"A set of measures should be formulated, aimed at establishing large national research centers on priority areas of high technology development in Russia," Putin told a session of the Russian President's Council on Science, Technology and Education.
The Russian leader also said an organization should be created within the Education and Science Ministry to support innovation activity in the country.
Earlier Tuesday, Putin proposed granting tax benefits for research and development work.
As the Russian economy develops and benefits from rising world oil prices, the government is seeking measures to reduce the country's dependence on raw material exports and stimulate high value-added production.
"The tax system still fails to stimulate the production of high value-added products. There are virtually no benefits for research and development," Putin said.