February 15
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Agricultural Exports as Part of Regional Development Strategy Russia is a multinational state with a unique tapestry of traditions and cultures. The regional diversity of food and agricultural products in Russia attracts genuine interest from foreign consumers, and this is further increased when Russian regi...08:30–10:00
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Russia is a multinational state with a unique tapestry of traditions and cultures. The regional diversity of food and agricultural products in Russia attracts genuine interest from foreign consumers, and this is further increased when Russian regions are effectively positioned as distinctive. Recent changes in the country's system of agricultural subsidies give regions more autonomy in developing the sector, including for exports. The higher the autonomy, the greater the responsibility. Is the development of agricultural exports one of the priority areas for regional development? How do regions monetize their distinctiveness on foreign markets? What international experience can be used to build effective regional value propositions for exports?
By invitation only
- Making Russia More Attractive as a Jurisdiction for Investors An enormous amount of work has recently been carried out to improve Russia’s legal system. This includes large-scale reforms of the Civil Code and changes to the commercial arbitration system. Reforms to oversight are also being introduced. Modern...
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An enormous amount of work has recently been carried out to improve Russia’s legal system. This includes large-scale reforms of the Civil Code and changes to the commercial arbitration system. Reforms to oversight are also being introduced. Modern legal standards have been introduced to the Russian system, allowing even the most complex investment projects to be realized. Assurances and guarantees, escrow accounts, shareholder agreements, and many other legal instruments are already part of legal reality in Russia. The speed and efficiency of the commercial arbitration process in Russia are the result of organizational changes to state courts, as well as reforms to the procedure for setting up arbitration courts and the expansion of their authority, among other modifications. All of these changes are the subject of widespread discussion in the legal world. Despite this transformation, however, business owners and senior managers in Russian companies are often still imprisoned by myths about the exclusivity of English law. What are the strengths of the Russian legal system? What new opportunities for business are there within the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation? How successful have measures introduced to reduce administrative pressure on business proven to be? What impact is the increasing appeal of Russia as a jurisdiction having on attracting investment?
- New Industrial Models: Contract Manufacturing and Interregional Cooperation as a Tool for Attracting Investment 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. This challenge...
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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. This challenge can be tackled with the help of new industrial models that improve the quality of proposals to potential investors, plus a target-oriented approach to the implementation of investment projects that takes account of federal and regional technology priorities, based on the skills that the region needs and has developed. One of these new industrial models is the concept of technology competence centres operating along the lines of an ‘open’ contract manufacturing service, enabling industrial enterprises to boost productivity and cut costs. Industry clusters are another effective industrial model for attracting investment. These take advantage of interregional cooperation to integrate production chains, allowing for the needs and technological competence of the regions. How can the potential of existing industry clusters be harnessed to develop regional industry? How are the regions creating new investment niches? How can the potential of interregional industrial cooperation be mobilized to attract investors to the regions?
- How to Raise a Unicorn: Attracting Investment to the Innovation Sector Over the last 30–40 years, the role of knowledge and innovation in the socioeconomic development of society has been growing at an unbelievable pace. The innovative economy is today taking on a particular relevance as one of the mechanisms acceler...
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Over the last 30–40 years, the role of knowledge and innovation in the socioeconomic development of society has been growing at an unbelievable pace. The innovative economy is today taking on a particular relevance as one of the mechanisms accelerating economic growth. Investment resources are playing a key role in this. There is currently a shortage of long-term investment in Russia, including in terms of resources from institutional investors in the innovation sector, at a time when contributions from such investors are forming a significant share of investments abroad. Startups serve as a major generator of innovative products. Every newcomer to innovative business dreams of raising a unicorn company. Giants like Uber and Airbnb have demonstrated that raising a unicorn really is possible! A programme is already being implemented in Russia to provide state support to ‘national champions’ – fast-growing companies with the potential to increase export revenue, although the growth of companies like these is limited unless significant investment can be attracted or they go public. Who are these unicorns exactly – are they a myth, or a reality? Is there a future for Russian unicorn startups? Could the Moscow Exchange become a key mechanism for ‘rearing’ companies like these? What government support tools could be used to help unicorn companies? How realistic is it for a Russian technology company to float on the Russian stock exchange? What conditions need to be put in place in order to attract funds from institutional investors into the innovation sector of the Russian economy? What new tools need to be developed for investment in innovative companies?
- The Smart City – A New Quality of Life The modern city is changing the lives of its inhabitants, creating an atmosphere in which they can develop and realize their creative and intellectual potential. People today don’t just choose a flat somewhere, they look for an environment that in...
