This paper analyzes the activities of state corporations (SC) and their key role in the development of innovative economy of Russia. The authors discuss the reasons for the formation, reorganization and liquidation of SC. A considerable attention is paid to the main indicators characterizing SCs (primarily, industrial SCs of “Rostech” and “Rosatom”, as leaders of innovative development of domestic economy) The authors draw attention to the fact that at the present time a unified approach to assessment of efficiency of SCactivity has not developedin the Russian society. In this connection, they express their view on this issue, which is to ensure that the potential of such organizational form as a SC in Russia is far from being exhausted and in the future may be used to improve innovative development, efficiency and competitiveness of the domestic economy.