Programme 2019

February 14

08:30–10:00 Evolution of High-Profile Investment Project Finance: In Search of Balance In partnership with Gazprombank. By personal invitation only Medium-term national economy development plans are unprecedented due to their scale. Hundreds of projects will be implemented in accordance with those plans, and their financing would depend upon the ability to strike a balance between the interes...: Medium-term national economy development plans are unprecedented due to their scale. Hundreds of projects will be implemented in accordance with those plans, and their financing would depend upon the ability to strike a balance between the interests of investors, lenders and state institutions. What are the ways to balance interests of all stakeholders? How could due quality of investment projects preparation be ensured? Could mega-projects slow down fast-paced developers’ business? Do the banks have the required expertise and ability to lower their requirements to investors and projects?

08:30–10:00 The City as a Focal Point for National Projects By personal invitation only Collaboration – specifically partnerships between regional and municipal governments, business and public activists – is a key trend in urban development. This business breakfast will bring together professionals from all of these sectors, as well...: Collaboration – specifically partnerships between regional and municipal governments, business and public activists – is a key trend in urban development. This business breakfast will bring together professionals from all of these sectors, as well as urban development experts, around one table. Speakers representing each sector will highlight areas where the interests and expertise of all groups involved in urban development intersect. They will also answer a number of key questions: what are the most pressing issues when it comes to implementing national projects? How can PPP mechanisms be applied effectively in order to achieve national objectives? In what way can they have a practical effect on citizens, raise their quality of life, and improve the situation in cities and regions? What is the city of the future? How can international practice be applied to make cities more comfortable to live in? How can national projects help bring living standards in Russian cities closer to world-class levels, and consequently, make them as attractive as possible to residents? Where should the funds needed to achieve these aims come from? How can investment help improve the quality and effectiveness of national projects?

08:30–09:45 Broadcast National Champions Pitch Session Russia is currently home to a group of a few hundred competitive, fast-growing, highly innovative private companies with a strong entrepreneurial base. Many of them are ready to expand their businesses and become leaders on the national or even gl...: Russia is currently home to a group of a few hundred competitive, fast-growing, highly innovative private companies with a strong entrepreneurial base. Many of them are ready to expand their businesses and become leaders on the national or even global market. Since 2016, a number of these companies have applied and been accepted onto the Ministry of Economic Development’s priority project, ‘Supporting Leading Private High-Tech Companies’ (also known as ‘National Champions’). As things stand, 62 companies have been accepted onto the scheme. Participating companies receive comprehensive support from the Ministry in their dealings with government authorities, development institutions, and companies in which the state is a shareholder. How can we help companies communicate with banks and investment firms and obtain loans and investment? What achievements and future projects can the companies taking part in the National Champions scheme share with us?

Award Ceremony for New Contestants in the National Champions Project

08:30–09:45 Broadcast Developing Socially-Oriented Education in Russia’s Universities A great deal of attention is currently being paid to the creation of a social infrastructure, support for social non-profit organizations and projects with social impact, and the role the voluntary sector, volunteering, and corporate social respon...: A great deal of attention is currently being paid to the creation of a social infrastructure, support for social non-profit organizations and projects with social impact, and the role the voluntary sector, volunteering, and corporate social responsibility might play in tackling social issues. Against this background, issues relating to the development of human capital, whether that means fostering a culture of social engagement or providing professional training for specialists with the competencies and skills required to drive social progress, are somewhat neglected. Tackling this important challenge is particularly relevant to the post-Soviet education model, which has focused attention on students’ individual achievements and competitiveness, leading to a gap between the personal and community aspects of young people’s development. How can Russian universities overcome this gap in order to systematically develop socially-oriented education in Russia? What kind of educational programmes and practices are needed to shape a new socially-responsible generation, from those working in social services, non-profit employees, social entrepreneurs, and social communications professionals – those who have chosen the field as their profession – to businesspeople, government employees, and representatives from all parts of our society? What role can be played by the state, non-profits, and businesses in all this?

08:30–09:45 Broadcast The Role of the Regions in Popularizing Entrepreneurship One of the areas of concern of the Small and Medium-sized Business and Supporting Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives National Project is popularizing entrepreneurship. In today’s Russia, people tend not to take a great deal of interest in entr...: One of the areas of concern of the Small and Medium-sized Business and Supporting Individual Entrepreneurial Initiatives National Project is popularizing entrepreneurship. In today’s Russia, people tend not to take a great deal of interest in entrepreneurship. According to data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, only 5% of respondents expressed a desire to start a business. However, there is considerable potential for growth in the SME sector by encouraging entrepreneurial activity and promoting entrepreneurship. Russia’s regions have a major role to play in tackling these challenges. Which tools are most effective? Are there universal recipes for success? How can mistakes be avoided? Which tools for popularizing entrepreneurship would businesses suggest?

