In this series of posts, Tatyana Strashnenko (Strategic Planning Director TBWA\Moscow) celebrates Russian innovation with disruption stories from the country’s past and present.

The final part of our look at innovative Russian ideas.

The exploits of Peter the Great (ruler of Russia from 1682 to 1725) can be seen as a good illustration of how having a strong Vision can totally re-shape a system.

Peter changed the country by having a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve: to turn Russia into a progressive European state and to shed its image as a medieval “northern neighbour”.

He invited foreign specialists to the country and sent young Russians to study abroad. He constructed a port city on unpromising marshland, but with an opening onto the Baltic Sea that connected his country to Europe. He built Russia’s first fleet and strengthened its army. He encouraged the introduction of modern fashions (encouraging noblemen to shave off their beards, for example). In short, he led a technological and cultural leap that put Russia in line with the strongest empires of the world. He did this by overturning conventions and adopting a new behaviour.

Far more recently, Roman Abramovich demonstrated disruptive thinking by buying Chelsea football club in 2003. At that time, his rivals were plunging millions into natural resources within Russia. Abramovich’s move not only paid off financially, it also propelled him into the gossip columns and made him a leading figure in European life. He could have remained the wealthy governor of an obscure province. His foresight recalls that of Peter the Great and proves, once again, that when it comes to innovation, we Russians know how to play the game.

To read part one, click here. For part two, click here.