The study analyzes the modern youth policy of the Russian Federation using the methodological foundations of the theory of human capital. In this context, the criteria for the efficiency of youth policy are defined. The authors argue that youth policy is one of the priority areas of activity that determines the improvement of the country’s human capital. Moreover, it is possible to designate the formation and development of well-rounded young people who demonstrate initiative, are responsible and patriotic, have an active civic position, beliefs and a system of values, and take an active part in political and public life.

This article is concerned with the features of the Russian national innovative system as the set of related various institutional structures in the context of the impact on the national sustainable development. The ability to quickly and efficiently master innovations, the speed of institutional changes and the openness of the economic system are analyzed as risks to the NIS development. It is shown that the low innovation susceptibility of society can become a serious obstacle on the way to the effective NIS. A range of issues related to the influence of political and sociocultural factors on the technological and investment abilities and capabilities of the country is problematized, the features of the functioning and development of the Russian national innovative system are shown.