Abstract <p>The rapid growth of research and development in the field of artificial intelligence technologies, associated primarily with the development of digital technologies, marked a new stage of development, which was reflected both in the methodology of research into innovation activities and in the emergence of a whole group of breakthrough technologies. The article notes that artificial intelligence may have an even greater impact by becoming a new applied research method that can change the nature of innovation processes and the organization of research and development. The stages of development, expectations and results of the creation of artificial intelligence technologies are briefly outlined, and the features of generative artificial intelligence are described. The prospects for the implementation of breakthrough technologies in real sectors of the economy, such as robotics, communications, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and energy, as well as in the research and development sector, are analyzed. The article provides forecast estimates for the global and Russian artificial intelligence markets for the period up to 2035. It is noted that, according to leading analytical organizations, these markets will grow at a high rate, but expectations for their development are currently overstated and carry numerous social risks. However, the use of artificial intelligence in science will make it possible to process huge volumes of data, automate some of the routine research procedures and thereby rationalize and accelerate scientific research, build new predictive models and, ultimately, increase the effectiveness of science.</p>