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The modern city is changing the lives of its inhabitants, creating an atmosphere in which they can develop and realize their creative and intellectual potential. People today don’t just choose a flat somewhere, they look for an environment that interests them and where they feel comfortable living – from their home, to their block, to their entire neighbourhood. Quality of life has become a factor in property prices and the demand for particular areas. Cities have been joined in the competition for human capital by entire countries, with population mobility and the speed of relocation presenting a serious challenge for all developed nations.
How is the quality of an urban environment evaluated by officials, business, and people themselves? How can the most important aspects be identified and attention focused on them? What is social space within the landscape of the contemporary megacity, and where is the boundary between the responsibilities of business and the consumer? How is the introduction of modern technology into the municipal economy influencing the economic and social potential of regions?
- Human Capital: The Keystone of the Future Economy in the Russian Far East The key driver of a new, knowledge-based economy is human capital, an area where investments can contribute to a country’s social and economic development. Human capital plays a vital role in the development of new economy of the Russian Far East....
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The key driver of a new, knowledge-based economy is human capital, an area where investments can contribute to a country’s social and economic development. Human capital plays a vital role in the development of new economy of the Russian Far East. The large-scale creation of new production facilities in the Far East, initiated as a result of new development mechanisms, has brought to the forefront questions of how the macroregion can attract and retain the workforce it requires, how young specialists can be trained in areas that are in demand, and how conditions conducive to doing business can be maintained. By 2025, there will already be more than 115,000 new modern and highly productive jobs in the Russian Far East. How can we develop and invest in human capital in the Russian Far East? How can regions accumulate and develop their human capital and come out on top in the competition for people? How will businesses in the future economy ensure the growth of human capital? What modern tools and approaches can be used to assess the level of human capital?
- A New Format for EAEU Cooperation: Industrial Subcontracting and Cooperation Together with technology transfer, industrial subcontracting and cooperation have already long been widely used in developed industrial nations to achieve high levels of efficiency and competitiveness in manufacturing. By 2019 it is planned that w...
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Together with technology transfer, industrial subcontracting and cooperation have already long been widely used in developed industrial nations to achieve high levels of efficiency and competitiveness in manufacturing. By 2019 it is planned that work will be complete on a Eurasian network for industrial cooperation and subcontracting, which will help to optimize production processes and significantly increase competitiveness, both at the level of individual businesses and at the regional level, to raise efficiency at manufacturing plants as a whole, and to free up organizational, financial, and human resources which can then be used to develop new areas of activity. What role might a new mechanism for integration play? How will a new format for collaboration impact the industrial and economic development of EAEU member states?
- Best Practices in Socioeconomic Development The All-Russian Regional Best Practices and Initiatives in Socioeconomic Development Contest, organized by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, was run for the second time in 2017. The competition is a tool which helps regions to publicize their ...
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The All-Russian Regional Best Practices and Initiatives in Socioeconomic Development Contest, organized by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, was run for the second time in 2017. The competition is a tool which helps regions to publicize their best practices at a federal level. The key distinctive feature of the competition is the availability of tools which make it possible to replicate and implement the best practices and initiatives of competition finalists in the format of ‘ready solutions’, using the Region-ID information system. What practices from the ranks of the finalists, who are chosen by an expert competition jury, will prove victorious? Can the finalists’ practices be scaled up and applied across all regions of the Russian Federation? How universal are the finalists’ practices? What advantages do the regions that implement best practices obtain? In what sectors can these best practices be applied? What categories of best practice will be in demand in 2018?
- Russia’s Taxation System: Meeting the Challenges The Russian taxation system has traversed a long path over the course of its existence. Much experience has been gathered and an enormous amount of work done, but new times present us with new challenges. New technologies mean that modifications t...
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The Russian taxation system has traversed a long path over the course of its existence. Much experience has been gathered and an enormous amount of work done, but new times present us with new challenges. New technologies mean that modifications to tax policy are required, while globalization processes are leading to competition between jurisdictions. The search is ongoing for an optimal balance that will ensure the taxation system is effective for both business and government.
