepreneurs, such as Albert Avdolyan, were born and raised with a ‘liberal’ outlook. They are not looking to the Kremlin to help build their fortunes through political friendships. They are looking at California and its progressive and creative environment and they don’t need anyone’s help to achieve their goals.
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