A gap exists between quite high level of science in Russia and relatively weak development of domestic innovative production. Interviews with the actors representing Russian innovation system at different levels helped identifying four key problems: low demand for innovations from the business enterprises; failures in public administration; dwindling reproduction of research personnel; barriers to patenting «real» innovations. Discourse analysis of the interviews allowed to conclude that it is a low quality of public administration which impedes innovative development in Russia. Narrative theory served as the basis for doubts about such a conclusion, since the experts might reproduce “viral” narratives (popular stereotypes) during the interviews, reflecting the real-life patterns with distortions. Thus, the author shows perspectives for an interdisciplinary approach that combines the concepts of sociological and economic theories, to study the innovation system.