V.N. Kirillov - Ph. D. (Econ.), Associate Professor of the Department «World Economy», State University of Management (Moscow). E-mail: kirillov44@yandex.ru
V.I. Ivanova - Assistant of the Department «World Economy», State University of Management (Moscow). E-mail: Valeria.guu@yandex.ru

The study of the functioning of the Russian national innovation system in the context of country comparisons gives more detailed assessment of the main indicators of the innovation system. An important component of ongoing innovation policy and its instruments is their comparison with the best foreign samples (bench-marking). This component of innovation policy has been actively used in Korea, China, Singapore and other newly industrialized countries. For each feature, which characterizes the development and implementation of innovation policy, there are great possibilities for improvement in Russia. Coordination in the field of innovation remains a serious challenge for the Russian government. Similar problems exist in other countries. The Russian government mastered most of the channels of knowledge of the «global innovative bank of experience» (in the average level of «satisfactory»). To increase the effectiveness of innovation policy it is important to study and adapt the best international practices not occasionally, but on an ongoing basis.