Touching the problems of transition to innovative development the author draws attention to the problems originating from the 80s and 90s of the twentieth century: avalanche-like «brain drain» during the transformational crisis and the «sustainable development» raised by the RIO-92 — both relating to future generations. The author argues that light-weight relationship to the problem of «brain drain» is unacceptable, which manifests itself in a sustained trend to change the translation of the term with more emphasis on the physiology rather than intellect. The arguments in support of this position are given. Common features relating to the problems of «brain drain» and «sustainable development», allowing to identify pain points that prevent the transition of the international community and Russia to the path of sustainable development are identified.