The most pressing problems of Russia’s economy are modernization and the transition to innovation model. Important component of this transition is the development of nanoindustry. This article discusses two levels of policy–making in Russian nanotechnology – conceptual and institutional. Particular attention of the author is paid to the analysis of the development of the intellectual basis of nanosystem, and also is distinguished on unsolved problems in the field of education and social policy, which can be considered as challenges to the transition to an innovation model. As a result of the analysis, the author concludes that the current Russian system of education and training is not conformed to the basic objectives in the field of nanotechnology and innovative development.