08:30–09:45 Broadcast Exporting Agricultural Output: The Regional Agenda Russia’s ambitions to export products on the global food market directly depend on the effectiveness of regional agricultural policies and agendas. Different regional agendas approach the challenges around modernizing agriculture and reassessing t...: Russia’s ambitions to export products on the global food market directly depend on the effectiveness of regional agricultural policies and agendas. Different regional agendas approach the challenges around modernizing agriculture and reassessing the direction it should take quite differently. Various regions are seeing export potential in their own regional products and drumming up foreign consumer interest in them. How might we effectively create a portfolio of regional products for export? What development strategies for export are regions choosing? What international experience might we take into account when formulating effective regional export strategies?

08:30–09:45 Broadcast The Competitiveness of the Regions through the Prism of Increasing Labour Productivity: How to Engage, Manage, and Motivate Increasing labour productivity is one of the key tasks set out in the Russian President’s May Decree and in the Labour Productivity and Supporting Employment National Project. In the majority of Russia’s non-commodity sectors, productivity could b...: Increasing labour productivity is one of the key tasks set out in the Russian President’s May Decree and in the Labour Productivity and Supporting Employment National Project. In the majority of Russia’s non-commodity sectors, productivity could be increased by 50–100%; there is also huge potential to expand exports, as well as significant opportunities in the domestic market. What systemic measures is the government putting in place to help companies increase labour productivity? What needs to improve in terms of the way the authorities and business cooperate in order to achieve the targets set out in the national project? How can the experience gained in raising productivity be scaled up in practice? What practical advantages can participants enjoy in terms of improved productivity and success in new markets?

08:30–09:45 Broadcast Public Financial Literacy as the Basis for Financial Stability The Ministry of Finance has carried out a study of financial literacy in Russia’s regions, and compiled a regional ranking on the basis of this data. From 2019, this ranking, which evaluates the public’s financial literacy knowledge, skills, and a...: The Ministry of Finance has carried out a study of financial literacy in Russia’s regions, and compiled a regional ranking on the basis of this data. From 2019, this ranking, which evaluates the public’s financial literacy knowledge, skills, and attitudes, will be updated yearly. The results of the study will be revealed at the Forum in Sochi. During this session, Russian and international experts in financial literacy training will answer questions about the most effective ways to spread the word about financial literacy, and discuss key issues and problems related to protecting the rights of consumers of financial services.

Award Ceremony for the Winners of Russia’s First Regional Financial Literacy Index, with First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation – Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation Anton Siluanov

08:30–09:45 Broadcast Ecology as a Measure of Quality of Life The Environment National Project was approved in late 2018, and is the biggest, most systemic project to preserve Russia’s unique natural environment in the country’s post-Soviet history. Total funding for the project is more than RUB 4 trillion, ...: The Environment National Project was approved in late 2018, and is the biggest, most systemic project to preserve Russia’s unique natural environment in the country’s post-Soviet history. Total funding for the project is more than RUB 4 trillion, of which over RUB 3.5 trillion will come from private sources.
Eleven federal projects are to be implemented by 2024, including: effective waste management, the clean-up of hazardous accumulated environmental damage, and a drastic reduction in air pollution in major industrial centres. There are also plans to improve the quality of drinking water and clean up bodies of water, including the Volga River, Lake Baikal, and Lake Teletskoye; to preserve biodiversity and create new specially protected natural areas; and to increase the area covered by restored forests; etc. How will project implementation impact the lives of ordinary Russians? How realistic is it that all of the objectives set out in the national project will be achieved? These questions will be discussed by representatives from government and business, as well as experts involved in the national project.

08:30–09:45 Developing the Power Grid in the Russian Regions in an Era of Global Technological Change Digital transformation of power systems will make it possible to accelerate socioeconomic growth in the regions, increase energy security by creating new possibilities for infrastructure, and significantly improve people’s quality of life thanks t...: Digital transformation of power systems will make it possible to accelerate socioeconomic growth in the regions, increase energy security by creating new possibilities for infrastructure, and significantly improve people’s quality of life thanks to new standards of service. How will digitalization affect regional economies? How can we use digitalization to improve life for people living in the regions and provide the right environment for the development of small, medium-sized, and large businesses? What tools and mechanisms for long-term tariff regulation should be considered in order to tackle the challenges of digital transformation in Russia’s regions?

09:30–11:00 Broadcast Digital Transformation and Quality of Life from a Regional Perspective Sberbank Panel Session All countries are committed to digital transformation. Business models are changing. People’s behaviour is changing. The pace of transformation is staggering. New technologies disrupt the way we live and produce, manage, and make decisions in virt...: All countries are committed to digital transformation. Business models are changing. People’s behaviour is changing. The pace of transformation is staggering. New technologies disrupt the way we live and produce, manage, and make decisions in virtually all areas. Digital transformation manifests itself in many global trends, such as big data, AI, IoT, etc. Data is the new oil. Leading digital nations come top in the quality of life rating. The Russian Digital Economy programme is shaping federal and regional agendas. Some Russian regions have already started to implement best digitization practices. Does digital transformation affect quality of life? What needs to be done to become a global leader in digital transformation and quality of life?

