Based on the analysis of the powers of the Russian Federation and its subjects in the scientific and technical sphere, the article shows that despite the constitutional consolidation of the sphere of science as joint powers of the regions and the federal center, in fact, in most cases, the development of science is exclusively the task of the Russian Federation. Therefore, the expenditures of the federal budget determine the direction of financing and development of science. The paper analyzes both the dynamics of the main parameters of financing within the program budget and the first major results obtained under the new conditions in 2013-2016. It is shown that the efficiency of expenditures on science has significantly increased. However, a separate analysis is required both for the quality of the obtained scientific results and the results of institutional reforms in the sector of research and development.