Can tax policy be modified to stimulate economic growth without losing revenue? Is it necessary to develop mechanisms for counteracting the minimization of the tax burden, or can these reductions be used to increase the attractiveness of Russia as a tax jurisdiction? Are a single code and a single administrator necessary in order to regulate the various fiscal payments? How can a system be created that minimizes administrative costs for taxpayers? What approach should be taken with regard to federal incentives that relate to taxes which contribute to regional budgets? Should help go to businesses or regions? Basing regional budgets on income tax leads to a growth in inequality and places a heavy burden on taxpayers, but how can the system be replaced, and is this possible in principle? In what direction is tax legislation developing: towards establishing common principles or towards detailed regulation for a variety of situations? In his message to the Federal Assembly in December 2016, the President of the Russian Federation said that we must orientate our tax policy towards the central objective of stimulating business activity, economic growth, and investment. This year – 2018 – will be a year for decisions.
- Is it Easy to be an Entrepreneur? Perspectives from Business and Government Sberbank Panel Session Small and medium-sized businesses create a great many jobs worldwide, facilitating economic diversification and increasing resistance to economic shocks. In the Russian economy, they account for 21% of GDP. While this represents an increase, their...
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Small and medium-sized businesses create a great many jobs worldwide, facilitating economic diversification and increasing resistance to economic shocks. In the Russian economy, they account for 21% of GDP. While this represents an increase, their potential is undoubtedly greater still. The appearance of new enterprises is associated in many respects with economic modernization and greater efficiency. Small and medium-sized companies are more rapidly able to react to the demands of the market, create niche products, and adapt to ever-shortening product lifecycles. So what is preventing this potential from being realized? Why isn’t entrepreneurship as popular in Russia as it should be, with only 5% of the population describing themselves as prepared to open a business within the next three years? Entrepreneurs complain about excessive red tape, especially unscheduled inspections, difficulty accessing loans, and a lack of infrastructure needed to develop. However, equally serious obstacles to development are a lack of entrepreneurial skills and a shortage of qualified workers. How can special educational programmes for business be created and made accessible to all? Small companies need to gain access to regional, national, and global knowledge bases, and to create systems for managing the implementation and integration of this knowledge. The Russian government has developed a long-term strategy for developing entrepreneurship and is currently implementing it with success. But is it enough? Can we expect a technological breakthrough and a growth in technological exports from this sector? How do entrepreneurs rate the efforts of the government and development institutions?
- Prospects for Collaboration between Government and Business in Disaster Reduction The second half of the twentieth century saw an upward trend in the number of major disasters, both natural and manmade. In Russia alone, the cost of damage directly and indirectly resulting from extreme situations of various kinds could reach up ...
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The second half of the twentieth century saw an upward trend in the number of major disasters, both natural and manmade. In Russia alone, the cost of damage directly and indirectly resulting from extreme situations of various kinds could reach up to 2% of national GDP. Today, it is more effective to invest in reducing the risk of a disaster than it is to struggle with the consequences of one. If a positive effect is to be achieved in this area, it is extremely important that government and business collaborate on a constructive basis. What measures must a government take to motivate business to invest in disaster protection? What has been achieved in a year of monitoring and oversight activity? How can administrative costs for business be reduced? Could preventive work carried out on business facilities become an alternative to checks?
- Social Enterprise as a Resource in Regional Development Today in Russia, a new phenomenon has arisen in the entrepreneurial sphere – social enterprise. ‘Social enterprise’ is about the voluntary participation of entrepreneurs in solving acute social challenges, not with the goal of exacting maximum pro...
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Today in Russia, a new phenomenon has arisen in the entrepreneurial sphere – social enterprise. ‘Social enterprise’ is about the voluntary participation of entrepreneurs in solving acute social challenges, not with the goal of exacting maximum profit, but rather of achieving maximum social effect. A bill to reinforce the concept of social enterprise has now been developed and submitted to the Russian Federation Government. Comprehensive measures are being put in place to develop this area of entrepreneurship. Social enterprise is one of the priorities of current state social policy, and work in this area should be continued. What is the present status of social enterprise in Russia’s regions? How can the involvement of social entrepreneurs facilitate the resolution of acute social problems and regional development? What support measures are already being provided, and what others are needed? Is major business ready to provide support to social enterprise? How does Russian experience in social enterprise compare with global best practices?
- Digital Education: an Investment in the Future The development of a digital educational environment is today part of a systematic project to improve the quality of education. Its future development is closely linked with the adoption of tools to accompany personal learning based on artificial ...
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The development of a digital educational environment is today part of a systematic project to improve the quality of education. Its future development is closely linked with the adoption of tools to accompany personal learning based on artificial intelligence technology, which will make it possible to use an individual approach for every learner. Digital platforms could take over part of the teacher’s daily routine, leaving them with more time for individual and group work. A genuine opportunity is emerging to formulate a personal learning trajectory. How can business be encouraged to participate in creating a digital educational environment? How can the quality of online self-education be ensured? Is a personal learning trajectory a must have of the future? What barriers of government regulation must be removed to allow digital education to develop?