09:45–11:45 Broadcast National Projects and the Regions: Key Questions at the Beginning of the Road Work on the national projects is entering a practical phase. Project (programme) passports have been developed, and key targets have been identified, along with those responsible for meeting them at the federal level. Key performance indicators ha...: Work on the national projects is entering a practical phase. Project (programme) passports have been developed, and key targets have been identified, along with those responsible for meeting them at the federal level. Key performance indicators have been established for the leaders of Russia’s regions, and agreements will soon be signed between the centre and the regions on implementing the national projects. In order to continue this work, the Government of the Russian Federation and the country’s regions will need to answer some fundamental questions. How should work on the projects be organized in the regions? Do the regions have the powers they need to achieve the goals that have been set? What management tools can be employed? What is the financial status of the regions involved in implementing national projects? Do Russia’s regions have sufficient revenue to achieve the goals that have been set? How will this achievement be monitored?

10:00–11:30 Broadcast Bringing Care Closer: New Possibilities for Rural Russia In partnership with Russian Post and Post Bank Providing access to basic healthcare, educational, financial, and public services is an extremely important issue today for rural areas, where every fourth resident of Russia resides. Villages, particularly remote and hard-to-reach areas, often la...: Providing access to basic healthcare, educational, financial, and public services is an extremely important issue today for rural areas, where every fourth resident of Russia resides. Villages, particularly remote and hard-to-reach areas, often lack the necessary social, telecommunication, and other infrastructure. Oftentimes, the only socially significant facilities in these populated areas are a post office and sometimes a shop. Due to the lack of prospects for business development and generating profit, major retailers do not come to remote and/or sparsely populated areas. There are usually no pharmacies or health clinics, and banks are leaving due to the low demand for services and low profit margins. As a result, the local population has difficulties performing basic financial operations – opening an account, withdrawing cash, paying for utility services, obtaining and repaying loans both to individuals and for small business development – as well as getting access to social and medical services. This all leads to people leaving their homes in search of work and a better life in big cities. It is clear that the problem needs to be resolved ‘here and now’, by combining the efforts of the state, business, and the expert community. Is there a solution to the problem of infrastructural isolation in areas which are hard to reach and far away from regional centres? How can we support the infrastructure of these towns and settlements at the level enjoyed by regional centres and large cities? How can we avoid infringing the rights of local populations and meet their basic needs for food and medicine, good-quality telecommunications, and modern financial services? Is business currently ready to support the state in ensuring access to social services in rural areas, and, most importantly, are there practical examples of this readiness? What could major market players from various sectors do to improve this situation, both separately and working in partnership with each other?

10:15–11:30 Broadcast Social Entrepreneurship as a Factor Contributing to the Country’s Wellbeing In the current economic environment characterized by harsh competition, ever more companies and entrepreneurs are expressing their readiness not only to turn a profit, but also to solve important social problems. Ensuring equal access for all citi...: In the current economic environment characterized by harsh competition, ever more companies and entrepreneurs are expressing their readiness not only to turn a profit, but also to solve important social problems. Ensuring equal access for all citizens to high-quality social services, and attracting entrepreneurs into this area, could provide a new source of growth and improve quality of life. In today’s Russia, it is vitally necessary to create a social ecology which prioritizes not profit but better living conditions, through harnessing all the resources of the state, business, and society. What must be in place in order to create an integrated system for socioeconomic development in the regions and the country as a whole? How are existing measures for supporting social entrepreneurship working? Do they meet today’s standards and requirements? What efforts must the regions make to create an environment for developing socioeconomic potential?

Awards Ceremony for Winners of the Best Social Project of the Year Competition for Social Entrepreneurship Projects

10:15–11:30 Broadcast Preserve and Enrich: Implementing the National Culture Project The aims of the national project for culture are to increase public interest in Russia’s national cultural heritage and to create an environment in which citizens can develop their creative potential. This, in turn, will require the building of a ...: The aims of the national project for culture are to increase public interest in Russia’s national cultural heritage and to create an environment in which citizens can develop their creative potential. This, in turn, will require the building of a diversified infrastructure throughout Russia which meets the needs of contemporary society; the introduction of new technologies and organizational forms for cultural institutions; the widespread promotion of cultural initiatives; and the implementation of innovative projects. To realize this cultural transformation will require not only attracting various forms of funding, which is particularly difficult at the regional level, but also the development of a dialogue between the cultural community, the state, business, and charitable organizations with the aim of coming up with effective solutions. Leading museums, theatres, and other cultural institutions, which have successful experience of introducing new ideas and practices and involving businesses in cultural projects, could help to drive this dialogue forward. In order to achieve the planned outcomes set out in the national project, it will be important to scale up this experience across the entire country, and also to create an environment which will promote the development of a tradition of philanthropy and patronage in culture. What issues must be resolved with regard to the Culture National Project by 2024? What types of support for cultural development in the regions should be prioritized? What are the prospects for cooperation between various cultural institutions, and between cultural institutions and the business community? Examples of successful cultural projects. What role might philanthropy and patronage play in implementing the national project?

