PROGRAMME 2017

OF THE RUSSIAN INVESTMENT FORUM
February 27
09:00–10:30
Labour Relations in a Digital Economy In partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Russian Federation and the Federal Service for Labour and Employment (Rostrud) The Russian President’s address to the Federal Assembly in 2017 set the goal of launching a comprehensive programme to develop a digital economy. Are labour market institutions consistent with this challenge? The practice of teleworking is widespr...
The Russian President’s address to the Federal Assembly in 2017 set the goal of launching a comprehensive programme to develop a digital economy. Are labour market institutions consistent with this challenge? The practice of teleworking is widespread among IT specialists. Experts estimate that there may be 3–5 million such workers in Russia. As the digital economy expands, their numbers will only grow. How relevant to the image of a dynamic and modern industry are such attributes of labour relations as employment histories kept by employers, paper employment contracts sent to employees by post, and boxes containing copies of HR documents that are trawled through by labour inspectorates during inspections? Unless changes to labour market regulation are introduced, the development of a digital economy will be held back by rising administrative costs for employees and employers alike, as well as higher levels of informal employment. How can we overcome the constraints of economic growth and find a compromise between protecting workers’ rights and developing an economy for the digital era? Will there be demand for additional electronic employment services that can be delivered through the ‘Work in Russia’ portal?













09:00–10:30
Industrial Clusters: The Regional Aspect In partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation The formation of industrial clusters as part of industrial policy provides an effective tool for the implementation of the following projects designed to increase the level of technological development within industry: import substitution, involvi...
The formation of industrial clusters as part of industrial policy provides an effective tool for the implementation of the following projects designed to increase the level of technological development within industry: import substitution, involving small and medium-sized businesses as well as research and educational institutions in the cooperative chains of large enterprises; expanding the share of civilian production at enterprises in the defence industry through the transfer of advanced dual-use technologies; and exporting high-tech products. Are the development incentives for industrial clusters capable of increasing the economic independence and competitiveness of Russian enterprises? Can industrial clusters become new growth centres within regional economies? Which international best practices can be adopted by Russia to establish and develop industrial clusters? What can be done to create an effective industrial cluster?















09:00–10:30
The Challenges of the Digital Economy: The Role of Sociocultural Factors and Infrastructure in Business Growth In partnership with the All Russia Public Organization “Delovaya Rossiya” The digital economy is developing rapidly throughout the world, and is becoming an important factor in increasing a country’s competitiveness. In his address to the Russian Federal Assembly, President Vladimir Putin emphasized the key role played ...
The digital economy is developing rapidly throughout the world, and is becoming an important factor in increasing a country’s competitiveness. In his address to the Russian Federal Assembly, President Vladimir Putin emphasized the key role played by digital technology in innovative national development, and proposed that the country “launch a large-scale, systemic economic development programme for the next generation of technology.”
In order to implement this objective effectively, it is essential to take full account of both the opportunities afforded by technological progress and the inherent potential risks. In the new digital economy, growth is determined by the speed of technological development, but can only be secured by people. In this context, it is important to devote special attention to creating an environment for people, on the success or failure of whom the evolution of technology will depend. Staff training, the quality of healthcare, education, food consumption, access to the Internet – these and a number of other social aspects of the investment climate will play an ever greater role in the immediate future.














09:00–10:30
Improving Production Efficiency: A National Priority In partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Most experts agree that increasing labour productivity is one of the major potential sources of growth and increased national competitiveness for Russia, but it is not currently rising quickly enough to achieve stated economic development objectiv...
Most experts agree that increasing labour productivity is one of the major potential sources of growth and increased national competitiveness for Russia, but it is not currently rising quickly enough to achieve stated economic development objectives. This gap becomes particularly clear in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is being widely discussed across the world.
How effective are current government measures and programmes for improving productivity? What are the main constraints limiting its growth? What additional measures should be taken by the government to encourage the introduction of new production technologies? How do we avoid increasing unemployment as a result of improving labour productivity? Will Russia be able to make a qualitative leap in this area in the near term in order to keep up with global trends?