- Effective Social Management in Russia’s Regions A critical factor in the effective functioning of regional socio-economic systems is quality management of social development which is aimed at sustainably improving standards in civil society, creating favourable social conditions and tackling ex...
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A critical factor in the effective functioning of regional socio-economic systems is quality management of social development which is aimed at sustainably improving standards in civil society, creating favourable social conditions and tackling existing problems within regions, establishing conditions for improving the level of education among the population, and preserving cultural heritage. Regional governmental bodies act as the fundamental ordering client and guarantor for regional social development, whilst the process of solving complex social challenges can often also involve major companies with the ability and resources to implement social programmes and projects, as well as non-commercial organizations (NCOs). In this way, businesses and NCOs are to an extent agents of social change in society and participate in complex processes of social management on a regional level. As a consequence, establishing cooperation between the government, business, and NCOs is becoming an essential condition for effective social management, as is the search for points of intersection in their social agenda and joint realization of those projects and initiatives which hold the greatest importance for the development of society as a whole. What challenges are regions setting themselves in social development terms? How can regional governments support charitable and social projects being implemented in the non-commercial sector and by commercial companies, and what mechanisms for cooperation between government, business, and NCOs are the most effective? What are the hallmarks of successfully implemented initiatives in the social sector, and how can these practices be rolled out to other regions? How can charitable activity be made systemic at a regional level, and what is needed in order to provide effective management for every branch of this system?
- Smart Energy: Challenges and Strategies A digital revolution is taking place in all sectors of the economy. Only a small proportion of these transformations are noticeable to the consumer, whereas a large number of them are invisible to the naked eye, but will have a revolutionary effec...
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A digital revolution is taking place in all sectors of the economy. Only a small proportion of these transformations are noticeable to the consumer, whereas a large number of them are invisible to the naked eye, but will have a revolutionary effect on the efficiency of all economic processes. The fuel and energy industry is no exception. The widespread deployment of sensors, the Internet of Things, and the growth of computing power and artificial intelligence capabilities are making it possible to optimize manufacturing processes and reduce the costs of production. In addition to a sharp intensification of competition on the global energy market, this could lead to the emergence of new technological leaders and a loss in competitiveness among those who fail to participate in the digital race. For Russia, a global energy leader, these questions are especially relevant. How long will the resilience of traditional energy producers allow them to survive without implementing new breakthrough technologies? What is the price of transformation? What has already been done to lay the foundations for the coming IT leap, and what must Russia still do in order to preserve and improve its competitiveness in the global energy arena?
- An Environmental Image of Russia’s Future: Prospects and Goals What does Russia’s future look like? Will she suffocate in clouds of smog produced by the fuel and energy industry and cars, or follow the mainstream of global trends in refusing to burn hydrocarbons? What is Russia’s place in the global battle ag...
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What does Russia’s future look like? Will she suffocate in clouds of smog produced by the fuel and energy industry and cars, or follow the mainstream of global trends in refusing to burn hydrocarbons? What is Russia’s place in the global battle against climate change? What innovative technologies will help to preserve the environment and restore biodiversity? How can an effective transition be made to a green economy and to environmentally friendly technologies? What can be done to safeguard the quality of the environment in urbanized areas and to develop natural areas subject to special preservation? What technologies can be introduced to eliminate accumulated environmental damage and to provide for the civilized collection and processing of waste?
- Cities and Regions: A Creative Environment and Development Institutions Russia’s cities and regions exhibit significant potential for economic growth. One of the key factors constraining development in cities and regions is the institutional landscape: regulation of the most important sectors for urban and regional de...
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Russia’s cities and regions exhibit significant potential for economic growth. One of the key factors constraining development in cities and regions is the institutional landscape: regulation of the most important sectors for urban and regional development and the system for allocating authority among governmental bodies. Changes to the legal landscape in such areas as the management of state and municipal property (including land resources), the regulation of urban planning, and support for the creation and operation of investment infrastructure, among other things, could help to unleash economic growth in cities and regions, increase their competitiveness, and implement comprehensive regional development projects. Cities are the foundation of the creative economy, because it is in cities that dense networks of collaborating individuals are concentrated together with production and sales markets for innovative goods and services. Global digital technologies have made it possible to increase connectivity between cities and led to an increase in their creative capital and human potential as a result of direct access to knowledge and information. The contemporary city implies the development not only of an effective urban infrastructure, but also of a fully-fledged creative environment, with a high degree of cultural openness, economic diversification, social responsibility, and comfortable surroundings. It is this creative environment which attracts a highly qualified workforce and potential investors.
