Business programme 2020

of the Russian Investment Forum
Social Investment for the Real Economy: Partnership Between State and Business Investments that do not take into account the impact of new projects on the social ecosystem are a thing of the past. Socially oriented investments are becoming more and more widespread, with investors prioritizing positive social impacts on the m...
Investments that do not take into account the impact of new projects on the social ecosystem are a thing of the past. Socially oriented investments are becoming more and more widespread, with investors prioritizing positive social impacts on the municipality, Russian federal subject, or country as a whole. With growing demands on staff training levels in the labour market, the education sector is becoming more economically efficient, and investments in the sector have some of the highest yields in the medium and long term. What are the most appropriate investment tools for modernizing education infrastructure? What options are available to investors in terms of participating in the creation of curricula and the training and advanced training of teaching staff? How can innovative tools and best practices be implemented in the management of educational organizations?
The Convergence of Education and Technologies: How to Create a School of the Future A future set to be defined by high technologies and new professions will place new demands on educational outcomes. The high-tech convergence of education and technology is an inevitable step on the path to top-quality education that responds to t...
A future set to be defined by high technologies and new professions will place new demands on educational outcomes. The high-tech convergence of education and technology is an inevitable step on the path to top-quality education that responds to the challenges of a highly uncertain world and gives everybody the opportunity to master the skills they require for their successful self-development. The most effective mutual integration of technologies and education is achieved with the active involvement of the real economy in staff training. The synergy of taught skills, a deep understanding of both sector-specific development potential and the demands of the economy of the future, and fundamentally new opportunities for infrastructure-led upgrades to the education sector all have a role to play in the pursuit of top results. This kind of interaction helps to bring about modernized curricula, better and better qualified teaching and managerial staff in educational organizations, and new innovations in the learning process. How does partnership between the state and the real economy operate in the education sector today? What are the barriers to development and to implementing joint projects at all stages in the preparation of this future workforce?
Social Entrepreneurship: A New Stage of Development in Russia Social entrepreneurship is founded on innovative approaches to tackling social issues. Over the past five years, it has proven the impact it can have, both socially and economically. The adoption of a law on social entrepreneurship has allowed thi...
Social entrepreneurship is founded on innovative approaches to tackling social issues. Over the past five years, it has proven the impact it can have, both socially and economically. The adoption of a law on social entrepreneurship has allowed this economic sector to be separately categorized. Consequently, a range of specific support measures can be drawn up. What needs to be done to build a cohesive system for the socioeconomic development of the regions and the country as a whole? How effective are current means of support for social entrepreneurship? Do they meet modern standards and requirements? What should the regions do to create an ecosystem which can help unlock their socioeconomic potential?
Demographic Disparities: Keeping Young People in the Regions As students leave their towns in search of a better life, a demographic disparity becomes increasingly apparent. This is due to resources being largely concentrated in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In order for there to be development across the coun...
As students leave their towns in search of a better life, a demographic disparity becomes increasingly apparent. This is due to resources being largely concentrated in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In order for there to be development across the country, people need to be able to study, acquire a profession, and realize their potential in their home regions. The creation of social, professional, and political elevators is key to stemming the flow of young people away from the regions. Support from local government and commercial organizations is also crucial. What can be done to encourage young people to join projects in the regions and help tackle pressing issues affecting the socioeconomic development of the country? What factors might affect efforts to counter the outward migration of young people? What could local government and businesses do to help and support young activists? Do universal approaches and requirements pertaining to youth policy need to be developed?
Creative Industries in the Regions: The Path to Development The Russian government has made it a priority to make the country more attractive to investors – a priority which depends on the development of individual regions. A key role in making the regions more attractive can be played by the creative indu...
The Russian government has made it a priority to make the country more attractive to investors – a priority which depends on the development of individual regions. A key role in making the regions more attractive can be played by the creative industries, as can the promotion of unique cultures. The creative industries are becoming a key sector of the innovation economy, and are helping to drive economic growth and social development in cities and districts. They help create jobs, support the development of infrastructure, and bring in tourists. How does the development and promotion of a region’s culture and cultural sites affect its attractiveness to investors? Is the development of the creative sector linked to urbanization and the phenomenon of smart cities? What role can business play in helping to implement cultural projects in the regions? How do culture and the creative industries support the development of a region’s export potential and the establishment of international partnerships?
Women’s Entrepreneurship and Regional Development Research suggests that the global GDP growth rate would have gone up from 3% to 6% had women played as active a role in the entrepreneurial activity as men. Women’s entrepreneurship today is one of the global trends that improves national economic...
Research suggests that the global GDP growth rate would have gone up from 3% to 6% had women played as active a role in the entrepreneurial activity as men. Women’s entrepreneurship today is one of the global trends that improves national economic growth and increases the share of small business within that growth. Russia too started to pay a great deal of attention to women’s entrepreneurial activities since business driven by women is an important point of growth in the country’s regions. What role do women entrepreneurs play in regional development? Which regions lead the way in terms of women’s business activity and why? What are the main obstacles? Which support mechanisms and tools are there? What role do associations and business communities play in supporting women entrepreneurs?
Investment in Ethnocultural Projects Ethno-tourism is a global trend, and is becoming increasingly widespread in Russia. The creation of new ethno-centred tourist offerings can play an important role in the development of domestic tourism in the Russian regions. These offerings can n...
Ethno-tourism is a global trend, and is becoming increasingly widespread in Russia. The creation of new ethno-centred tourist offerings can play an important role in the development of domestic tourism in the Russian regions. These offerings can not only help support the development of the industry as a whole, but also facilitate dialogue within Russia’s multi-ethnic culture. The sector can significantly boost social development in areas on the tourist trail, and that is even before considering the cultural benefits it brings. What can new ethnoparks achieve? How can the industry be made profitable? What can be done to make a project attractive to investors? Who might be potentially interested in investing in such initiatives?
Who Benefits by Investing in Culture? In today’s world, entrepreneurial activity is one of the main sources of funding for culture and the arts. Both education and business are becoming ever more engaged with art. Is cultural investment a business or a charity? How do company strategi...
In today’s world, entrepreneurial activity is one of the main sources of funding for culture and the arts. Both education and business are becoming ever more engaged with art. Is cultural investment a business or a charity? How do company strategies to support culture and the arts affect their brand and image? Can investments in culture and the arts be profitable for business in the short term? Why does business need culture and why does it invest in it? How can culture attract business?