10:15–11:30 Broadcast Reform of Regulation and Oversight: New Directions Despite the early termination of the similarly named priority project on 1 January 2019, reform of regulation and oversight will continue. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has already announced that as part of the reforms, there will be a ‘r...: Despite the early termination of the similarly named priority project on 1 January 2019, reform of regulation and oversight will continue. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has already announced that as part of the reforms, there will be a ‘regulatory guillotine’ – a comprehensive review of mandatory requirements in which all are at risk of being declared no longer fit for purpose. In parallel, the Russian Government is developing an entirely new draft federal law on regulation. This will be a single, systematizing legal act covering each step of the government’s monitoring procedures in detail.
How exactly will the ‘regulatory guillotine’ mechanism be implemented? What will the new mandatory requirements look like? How can we ensure a balance between the interests of business and government during checks?

10:15–11:30 Broadcast The Fuel and Energy Sector: Creating the Conditions for Investment to Guarantee the Continuing Competitiveness of the Russian Economy The fuel and energy sector is currently the largest investor in the Russian economy, and also maintains a leading position on the global stage. It creates value throughout the production chain, from geological surveying to resource consumption (fu...: The fuel and energy sector is currently the largest investor in the Russian economy, and also maintains a leading position on the global stage. It creates value throughout the production chain, from geological surveying to resource consumption (fuel for vehicles, electricity for homes). Improving efficiency at all stages of production will guarantee Russia’s economic development and increase competitiveness. How can we stimulate investment to make this ambitious aim a reality? How can we reconcile traditional sectors of the economy with breakthrough technologies and the economy of the future? Given external pressure and artificial restrictions, how can we create a sufficient stimulus to attract investment and keep developing the sector?

10:15–11:30 Broadcast Smart City: From Theory to Practice 2018 saw the launch of the Smart City project across the Russian Federation. Implementing innovative digital and engineering solutions for urban infrastructure will increase the efficiency of urban economic management and make cities more pleasant...: 2018 saw the launch of the Smart City project across the Russian Federation. Implementing innovative digital and engineering solutions for urban infrastructure will increase the efficiency of urban economic management and make cities more pleasant and attractive places to live. Phased implementation of integrated smart solutions in all areas of urban life will increase safety, reduce expenditure on administration, housing, and utilities, improve the urban environment and transport links, and so attract investment. What solutions should be introduced first in Russian cities, and which projects might receive state support? How should the Smart City project be implemented in the regions, and what needs to be included in regional programmes? What global technologies and experience do we need to harness? What mechanisms have been developed to make cities smarter and evaluate progress against this goal? What is the role of the state, business, and residents in shaping the environment of smart cities?

10:15–11:30 Broadcast Industrial Clusters: How to Make the Regions More Attractive to Investors The country’s key development aims include becoming one of the world’s five largest economies, accelerating the rate of technological development in the Russian Federation, and creating a highly productive, export-oriented sector within the manufa...: The country’s key development aims include becoming one of the world’s five largest economies, accelerating the rate of technological development in the Russian Federation, and creating a highly productive, export-oriented sector within the manufacturing industry. It is not possible for industry to develop rapidly or for enterprises to increase labour productivity without an influx of investment from major companies that have proven industrial competence and forward-looking development plans. Vital to tackling this challenge will be new industrial models which increase the quality of the offering for potential investors, along with a targeted approach to implementing investment projects, taking into account technological priorities and based on the skills that the region needs and has developed. Russia is currently home to more than 40 industrial clusters across the majority of sectors within the manufacturing industry. Niches for investment in high-tech production projects are appearing as a result of cooperation between clusters. This approach helps to improve the quality of the regions’ investment offering and ensures demand for the clusters’ output. How might we exploit the potential of existing industrial clusters for developing regional industry and establishing innovative production? How are the regions creating new niches for investment? How should we use the potential of interregional industrial cooperation to attract investors to the regions?

10:15–11:30 Broadcast Science and Society: A Strategy for Future Generations It is very difficult to offer a single definition of the term ‘science’ which fully captures its essence. What sets scientific knowledge apart is the profundity of its inquiry into the crux of phenomena, i.e. their theoretical nature. Scientific k...: It is very difficult to offer a single definition of the term ‘science’ which fully captures its essence. What sets scientific knowledge apart is the profundity of its inquiry into the crux of phenomena, i.e. their theoretical nature. Scientific knowledge begins when regular patterns are noticed in a cluster of facts – a general and necessary connection between them which helps to explain why a particular phenomenon happens one way and not another and to predict how it will develop in the future. One of the problems which arises as scientific knowledge accumulates, and which is particularly relevant right now, is the social responsibility which scientists assume for the outcomes of their work. The results of scientific inquiry can turn out to be dangerous to society, in which case their use for non-academic purposes could be detrimental. Scientists must be aware of their responsibility to society: after all, science cannot be separated from public life, and can exert both a constructive and a destructive influence on it. Who are today’s Russian scientists? What should pure research and information that matters to society look like? Which channels for disseminating information should we be using? Are integrated government support programmes needed in this area? What are young scientists in the 2020s likely to be interested in?