09:00–10:30
Public–Private Partnership in Sport: Problems and Prospects In partnership with the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation In recent years, Russia has achieved a breakthrough in the development of sporting infrastructure. State investment programmes made this growth in the fitness and sports industry possible, but the transition from state funding to a public–private ...
In recent years, Russia has achieved a breakthrough in the development of sporting infrastructure. State investment programmes made this growth in the fitness and sports industry possible, but the transition from state funding to a public–private partnership model is the new objective and challenge facing the sporting industry, and opening up enormous potential for its development. Current issues include the efficient use of facilities and improving the investment appeal of sporting infrastructure, particularly in the regions. What examples exist of successful implementation of public–private partnership to build and operate sporting facilities? How possible would it be to replicate these projects? Is there a difference between private and state-owned sporting facilities in terms of efficiency of use? How can the concept of sports centres be expanded during the design phase, and how can they be made more appealing to the population? How can sporting facilities fill their schedules with commercial content designed to ensure their long-term, efficient operation?







09:00–10:30
Increasing the Effectiveness of Healthcare Administration to Guarantee High-Quality Medical Care and Good Health for Russia’s Population In partnership with the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation The challenge of increasing the effectiveness of healthcare administration is a pressing agenda item for both the Russian Ministry of Healthcare and regional healthcare bodies. This includes work on illness prevention, increasing access to medical...
The challenge of increasing the effectiveness of healthcare administration is a pressing agenda item for both the Russian Ministry of Healthcare and regional healthcare bodies. This includes work on illness prevention, increasing access to medical care, and, most importantly, improving the training of medical staff, especially healthcare managers. Much is currently being done in Russia to achieve this aim. As a result of these efforts, the life expectancy of Russian citizens has risen by 1.2 years within the last three. What needs to be done to maintain this trend? How are priority projects in healthcare set to be implemented? How are employers looking out for the health of their workers, and what can be done to protect the health of Russia’s children?








11:15–12:45
Improving Access to Energy Infrastructure: Applying the Experience of Major Cities to Create New National Standards In partnership with the Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation Given the current economic situation that has arisen due to the global economic crisis, the issue of improving access to energy infrastructure has become increasingly important both for business and for the nation as a whole. Over the past three y...
Given the current economic situation that has arisen due to the global economic crisis, the issue of improving access to energy infrastructure has become increasingly important both for business and for the nation as a whole. Over the past three years, thanks to ongoing work to improve the regulatory framework and to implement a road map to expand access to the country’s energy infrastructure, Russia has been able to move up the rankings in the World Bank’s Doing Business index, climbing 135 positions in the Getting Electricity indicator. The ease of doing business in Russia was assessed by aggregating the results for two of the country’s cities: Moscow and St. Petersburg. How can the experience of Russia’s two largest cities be turned into a new standard for the entire country? Will electricity distribution companies be able to keep up the pace set by the leaders under current circumstances? What role do federal and regional regulatory agencies, as well as local government agencies, play in the implementation of new accessibility standards for energy infrastructure? What are the prospects for a similar programme that has been launched to facilitate connections to gas distribution networks? How do consumers rate what companies have done?








11:15–12:45
New Conditions for Doing Business in Russia’s Far East: First Success Stories In partnership with the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East In 2016, a comprehensive set of new conditions were introduced for investing and doing business in Russia’s Far East: advanced special economic zones (ASEZs), Vladivostok Free Port, targeted infrastructure support, and concessional financing for p...
In 2016, a comprehensive set of new conditions were introduced for investing and doing business in Russia’s Far East: advanced special economic zones (ASEZs), Vladivostok Free Port, targeted infrastructure support, and concessional financing for projects (up to 5% per annum in roubles).
The application of new tax and administrative regulations is already enabling Russia’s Far East to compete freely with leading economies in the Asia-Pacific region and with other regions of Russia for investment resources. Russia’s Far East can offer projects with a return on investment surpassing the market average, as well as access to natural resources and a qualified workforce.
The first results are already in: following the adoption of the new development tools in 2016, 24 new enterprises were launched; in 2017 the figure will be 75, with a total of 280 in the coming three years. To what extent are new development tools required, and what influence do they have on the investment market? What are the Russian Far East’s competitive advantages in comparison with Asia-Pacific countries and other regions of Russia? What impact are the Free Port and ASEZ schemes having on projects? How does accessible financial support for projects in Russia’s Far East work in practice?







11:15–12:45
Best Socioeconomic Practices: Turnkey Solutions for the Regions In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Utilities of the Russian Federation, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) In 2016, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives held the All-Russian Competition of Best Practices and Initiatives for the Socioeconomic Development of the Regions of the Russian Federation for the first time. The main distinguishing feature of the ...
In 2016, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives held the All-Russian Competition of Best Practices and Initiatives for the Socioeconomic Development of the Regions of the Russian Federation for the first time. The main distinguishing feature of the contest was the creation of tools for implementing best practices and initiatives in socioeconomic development through turnkey solutions that were jointly developed with the relevant federal authorities. Contest entries were integrated into the Trusted Solution Store provided by the Region-ID information system. What tools were used to develop the turnkey solutions? Where and in what sectors can these turnkey solutions be applied? To what extent are these solutions universal, and can they be scaled to all regions of the Russian Federation? What advantages do regions that implement turnkey solutions obtain? Are these turnkey solutions of interest to business, development institutes, and financial institutions?









