PROGRAMME 2017

OF THE RUSSIAN INVESTMENT FORUM
February 27
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
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?










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
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?













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
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?











February 28
09:30–11:00
Balanced Regional Development In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation One of the key elements of the strategic planning system established by Federal Law No. 172-FZ is the Strategy for the Spatial Development of the Russian Federation – a fundamentally new document on management and planning practices in Russia whic...
One of the key elements of the strategic planning system established by Federal Law No. 172-FZ is the Strategy for the Spatial Development of the Russian Federation – a fundamentally new document on management and planning practices in Russia which combines both strategic and regional planning approaches. The strategy defines the priorities, aims, and objectives for securing comprehensive development in Russia’s regions. It focuses on supporting a sustainable housing system throughout the country and overcoming infrastructural barriers restricting socioeconomic development. The first stage of developing the strategy was its concept: a document identifying the main approaches for the new spatial development of Russia. What possible scenarios will arise from further spatial development, and what are the long-term effects of these scenarios? How can balanced spatial development be ensured? Are there any substantial challenges related to a national housing system? How can an organization working in this field influence the quality of investments?









09:30–11:00
ASEZs: Improving Investment Performance In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Advanced special economic zones (ASEZs) are being created to establish favourable conditions for attracting investment and developing comfortable living conditions for local populations. Tools that are used to achieve a balance in regional develop...
Advanced special economic zones (ASEZs) are being created to establish favourable conditions for attracting investment and developing comfortable living conditions for local populations. Tools that are used to achieve a balance in regional development can also be used to address a wide range of issues related to economic diversification. The incentives and benefits that are offered by these development tools are aimed at compensating businesses for the costs of investing in regions with low investment attractiveness. What initial outcomes have been achieved by resident companies that have established themselves in the ASEZs? What are the restrictions on the use of these mechanisms in Russia? Are the current incentives sufficient to attract investment to the regions?














11:45–13:15
Industry Towns: New Approaches to Development In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation The development of single-industry municipalities has been identified as one of the main strategic directions for the Russian Federation until 2025 and consequently, the Russian Government is working to implement a priority programme focused on th...
The development of single-industry municipalities has been identified as one of the main strategic directions for the Russian Federation until 2025 and consequently, the Russian Government is working to implement a priority programme focused on the integrated development of single-industry towns. The goal is to ameliorate the acute socioeconomic situation plaguing single-industry towns, caused by the layoff of workers by the major enterprises which dominate the towns, limited infrastructure, and the low investment attractiveness of these areas. How can we stimulate the creation of new jobs that are not related to the activities of the former core enterprises of these cities? What factors are hampering an increase in the investment attractiveness of these single-industry towns? What state support tools are the most effective for supporting single-industry towns? Is the economic structure of these single-industry towns changing together with the changing economic situation?











14:00–15:30
Innovative Potential in Russia’s Regions: Drivers of Economic Growth In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation In recent years, the strategy for successful development pursued by the national economic systems of the leading countries has been closely linked to superiority in research and development, the emergence of new knowledge, and the creation of inno...
In recent years, the strategy for successful development pursued by the national economic systems of the leading countries has been closely linked to superiority in research and development, the emergence of new knowledge, and the creation of innovative mass-market products. We are increasingly hearing that innovation is an absolute priority when determining a growth strategy. Historically, Russia has been one of the world’s scientific powerhouses: Russian science and engineering have made significant contributions to the sum of humanity’s body of knowledge and technology. Russia has established a network of innovative regions that are able to quickly acquire knowledge and create innovative products. How can the innovation life cycle be properly supported, and how can the outcomes of scientific research be used to advance regional socioeconomic development? What should the long-term regional scientific and technological development strategy look like, and who should lead it? How should cooperation between centres of new scientific knowledge and innovative regions be organized?












14:00–15:30
The Coming Economic Hierarchy: An Index of Preparedness for the Future The Valdai Discussion Club and the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) have launched the Future Preparedness Index project. The aim is to assess the preparedness of countries to respond to the challenges of tomorrow, their role in futur...
The Valdai Discussion Club and the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) have launched the Future Preparedness Index project. The aim is to assess the preparedness of countries to respond to the challenges of tomorrow, their role in future scenarios, their competitiveness with respect to a range of economic and political criteria, and the development of their industrial and social infrastructure. The project will also seek to determine Russia’s ranking among world powers. In the course of this session, an effort will be made to comprehensively assess how well prepared nations are for long-term global economic challenges according to a range of parameters. What is the shape of tomorrow’s economy, and what factors will determine competitiveness? What industries will become the engines of economic growth? What will the paradigm for macroeconomic policy in developed and emerging economies look like?