12:00–13:30 Broadcast Success Factors: Ideas, Personnel, Skills Address by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev: Address by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev

13:30–13:45 Broadcast The Development Award

14:00–15:30 Broadcast The Economics of Urban Comfort In partnership with the State Development Corporation "VEB.RF" Three quarters of Russia’s population live in cities. Not only do cities create sources of economic growth, they also develop new forms of social interaction and shape cultural trends. By attracting the most talented people, cities have the potent...: Three quarters of Russia’s population live in cities. Not only do cities create sources of economic growth, they also develop new forms of social interaction and shape cultural trends. By attracting the most talented people, cities have the potential to become a driving force in the achievement of Russia’s 2024 development goals. Business has a key role to play through investment in a new type of urban economy and environment. What needs to be done to make this happen? How can effective cooperation between urban communities, the authorities, and investors be forged? What factors create a pleasant urban environment and an attractive model of the future for city dwellers? What role can the development institute ecosystem play here? All of these issues will be discussed during the VEB session at the Russian Investment Forum 2019.

14:00–15:45 Broadcast National Infrastructure Priorities for 2024: Defining Them Quickly, Implementing Them Effectively ROSINFRA Infrastructure Congress Event Integrated development of public infrastructure, which must be linked not only to the current needs of businesses, citizens, and the state as a whole, but also to their future requirements, and coordinated efforts on the part of authorities at all...: Integrated development of public infrastructure, which must be linked not only to the current needs of businesses, citizens, and the state as a whole, but also to their future requirements, and coordinated efforts on the part of authorities at all levels to bring the most important projects to fruition: these are the main tasks facing Russia’s leadership over the next six years, as set out in the President’s May Decree. In order to ensure that infrastructure limitations serve to stimulate national economic growth, the government has already prepared a comprehensive development plan for major infrastructure, while financing organizations have proposed a range of credit products which could increase investment. Will the national projects prove effective in helping to tackle infrastructure challenges in the regions? How quickly and efficiently will the project selection and preparation phase be completed, ready for implementation to move forward? Will existing support tools and the proposed standard solutions be helpful here? What are the key conditions for state funding and allocating money from the Development Fund? Will cooperation between the primary development institutions create synergy in infrastructure development?

ROSINFRA National Infrastructure Award Ceremony

14:30–15:45 Broadcast Resources for Growth and Investment Prospects: An Analysis of Asset Realization Practices in Russia’s Regions In partnership with the Deposit Insurance Agency The assets of financial institutions which have gone out of business are one factor in investment opportunities. The book value of assets for sale under the management of the Deposit Insurance Agency currently stands at around RUB 4.5 trillion. Re...: The assets of financial institutions which have gone out of business are one factor in investment opportunities. The book value of assets for sale under the management of the Deposit Insurance Agency currently stands at around RUB 4.5 trillion. Returning these assets to the country’s economy is an important step in improving the investment attractiveness of Russia’s regions, creating new jobs, and increasing regional tax revenues. What investment prospects and new opportunities are available for regional business development, including business projects implemented using assets acquired from liquidated financial organizations? What asset realization practices are being used in the regions? How can the investment potential of liquidated financial organizations’ assets be realized? What are the benefits and advantages to investors of participating in asset auctions?

14:30–15:45 Broadcast Developing the Market for Gas as a Motor Fuel: New Opportunities for Regions and Investors Investment in new markets and technologies is a vital driver of innovative and environmentally-friendly economic development, including in the vehicles and fuel sector. The high octane rating and eco-friendly properties of natural gas make it poss...: Investment in new markets and technologies is a vital driver of innovative and environmentally-friendly economic development, including in the vehicles and fuel sector. The high octane rating and eco-friendly properties of natural gas make it possible to build efficient cars which have low aggregate emissions and will conform to the highest global standards now and for decades to come. Developing the market for gas as a motor fuel will require major investment and create new opportunities. What investment will be attracted to expand the number of gas filling stations and LNG fuelling stations by 2025? Who might be willing to invest in this? How effective is investment in acquiring natural gas-fuelled transport for carriers and citizens? What sort of conditions are being created for investors at the federal and regional levels? What will be the long-term outcomes of developing the market for gas as a motor fuel and related technologies?

14:30–15:45 Broadcast Regional Policy in the Context of Russia’s Spatial Development Through an open public debate which has taken place at a variety of expert forums and in the media, a diverse vision of individual aspects of Russia’s spatial development has been formed. At the same time, the main actors when it comes to implemen...: Through an open public debate which has taken place at a variety of expert forums and in the media, a diverse vision of individual aspects of Russia’s spatial development has been formed. At the same time, the main actors when it comes to implementing the future spatial development strategy will be Russia’s regions, and this is having a definite impact on regional policy as a specific focus of the Russian Government. Regional authorities are talking about the need to improve the transparency of decisions that directly affect the regions and for them to be widely discussed in advance. The most critical issues on the regional agenda concern the cooperation between the federal authorities and the regions in the Russian Federation, as well as the way in which powers are redistributed among them, financial support to Russia’s regions, attracting private funding, the growth of metropolitan areas, regional development support tools, single-industry towns, the urban environment, and housing and utilities, among other questions. All of these areas require the fine-tuning of existing mechanisms, the development of new approaches, and their targeted incorporation into the national projects, with mandatory feedback needed from the regions.