11:15–12:45
Society and State: Working Together on the Regional Agenda In partnership with the Open Government The most important and complex problems of socioeconomic development can only be solved through close cooperation between society and the state. Russia is actively addressing topical issues related to infrastructure development in municipalities, ...
The most important and complex problems of socioeconomic development can only be solved through close cooperation between society and the state. Russia is actively addressing topical issues related to infrastructure development in municipalities, and local communities have been brought in to participate. However, there are still very few examples of developed systemic mechanisms that would allow society to participate in tackling strategic development problems. Which important regional development issues can society help to solve, and how should social dialogue with the state be organized? Are there examples of effective cooperation between representatives of society and business and the state in Russia?













11:15–12:45
Financing Infrastructure Projects In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation The global economic crisis has had a serious impact on the role of traditional investors in infrastructure projects. On the one hand, governments have problems financing infrastructure due to constrained public budgets, and on the other banks are ...
The global economic crisis has had a serious impact on the role of traditional investors in infrastructure projects. On the one hand, governments have problems financing infrastructure due to constrained public budgets, and on the other banks are not currently willing to provide long-term financing at affordable rates. This has led to an active search for other ways of implementing these projects. What are the most effective funding mechanisms available today? What are the main challenges that private investors encounter when financing infrastructure projects? How can we create an environment in which it is possible to reduce risk? How do public–private partnerships (PPP), concession agreements, infrastructure bonds, and other instruments work?













11:15–12:45
Budgetary Transfers to the Regions: In Search of Balance In partnership with the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation A balanced budget system is one of the key elements in the implementation of a regional policy where the primary goal is to minimize the differences in regional socioeconomic development across Russia. Improving budgetary relationships between dif...
A balanced budget system is one of the key elements in the implementation of a regional policy where the primary goal is to minimize the differences in regional socioeconomic development across Russia. Improving budgetary relationships between different levels of government is a prerequisite for ensuring a balance in public administration at the federal and regional levels. How can the organization of the interrelationships between the national and regional budgets be improved? How can the quality of the budget process and financial management of the regions be improved? What needs to be done to transition to a policy that achieves real alignment of budgets? What is more effective: imposing tough budget constraints or easing administrative regulations and expanding the powers of the regions?













11:15–12:45
Official Registration for the Self-Employed: Prospect or Pipe Dream? The Russian Government has designated a project entitled ‘Small Business and Supporting Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives’ as a priority for the country’s strategic development. According to experts, a total of between 20 and 30 million Russi...
The Russian Government has designated a project entitled ‘Small Business and Supporting Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives’ as a priority for the country’s strategic development. According to experts, a total of between 20 and 30 million Russians are unofficially self-employed; that is, they conduct business activity but do not pay taxes and do not register with the authorities. How can these people be brought out of the shadows? What incentives is the state prepared to offer the self-employed to encourage them to legally register their businesses? The self-employed are certainly aware of the state’s desire to shed light on a significant sector of the economy (which is continuing to grow amid a worsening labour market), and along with that, its desire to recoup lost tax and pension contributions. However, first and foremost, the goal of these measures must be to support the self-employed; it is essential to explain the advantages of conducting business legally and openly. Indeed, the state should seek to assist and develop an institution of ‘household businesses’ in Russia. Why do small business owners prefer to remain in the shadows? Are insufficient knowledge and expertise a justification, or an excuse for not legally registering a business?










11:15–12:45
The Judicial System and Doing Business Safely: Recent Trends Business security issues remain a critical factor in improving the level of real business activity and in deciding whether to open a new business in Russia. Improvements in this area are the subject of joint work by the Institute of the Commission...
Business security issues remain a critical factor in improving the level of real business activity and in deciding whether to open a new business in Russia. Improvements in this area are the subject of joint work by the Institute of the Commissioner for Entrepreneurs’ Rights, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, and law enforcement agencies. What are the latest achievements in this area? How are legislative innovations being applied and are they effective? What needs to be done in the near future and how do business leaders assess their level of protection? What steps should be taken to further improve Russian legislation and the judicial system and contribute to the ongoing establishment of a comfortable business environment for investors and entrepreneurs?










