Learn how SAP Labs CIS engages intensively with local industries to develop cutting-edge innovations and leverages one of the biggest markets for engineering graduates in the world.
SAP Labs CIS is one of two market-focused labs in the SAP Labs Network (the other is SAP Labs Latin America). The location’s focus is on developing and adapting solutions and providing support for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which is made up of 11 countries in the region, formed mainly from former Soviet Republics.
SAP Labs CIS began operations in June 2012 and has more than 300 employees today. Headquarters is in Moscow but there are also two additional offices in Russia — Saint Petersburg and Izhevsk — and one in the Ukraine — Kiev.
Putting a high emphasis on co-innovation and collaboration with the local ecosystem, SAP Labs CIS engages in projects with customers and partners from such dominant local industries as metal and mining, oil and gas, agriculture, and healthcare. It also cooperates closely with the Russian government on innovation programs.
The location’s support units deliver services not only to CIS customers, but also to other regions via the Center of Expertise and Mission Control Center, located in Saint Petersburg.
In June 2016, SAP Executive Board Member Bernd Leukert officially opened an Internet of Things (IoT) solution center in Moscow powered by the local SAP Co-Innovation Lab. This center’s goals are to enter a dialog with local customers and partners on innovative ideas; give them a way to explore the latest technologies and ideas in the areas of IoT, Industry 4.0, and cloud computing; and to provide expertise and technical support to local developers.
SAP’s development activities in CIS are benefitted by Russia’s prolific production of highly qualified engineering graduates — only China and India produce more engineering talent. According to World Economic Forum, in 2015 Russia produced more than 450,000 graduates in the sciences and engineering.
Since 2011, SAP has been a key partner of Skolkovo Foundation, the “Russian Silicon Valley.” As a part of this partnership, SAP Labs CIS is sponsoring the Russia Startup Village, the largest annual startup event within the innovative ecosystem in Russia. Skolkovo aims to grow the local ecosystem, incubate, accelerate, and support the most promising startups. In partnership with them, SAP can enhance development of Russian IT market to reach its potential, what would in its turn create better conditions for SAP to operate in.