14:30–15:45 Broadcast Transport in Russia: Supporting the Development of Major Infrastructure as a Cornerstone of Economic Growth What does Russia’s major transport infrastructure look like today? What condition is it in, and what does it need? In the current economic context, it is vital for Russia to radically accelerate the development of transport infrastructure, and to ...: What does Russia’s major transport infrastructure look like today? What condition is it in, and what does it need? In the current economic context, it is vital for Russia to radically accelerate the development of transport infrastructure, and to make communication between centres of economic growth easier. Public funding is limited, so private capital will need to be brought in. How should public money be sent? Are sufficient resources available? How attractive are regional projects to investors? What characteristics and individual features make investment projects attractive to the market and potentially successful?

14:30–15:45 Broadcast Creating a Modern School: New Opportunities for the State and Business to Collaborate through the National Education Project In the face of globalization and the nascent digital economy, developing human capital is key to the country’s systematic long-term success, while investment in human resources is the main driver of investment that will result in concrete and meas...: In the face of globalization and the nascent digital economy, developing human capital is key to the country’s systematic long-term success, while investment in human resources is the main driver of investment that will result in concrete and measurable strategic benefits for the socioeconomic development of the regions. In order to increase the level of development in Russia’s regions and make the Russian economy internationally competitive, it is vital to ensure that Russia possesses human resources capable of responding to the challenges of the global economy. Training to produce highly qualified specialists with the skills to implement large-scale projects in high-tech and knowledge-intensive sectors must be systematic. The National Education Project both creates new and develops existing opportunities for individuals at all stages of their education, from ensuring the right conditions are in place to promote early child development and support families, to modernizing vocational education and facilitating continuous professional development for workers. The project aims to establish opportunities for growth and replicate best practices, taking the individual needs and features of each region into consideration. Which regional features allow the project’s best practices to be implemented most effectively? How can we provide the necessary human resources to support the development of innovative sectors of the economy? Which measures undertaken as part of the National Education Project will create opportunities for developing the investment climate in Russia?

14:30–15:45 Broadcast Faith-Based Business Associations: Places of Trust In the face of the ever-changing economic realities of the modern world, new horizons for cooperation based on traditional religious faiths are springing up. One of the features of recent years has been the increasing number of clubs and all manne...: In the face of the ever-changing economic realities of the modern world, new horizons for cooperation based on traditional religious faiths are springing up. One of the features of recent years has been the increasing number of clubs and all manner of other business associations with a basis in faith. These are intended to play an important role in supporting social harmony and diversity, but as business organizations, they also encourage increased business activity and provide support in the search for new sources of capital for business development. This increases levels of business activity both among members of particular faith communities and in society as a whole. Modern cooperative organizations like these can help to attract investment, develop entrepreneurial skills, encourage social mobility, and foster a high degree of independence in the lives of traditional communities. Moreover, associations like these open up new opportunities for interfaith dialogue, which can lay the ground for new horizons for cooperation to emerge within both the state and society. They can also reveal new ways of increasing corporate social responsibility. Are there any success stories concerning cooperation between faiths and business? Can businesses based on the values of traditional religious faiths increase trust in business as a whole and help to uncover new sources of capital? What are the long-term prospects and what needs to be done to make them a reality?

14:30–15:45 Healthy Life Expectancy: The Foundation of Social Development The Event of the Healthy Life Forum Russia’s most important developmental goals include increasing life expectancy to 78 years by 2024, of which 67 should be considered healthy, and to improve the quality of life for the elderly. At present, these numbers differ significantly from r...: Russia’s most important developmental goals include increasing life expectancy to 78 years by 2024, of which 67 should be considered healthy, and to improve the quality of life for the elderly. At present, these numbers differ significantly from region to region and lag behind the European Union. Special state programmes and a bringing together of the efforts of the whole of society are needed to respond to this challenge, especially in light of Russia’s aging population. Health has been shown to depend upon the population’s real income, on affordable and high-quality medicine, on lifestyle choices such as regular physical activity and nutrition, on a safe environment, and on conditions in the workplace. Active involvement in community life, a demand for their experience and knowledge in the labour market, and, of course, respect and concern on the part of young people are of even greater importance to the health of senior citizens. All of these things have a pronounced effect on healthy longevity, which in turn significantly impacts the economic aspects of the life of the elderly.
What tasks need to be resolved by 2024? What measures have proven to be effective in preserving the health of senior citizens? What is the ideal balance for investments in public health by the state, business, and by people themselves? What conditions need to be created for the elderly to play a more active role in the economy? What public and private programmes to support this trend exist in the regions today? What resources will be needed to increase healthy life expectancy?

