Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has...

Russia considers the development of the hi-tech and innovation sector as its top priority to end the country"s dependence on raw material exports and has pledged dozens of billions of U.S. dollars on its financing.

Some analysts said the government commission could become a rival for a similar structure headed by President Dmitry Medvedev. It is not clear yet how funds will be distributed between the two commissions.

Medvedev, who positions himself as a young and technologically savvy leader, is seeking to improve the economic environment in the country and create incentives for domestic businesses to switch to a knowledge-based and innovative economy.

Analysts say Putin"s move to take over his own hi-tech commission could be linked to presidential polls due in 2012. Both he and Medvedev have not ruled out running in the elections.

MOSCOW, March 10 (RIA Novosti)