On March 27, 2026, Moscow hosted the Global Tech Forum—one of the key events dedicated to business digital transformation. With dozens of sessions, hundreds of exhibitors, and thousands of attendees, the forum became a powerful platform for discussing current trends, sharing expertise, and building new partnerships.
Here are the key takeaways on the shifting landscape of digitalisation, the sobering reality of the AI market, and the evolving dialogue between industry and the state.
Digitalization: Moving Beyond Trends for the Sake of Trends
For years, many companies pursued digitalization as a matter of fashion—without rethinking processes, selecting reliable vendors, or defining clear objectives. As a result, investments were made, but no tangible impact was achieved. Today, the market is learning from its mistakes. Before automating, businesses are increasingly conducting process maturity audits and formalizing documentation before finally selecting tools. These solutions are not always massive, complex platforms; sometimes, a small but highly targeted solution is sufficient. Digitalization remains a strategic priority, but companies are now asking a more important question: "Why do we actually need this?”
Artificial Intelligence: Its Actual Status
AI was a central topic in nearly every session, but the tone was far from euphoric. Speakers discussed AI with respect—but without illusions. One of the Forum's most intensive sessions was dedicated to state support measures for IT and automation, with the regulation of AI at the center of the discussion. The participants analyzed the approaches of various countries toward AI regulation:
China: Actively reduces barriers in AI-related Research and Development (R&D). offering tax incentives, simplified data access, and grant support with minimal bureaucracy. The goal is clear: accelerate innovation.
Brazil: By contrast, has taken a highly regulated approach—introducing laws, supervisory bodies, and certification requirements. Yet it is not a global leader in AI, whether in investment, startups, or public sector adoption. Speakers cited it as a cautionary example: strict regulation without a technological foundation creates barriers for local players without protecting them from foreign giants.
Here are the key takeaways on the shifting landscape of digitalisation, the sobering reality of the AI market, and the evolving dialogue between industry and the state.
Digitalization: Moving Beyond Trends for the Sake of Trends
For years, many companies pursued digitalization as a matter of fashion—without rethinking processes, selecting reliable vendors, or defining clear objectives. As a result, investments were made, but no tangible impact was achieved. Today, the market is learning from its mistakes. Before automating, businesses are increasingly conducting process maturity audits and formalizing documentation before finally selecting tools. These solutions are not always massive, complex platforms; sometimes, a small but highly targeted solution is sufficient. Digitalization remains a strategic priority, but companies are now asking a more important question: "Why do we actually need this?”
Artificial Intelligence: Its Actual Status
AI was a central topic in nearly every session, but the tone was far from euphoric. Speakers discussed AI with respect—but without illusions. One of the Forum's most intensive sessions was dedicated to state support measures for IT and automation, with the regulation of AI at the center of the discussion. The participants analyzed the approaches of various countries toward AI regulation:
China: Actively reduces barriers in AI-related Research and Development (R&D). offering tax incentives, simplified data access, and grant support with minimal bureaucracy. The goal is clear: accelerate innovation.
Brazil: By contrast, has taken a highly regulated approach—introducing laws, supervisory bodies, and certification requirements. Yet it is not a global leader in AI, whether in investment, startups, or public sector adoption. Speakers cited it as a cautionary example: strict regulation without a technological foundation creates barriers for local players without protecting them from foreign giants.
India: The most radical approach. The country has consciously opted out of AI regulation at the state level to avoid hindering adoption. The logic is simple: in a "catch-up" position (relative to the US and China), time is more valuable than perfect security. For now, India relies on guidelines and voluntary frameworks, allowing the market to self-regulate. This approach carries risks—but they are consciously accepted in favor of rapid deployment.
What Path Is Russia Choosing?
Russia has not yet adopted a comprehensive AI law, which continues to spark debate. On one hand, regulatory freedom enables faster development; on the other, it creates uncertainty. Speakers agreed that certain areas require priority regulation
Requirements must be differentiated: a startup cannot be held to the same standards as Rosatom or Sber.
Security tools discussed within the draft law include secure AI development, testing (at specialized ranges or by experts), and a technology registry.
A key conclusion emerged: there is no universal model for AI regulation. Each country must find its own balance between control and innovation. For Russia, still in a catch-up position, the priority is clear—not to fall further behind. The government is interested in AI development and expects businesses not just to showcase impressive technologies, but to be ready to pilot them in real-world environments.
Digital Culture
The closing session of the Forum was dedicated to the humans. It is becoming evident that AI will not replace humans, but humans will be replaced by other humans—those who have mastered AI more quickly. Speakers suggested that companies should revise their hiring approaches, and candidates should add the following to their resumes:
These skills will become mandatory in the near future.
Conclusion
Global Tech Forum 2026 demonstrated that Russia’s digitalization market is entering a new stage of maturity. Checkbox projects are fading away, replaced by pragmatism, process audits, and clearly defined goals. The AI discussion has shifted from hype to a practical search for balance between freedom and control. The main conclusion: technology alone solves nothing. Success is determined by people, their willingness to learn, and their ability to acquire new competencies. Prompt engineering and understanding the limitations of AI are no longer the future—they are the present. Those who recognize this will emerge as the winners.
What Path Is Russia Choosing?
Russia has not yet adopted a comprehensive AI law, which continues to spark debate. On one hand, regulatory freedom enables faster development; on the other, it creates uncertainty. Speakers agreed that certain areas require priority regulation
- Critical Information Infrastructure: Energy, transport, and communication facilities;
- State Information Systems;
- Mass Market Services: Services with an audience exceeding 100,000 users per day (equated to information distribution organizers).
Requirements must be differentiated: a startup cannot be held to the same standards as Rosatom or Sber.
Security tools discussed within the draft law include secure AI development, testing (at specialized ranges or by experts), and a technology registry.
A key conclusion emerged: there is no universal model for AI regulation. Each country must find its own balance between control and innovation. For Russia, still in a catch-up position, the priority is clear—not to fall further behind. The government is interested in AI development and expects businesses not just to showcase impressive technologies, but to be ready to pilot them in real-world environments.
Digital Culture
The closing session of the Forum was dedicated to the humans. It is becoming evident that AI will not replace humans, but humans will be replaced by other humans—those who have mastered AI more quickly. Speakers suggested that companies should revise their hiring approaches, and candidates should add the following to their resumes:
- Proficiency in neural networks;
- Prompt engineering;
- Working with AI agents.
These skills will become mandatory in the near future.
Conclusion
Global Tech Forum 2026 demonstrated that Russia’s digitalization market is entering a new stage of maturity. Checkbox projects are fading away, replaced by pragmatism, process audits, and clearly defined goals. The AI discussion has shifted from hype to a practical search for balance between freedom and control. The main conclusion: technology alone solves nothing. Success is determined by people, their willingness to learn, and their ability to acquire new competencies. Prompt engineering and understanding the limitations of AI are no longer the future—they are the present. Those who recognize this will emerge as the winners.