14:30–15:45 Broadcast The Economics of Hospitality, Today and Tomorrow The global hospitality industry is changing with every passing year. Beach holidays, skiing holidays, cultural and educational holidays, and health and wellbeing holidays are the mainstays of the contemporary tourism industry. Traditional types an...: The global hospitality industry is changing with every passing year. Beach holidays, skiing holidays, cultural and educational holidays, and health and wellbeing holidays are the mainstays of the contemporary tourism industry. Traditional types and forms of holiday are losing ground, with shorter holidays now winning out over longer ones, and active breaks preferred to passive ones. Russia is currently in a position to develop attractive tourism products in line with these new market trends. For instance, over the period 2015–2018, the skiing and spa resorts of the North Caucasus have seen demand for tourism services in these areas grow apace, while sites of historical and cultural interest and nature reserves are seeing more visitors every year. However, the principal limiting factor in the development of the hospitality industry remains the insufficient capacity of the accommodation and other necessary infrastructure in areas popular with tourists across the majority of regions of the Russian Federation. How can we solve the problems inherent in attracting investment to build modern tourism infrastructure? What are the strategic priorities for developing tourism?

16:00–17:15 Broadcast Export Accelerator: Learning to Trade Globally In partnership with the Russian Export Center Acceleration is one of the main tools employed internationally to help companies gain a foothold on foreign markets and the most successful countries are already making use of it. Currently, less than 1% of all small and medium-sized companies in ...: Acceleration is one of the main tools employed internationally to help companies gain a foothold on foreign markets and the most successful countries are already making use of it. Currently, less than 1% of all small and medium-sized companies in Russia are exporters. For comparison, this figure reaches 5–7% in Western countries and is considered inadequate. We face the challenge of creating a comprehensive set of tools and incentives to encourage large numbers of Russian companies to start exporting. The ability to export is an objective measure of a company’s competitiveness, and this is one reason why a company must, when joining an acceleration programme, undergo a full assessment of its export readiness in the following areas: competitiveness of its product, marketing, human resources, experience of exporting, and financial resources. Some pilot export accreditation schemes are already being trialled in Russia: these include the Export Growth Accelerator programme (Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Russian Export Center), the Practicum Global Shift programme (Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO), the acceleration of regional companies using professional trackers (Russian Export Center, Nizhny Novgorod Region), and the first online export accelerator (Russian Export Center, Sberbank). Do Russian goods and services face genuine limitations? What can be done to make exporting popular and fashionable? How can modern technology be leveraged for use in export acceleration? Can federal and regional development institutes work together to offer effective state support? What can be learned from the practices of existing accelerators, including international ones?

16:15–17:30 Broadcast Big Data as a New Form of Public Administration A year ago, at the Russian Investment Forum in Sochi, the decision was taken to create a national data management system with the twin aims of avoiding duplication of information across the various existing registers and databases maintained by pu...: A year ago, at the Russian Investment Forum in Sochi, the decision was taken to create a national data management system with the twin aims of avoiding duplication of information across the various existing registers and databases maintained by public authorities, and of facilitating access to primary information. As work on the project has demonstrated, a system based around innovative approaches to working with data has far more potential, and changes the philosophy behind public administration as a whole. What international experience of data-driven development can Russia draw on today? What should the concept behind the development of a national data management system look like? Are the regions ready to change the way they work with data? What models are there for cooperation between businesses and public authorities on a national data management system?

16:15–17:30 Broadcast Best Practices for Socioeconomic Development: Integrated Solutions for the Regions and Cities Federal tools for supporting regional development are getting a lot of airtime at the moment, but unique solutions with a positive socioeconomic impact frequently appear and are implemented within the regions themselves. These can be found in area...: Federal tools for supporting regional development are getting a lot of airtime at the moment, but unique solutions with a positive socioeconomic impact frequently appear and are implemented within the regions themselves. These can be found in areas such as housing and utilities, agriculture, tourism, urban development, and, as of quite recently, social entrepreneurship. Sometimes, these solutions do not even require public funding, but the effect they have can still be very significant. How might regional know-how help to achieve the targets set out in the May Decree? Which solutions have most to offer the regions? How can we evaluate their impact?

Awards Ceremony for the Winners of the All-Russia Regional Best Practices and Initiatives in Socioeconomic Development Competition

16:15–17:30 Broadcast In the Vanguard of Technological Progress: Women in STEM The low proportion of women in STEM professions (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has traditionally been the result of a number of factors: limitations in the education system, upbringing, and social stereotypes. But even today, ...: The low proportion of women in STEM professions (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has traditionally been the result of a number of factors: limitations in the education system, upbringing, and social stereotypes. But even today, despite the broad range of professional opportunities available to women in the country overall, there remain considerable gender inequalities in terms of both the number of people employed in STEM fields and the level at which they are employed. Why are few women entering the world of science and technology? What barriers do women face in this field? Do we need mechanisms and programmes to encourage women to study the hard sciences and increase the number employed in STEM fields? What influence can women have, and what influence are they having, on the development of high-tech sectors? What must be done to attract women into STEM? What projects and initiatives might be implemented at schools and universities?

