Evolution of research and development in the field of artificial intelligence technologies for healthcare in the Russian Federation: results of 2021

The use of artificial intelligence technologies in Russian healthcare is a priority area for implementing a national strategy for the development of artificial intelligence in the country. The introduction of digital solutions based on artificial intelligence in healthcare facilities should improve the standard of living of the population and the quality of medical care, including areas of preventive examinations, diagnostics based on image analysis, prediction of disease development, selection of optimal drug dosages, reducing the threat of pandemics, and automating and increasing the accuracy of surgical interventions.

Policy management and technical regulation are under development in the field of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The domestic market for relevant solutions has been created, and some products have been certified as medical devices from Roszdravnadzor (Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare). Various teams of scientists are conducting research. However, Russia is still behind the leading countries in the field of artificial intelligence, such as the United States and China. Investments in healthcare products based on artificial intelligence decreased significantly in 2021. The major reasons for the lag, at least in terms of market indicators, are low demand and the inability of state medical organizations to fund artificial intelligence projects. There are also other issues related to trust in the safety and effectiveness of such solutions.