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February 27
- 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 ...
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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.
- 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 ...
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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?
- 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...
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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?
- 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...
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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?
- 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 ...
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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?
- 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...
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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?
- 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...
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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?
February 28
- Business: A Woman’s Perspective In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation According to official figures, women in Russia make up almost half, or 49%, of all workers in the economy. Women represent 43% of the heads of organizations. Promoting female entrepreneurship helps to increase employment, reduce unemployment, and ...
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According to official figures, women in Russia make up almost half, or 49%, of all workers in the economy. Women represent 43% of the heads of organizations. Promoting female entrepreneurship helps to increase employment, reduce unemployment, and improve the share of SMEs in the national economy. How can female entrepreneurs provide a new source of economic growth? What are the main obstacles to improving the entrepreneurial potential of women today? What is special about businesses that are managed by women?
- Young Entrepreneurs: Russia’s Newest Heroes In partnership with the Krasnodar Territory Administration, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation Small businesses founded by young people are making a significant contribution to improving Russia’s socioeconomic development and solving youth employment issues. They are also very nimble in responding to consumer demand. They are masterful at p...
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Small businesses founded by young people are making a significant contribution to improving Russia’s socioeconomic development and solving youth employment issues. They are also very nimble in responding to consumer demand. They are masterful at producing small-scale, unique products or providing specific services to individual market segments. Young people are very good at keeping their skills up to date. Their knowledge is not yet obsolete. They stand out due to their creative thinking and ability to adapt, which has a positive effect on the competitiveness of their businesses. What do we need to do to produce a new generation of entrepreneurs? How can young people be encouraged to become entrepreneurs? Is there a system of state support for young people who want to start a business? What does today’s young entrepreneur look like?
- Financial Support Tools for Russian Exports In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation One of the key barriers hindering the export growth of SMEs is a lack of financial resources. To minimize the risks associated with entering foreign markets, it is essential to support not just SMEs but also regional banks which offer assistance f...
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One of the key barriers hindering the export growth of SMEs is a lack of financial resources. To minimize the risks associated with entering foreign markets, it is essential to support not just SMEs but also regional banks which offer assistance for export projects. Why are SME exports needed, and are they advantageous for market participants? How can risks be reduced for banks and the volume of regional exports increased? What difficulties do regional banks encounter in providing services to smaller exporters, and how can existing financial instruments be used effectively to attract finance for the export projects of small and medium-sized businesses?
- Cooperation between Development Institutes In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation A large number of national and regional state development institutes providing support to companies from different sectors and regions of the country have been established. Considerable experience of providing appropriate services and selecting ap...
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A large number of national and regional state development institutes providing support to companies from different sectors and regions of the country have been established. Considerable experience of providing appropriate services and selecting applicants has been accumulated. Active cooperation between institutes at the national level to offer comprehensive support at all stages of business development is under way.
How can the effectiveness of development institutes be improved at the national and regional levels? How can cooperation and coordination between development institutes be established? Who sets the goals and objectives for these institutions?
- EAEU: The Single Market and New Rules for Investors In partnership with the Eurasian Economic Commission When deciding on whether to launch a project, investors analyse many factors that will influence its financial performance. The choice of jurisdiction plays a crucial role for large investment projects. Decision-makers have to account for all poss...
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When deciding on whether to launch a project, investors analyse many factors that will influence its financial performance. The choice of jurisdiction plays a crucial role for large investment projects. Decision-makers have to account for all possible incentives and inherent difficulties. In order to overcome current challenges, the Eurasian integration initiative must develop a common competitive proposition for investors. Is competition between jurisdictions a good thing or a bad thing? Does the Eurasian Union’s existing legal framework meet the requirements of investors? Will the implementation of joint large-scale projects help to establish common rules and make it easier to attract capital?
- Domestic Tourism: The Promise and the Hurdles In partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Federal Agency for Tourism Over the past two years, the Russian tourism industry has undergone serious changes primarily due to the growth of domestic tourism. The modern tourism industry consists of hotels, restaurants, and tour companies as well as educational, health, en...
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Over the past two years, the Russian tourism industry has undergone serious changes primarily due to the growth of domestic tourism. The modern tourism industry consists of hotels, restaurants, and tour companies as well as educational, health, entertainment, sports, and other services. Travel agents, tour operators, transport carriers, and others are all active in the industry. In total, the sector generates 1.5% of the country’s GDP, and has an impact on the development of 53 related industries. This opens up great opportunities for the growth of tourism as one of the key drivers of regional economic development. How can favourable market conditions be exploited to develop domestic tourism? What areas within domestic tourism should be prioritized for support? How does tourism affect the development of regional economies? How can the quality of tourist products be improved in the regions? What hurdles are inhibiting the development of tourism in the regions, and how can they be overcome? How can investors be attracted to the tourism industry?
