The article discusses the differences between orthodox and heterodox economics, showing that many academic economists in Russia are heterodox. It also reveals that both Russian and foreign non-orthodox economists lack knowledge of current mainstream economic trends. The author highlights challenges facing the further development of heterodox economics, with some economists criticizing the mainstream while others resist the autonomy of heterodox economics. The author suggests two paths for the future growth of heterodox economics: integration into the mainstream through mathematization or moving into other social sciences. The focus should be on creating new non-orthodox economic concepts rather than caricaturing the mainstream.