The purpose of the paper is to clarify the conceptual framework and terminology that underlies state policy formulation in the area of R&D in the Russian Federation and to propose respective amendments to effective legislation. Sources and methods. Based on comparison and analogy, the paper analyses the application the concepts of main types of research and development in Russian and international practices of state policy formulation with the aim of improving the conceptual framework of policy analysis and improving the efficiency of R&D budgeting in Russia, as well as ensuring its compatibility with other countries. Results. The authors propose approaches to normative regulation of R&D conceptual framework. The paper proposes and discusses the required amendments to the latest revision of the Federal Law on Science and State R&D Policy. Сonclusion. The lack of clearly defined concepts results in the confusion of the types of R&D in terms of which the policy of providing state support of science is formulated. As the classification of the types of R&D in Russian practice is used not only for statistical reporting, but also for strategic and budget planning, it is important to bring the conceptual framework determined by the Federal Law on Science in accordance with international standards. This would contribute to clearer formulation of state R&D policy, to improving the efficiency of state outlays on R&D and to better targeting of state interventions at R&D priorities. It will also ensure the application of a uniform approach to providing state support to R&D in the form of government funding and tax benefits.