This article discusses the issues with creating an innovation infrastructure for efficient knowledge transfer in Russia and, in particular, in the St. Petersburg region. Despite many infrastructural organizations already existing, the innovative activity in the country is comparatively low. The aim of this research is to analyze institutional interconnections and interactions of the educational, scientific, production and technological components of Russia?s (St. Petersburg region) innovation infrastructure and to reveal the barriers preventing efficient knowledge transfer. The region situated in the northwest of Russia includes the second largest metropolis of the country, a city with rich traditions of higher education, research and a long industrial history. Firstly, the key elements of its infrastructure and main characteristics are described. Furthermore, the major problems are revealed including the problems of financing and intellectual property protection, searching the right personnel, etc. This research is based on the results of an expert poll in 2010-2011 among the managers of St. Petersburg infrastructural organizations.