The relevance of the topic is determined by a very difficult situation with the reproduction of the mineral resource base of the Russian Federation, in particular, with the reserves of the oil and gas complex, as well as the crucial importance of developing a scientifically based strategy for the country's further development. For this purpose, it seems necessary to analyze the assessments, conclusions and recommendations of representatives of various conceptual approaches to the problem of the resource reproduction, published in recent years, since the ongoing transformation and quite a complicated geopolitical situation, fierce discussions about the prospects of the "hydrocarbon economy" extremely actualize the identification of the main viewpoints and summarizing proposals. Based on the study of government documents, verbatim reports of meetings organized in the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, conclusions and recommendations of leading experts and business representatives, the author formed a conclusion on the noted differences in approaches, the ongoing search for a solution to the problem. The reasons for the discrepancies are seen in the doubts of a large part of experts about the reliability of the data on the available reserves, in the conclusions on the futility of directing significant efforts and funds into the extraction and processing of oil and gas resources. The author rightly insists on the need for state support for geological exploration, training of highly qualified personnel, development of sectoral science, activation of innovative processes and involvement of leading scientists in the strategies being developed.