16:15–17:30 Broadcast ‘Rebooting’ Regional Development Tools In order to attract direct Russian and foreign investment in Russia’s regions, more than 430 individual sites are currently up and running, offering special conditions for doing business and access to various government support measures (special e...: In order to attract direct Russian and foreign investment in Russia’s regions, more than 430 individual sites are currently up and running, offering special conditions for doing business and access to various government support measures (special economic zones, advanced special economic zones, industrial parks, and more). However, almost all of the existing tools have attracted criticism from regulators and the media. What must be done to ensure that expenditure (including state expenditure) on building infrastructure to attract business does not turn out to have been futile because of a lack of investors? How can we change the prevailing media narrative so that it favours the development of special zones? How can investors choose the best site for them and avoid confusion? Is it possible to create a single universal tool and apply it in every region to make it simpler and easier for investors to get businesses off the ground in Russia?

16:15–17:30 Broadcast Regional Bonds as a Tool for Implementing Infrastructure Projects and Improving Quality of Life Regional bonds (sub-federal and municipal securities) are an effective mechanism for establishing budgets and financing infrastructure and concessional projects. They promote rapid development and improve people’s quality of life. Employing this f...: Regional bonds (sub-federal and municipal securities) are an effective mechanism for establishing budgets and financing infrastructure and concessional projects. They promote rapid development and improve people’s quality of life. Employing this financial instrument allows regions not only to get the investment they need, but also to attract savings from the local population, giving citizens the chance to play a direct role in their own region’s development. This gives citizens greater ownership of projects that aim to improve quality of life for them and their children. The goals set by the country’s leaders to stimulate investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, ecology, new technologies, and science provide a powerful stimulus for the development of this financial instrument, as do the performance indicators in place for the activities carried out by the authorities in Russia’s regions. What measures must be taken to increase the attractiveness of this financial instrument? How can we reduce the cost of borrowing for federal and municipal entities? How should we change legislative requirements to make this instrument more effective? How might the procedure for issuing sub-federal and municipal bonds be simplified? Which regions are successfully using this instrument and why do they consider it promising?

16:15–17:30 Broadcast How to Develop Tourism: Changing the Way Investment Decisions in the Sector are Made As a distinct sector of the economy, tourism has a unique feature: it tends to involve many other, related sectors too. This is explained in part by the need to devise complex approaches to developing tourism that would enable links to be establis...: As a distinct sector of the economy, tourism has a unique feature: it tends to involve many other, related sectors too. This is explained in part by the need to devise complex approaches to developing tourism that would enable links to be established between opportunities in these sectors of the economy and development institutes, and help to pool the efforts of federal and regional authorities and market participants. To support this, a single model for managing the industry needs to be created, and a new kind of investment decision-making is required for tourism. How should the government change its approach to attracting investment in tourism? How can a new class of tourism assets be created in the economy? What is the right approach to assessing tourist destinations when making investment decisions?

16:15–17:30 Broadcast Innovative Science and Technology Centres: What Should They Look Like? Prevailing Russian legislation provides for the creation of innovative scientific and technological hubs, or so-called ‘tech valleys’. Regions across the Russian Federation are currently hard at work on bringing these valleys into existence, creat...: Prevailing Russian legislation provides for the creation of innovative scientific and technological hubs, or so-called ‘tech valleys’. Regions across the Russian Federation are currently hard at work on bringing these valleys into existence, creating development plans for science and technology hubs focused on global trends and challenges and capable of competing at a high level in research and development on global markets. Now is the time to discuss experiences of organizing hubs like these, creating innovative infrastructure, attracting investors and participating companies, and overseeing technology transfer. What should our aims and goals be when creating tech valleys? How should we go about creating a high-quality system for managing tech valleys? Which best practices for creating and running world-class tech hubs should we look towards when establishing tech valleys in Russia? How can we attract investors in order to create the necessary infrastructure? How can we ensure technology transfer?

16:15–17:30 Broadcast The Competitiveness of the National Jurisdiction: New Directions for Development A competitive national legal system means new opportunities for national businesses and foreign investors. As things stand, Russia’s jurisdiction is moving in the direction of emphasizing the protection of businesses’ rights and encouraging a stab...: A competitive national legal system means new opportunities for national businesses and foreign investors. As things stand, Russia’s jurisdiction is moving in the direction of emphasizing the protection of businesses’ rights and encouraging a stable business environment. The transparency of the country’s judicial system remains an issue, but is no longer as big a problem as it was even a couple of years ago. This means that the national jurisdiction is headed in the right direction, even if it is running up against some practical problems on the way. Modernizing and reforming legal procedure in the Russian Federation is opening up new possibilities for unifying procedural time limits and achieving independence and effectiveness in the judicial system, which may have a positive impact on protecting investors’ rights. What legal measures should be undertaken to stimulate increased investment in Russia’s regions? To what extent does the competitiveness of the national jurisdiction depend on pressure from sanctions, and what measures are necessary to provide businesses with legal protection?