The article shows the role and importance of cross-border economic, scientific and technical interactions for strengthening the eastern vector of spatial development of Russia, especially Siberia and the Far East. The Republic of Tuva, being an integral spatial part of Siberia, can become not only a transit and transport link in the logistics systems of Russia, Mongolia and China, but it also can be a full-fledged participant in international and interregional value chains. Such integration of Tuva into cross-border interactions will ensure sustainable development, realize all the rich natural resource, historical and cultural potential of this unique territory. One of the most striking examples of cross-border scientific and technical cooperation is the launch of the international program “Experiment Ubsunur” in the early 90s. Its mission was to study and preserve the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the trans-border Ubsunur basin and ecosystems of Central Asia. Definitely the implementation of the “Ubsunur Experiment” program made a significant contribution to the development of science and innovation in Tuva in the late 20th - early 21st centuries. Accumulated scientific potential of the Republic of Tuva makes it possible to start implementing the updated “Ubsunur 2.0” program. The last program is focused on continuing the development of the Ubsunur International Center for Biosphere Research taking into account modern opportunities, challenges and threats.