16:00–17:30
The Green Economy as a Vector of Development In partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation<br />In cooperation with Norilsk Nickel The green economy is a vector for the sustainable development of the regions. The tools of this economy are innovative green technologies. These technologies are based on resource and energy conservation, reducing carbon emissions, clean transport...
The green economy is a vector for the sustainable development of the regions. The tools of this economy are innovative green technologies. These technologies are based on resource and energy conservation, reducing carbon emissions, clean transport, alternative sources of energy, organic agriculture, eco-development, and many other areas that allow the economy to grow sustainably without harming nature and while preserving a healthy environment for people to enjoy. How can the interests and capabilities of the state, business, and regional population be taken into account in the development of the green economy? Who determines the criteria for a green economy? What is the potential of this sector, and what are its prospects for growth in Russia?




















16:00–17:30
Diversifying the Defence Industry and Regional Development: A Strategy for Change By invitation Board of the Military–Industrial Commission of the Russian Federation in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and organizations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly in 20...
Board of the Military–Industrial Commission of the Russian Federation in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and organizations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly in 2017 set the objective of harnessing the potential of the defence industry to manufacture modern, high-tech, and competitive civilian products.
How can measures be introduced to help expand the production of domestic civilian goods and equipment? What kind of problems will be encountered in implementing domestic projects? How can cooperation between the various stakeholders be improved in order to achieve success in these areas?






16:00–17:30
SMEs: Formula for Success In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Russia has instituted a system of support for SMEs that is aimed at providing financial, material, and other forms of assistance. What major outcomes of supporting SMEs have been achieved? How is support provided for startups? What is the mechanis...
Russia has instituted a system of support for SMEs that is aimed at providing financial, material, and other forms of assistance. What major outcomes of supporting SMEs have been achieved? How is support provided for startups? What is the mechanism for involving SMEs in the procurement procedures of large state-owned companies? Are Russian SMEs able to cope with the mandated quality requirements and delivery terms and volumes? Do SMEs have access to financing?

















16:00–17:30
Modernizing Regional Education and Development Potential The quality and accessibility of human capital have become a mission-critical factor for investment and economic activity. Education, at both the primary and secondary levels, is the foundation for quality human capital. Yet governments in some re...
The quality and accessibility of human capital have become a mission-critical factor for investment and economic activity. Education, at both the primary and secondary levels, is the foundation for quality human capital. Yet governments in some regions often treat this area as a costly expense, diverting resources from other important tasks. The education system is not asked to make a meaningful contribution to regional development. Some regions, however, hold a vision of the future where human capital plays a key role. These regions are striving to ensure that their populations are technologically literate, developing specialized education, integrating extracurricular and core education into secondary schools, involving secondary students in social projects, and working out how to retain talent within their regions.












16:00–17:30
Project Management: How to Avoid Developing Unviable Strategies In partnership with the Project Management Department of the Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Today, project management is a critical step in creating a management culture not only in business, but in government too. Since the end of 2016, the Russian Government has launched a number of priority projects, which are designed to provide tang...
Today, project management is a critical step in creating a management culture not only in business, but in government too. Since the end of 2016, the Russian Government has launched a number of priority projects, which are designed to provide tangible social and economic benefits for the majority of citizens in an environment where administrative, human, and financial resources are limited. The implementation of these projects requires transparent management, efficiency, sound decision-making, and high-quality planning, which can all be guaranteed by applying project management principles.
How can priority projects be incorporated into the strategic development agenda? What experience can the regions offer in developing strategic plans and implementing them in practice? How can unviable strategies be avoided? How will the project management and public administration system evolve in the future?











16:00–17:30
The Modern City: Shaping a Comfortable Environment by Managing the Economy In partnership with the Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Utilities of the Russian Federation Urban infrastructure must be created and managed to ensure a high level of comfort for residents in all regions. Current efforts to establish a comfortable urban environment are defined by the generalized application of best practices, which are u...
Urban infrastructure must be created and managed to ensure a high level of comfort for residents in all regions. Current efforts to establish a comfortable urban environment are defined by the generalized application of best practices, which are used as a template that is replicated. The priority is to carry out beautification and public amenities projects, which must take account of the views of residents. How can we ensure the integrated development and management of urban infrastructure? How can we interest and involve residents in creating the future of their cities? What financial tools are needed to effectively develop cities? Do we currently have sufficient human resources to achieve the goals that we have set?