- New Regional Policy: Continuity or Change? The sustainable development of the regions is one of the most important priorities of the Russian Federation’s state policy. The country’s economic development, the social standing of its citizens, and the territorial integrity of the state all de...
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The sustainable development of the regions is one of the most important priorities of the Russian Federation’s state policy. The country’s economic development, the social standing of its citizens, and the territorial integrity of the state all depend on this policy. At the same time, human capital, infrastructure, manufacturing, and natural resources are distributed extremely unevenly across the country, creating a unique set of competitive advantages, opportunities, and challenges for each region. In spring 2018, the Government of the Russian Federation is putting the final touches on a spatial development strategy (SDS). Will the SDS become the basis of a new regional policy? What priorities for the development of the regions does it allocate? Which territories are supposed to become drivers of national and regional economic growth in the near future? Which regions and territories will require special attention and support? What infrastructural constraints need to be alleviated first? What tools will make it possible to reveal the socioeconomic potential of the regions? Where can the necessary resources be found? What is the best way to transition from interregional competition to cooperation?
- Modern Housing In partnership with Agency for Housing Mortgage Lending (AHML) Russia plans to build 800 million square metres of housing by 2025. A construction project on this scale represents a unique opportunity to improve quality of life for almost 25 million Russians. The widespread practice of lowering the cost of hou...
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Russia plans to build 800 million square metres of housing by 2025. A construction project on this scale represents a unique opportunity to improve quality of life for almost 25 million Russians. The widespread practice of lowering the cost of housing construction as far as possible has already demonstrated its failings. Whilst it solves short-term problems faced by developers and some consumers, it creates new, long-term problems elsewhere: high operating costs (including those resulting from low-quality construction and building materials), cities which are less attractive to young people and highly qualified specialists, social decay, and, as a consequence, a deterioration in the local economy. At the same time, demand for new housing remains stable, and is kept high by accessible mortgages – in 2017, mortgage interest rates fell to 9,5%, a record low in Russian history. The present state of the housing market represents a unique opportunity to create modern and comfortable living conditions as an investment in the development of future generations. In 2017, the Russian Government introduced the concept of ‘standard housing’ with the law ‘On Assisting the Development of Housing Construction’ and other legislation adopted at the national level. In the long term there are plans to approve requirements for standard housing which will define a minimum level of quality for apartments and the urban environment in Russia. These will be incorporated within the integrated regional development standards which are set to be confirmed in 2018. What should modern housing look like in the twenty-first century? How does quality of housing impact on quality of life in a city? What tools does the Government have for increasing access to housing? How can a balance be maintained between housing quality and cost? What structural changes must be effected in order to improve quality of life in Russian cities? How can integrated regional development standards be implemented in a way that ensures that they work? What tools do local authorities have for improving the quality of housing and the environment in cities?
- Investing in the Regions, Investing in the Future Address by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev
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Address by Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev
- The Future of Open and Digital Public Administration Amidst complex social processes and new economic challenges, the need to ensure that government authorities’ work is done openly represents an important challenge. This is especially necessary at the regional and municipal levels in Russia. Citize...
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Amidst complex social processes and new economic challenges, the need to ensure that government authorities’ work is done openly represents an important challenge. This is especially necessary at the regional and municipal levels in Russia. Citizens are increasingly voicing demands to be able to interact directly with government bodies. Open government is gradually transforming into an open state – one which is closer to people and which makes use of new digital technologies. Concepts like ‘government in your pocket’ and ‘single window’ are now leading global trends. Large volumes of open data serve as a basis for interaction and a foundation for digital government. What image of the future does such a system have to offer in terms of the next political cycle? What are the challenges facing regional authorities in this respect? What does the federal government need to do to transition to new cycle?
- Quality as the Foundation of Competitiveness Contemporary approaches to managing enterprises and organizations view quality as a set of criteria to be applied to all business processes, from cost management to consumer interactions. International experience shows that a systematic approach o...
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Contemporary approaches to managing enterprises and organizations view quality as a set of criteria to be applied to all business processes, from cost management to consumer interactions. International experience shows that a systematic approach of this kind not only makes it possible for enterprises to increase labour productivity and production efficiency, but also ensures positive change at a macroeconomic level. Could quality become the foundation for a national strategy, and what is its role in creating the ‘country of origin’ effect? What is the role of regional brands in this process? What are the specific features of investment projects in the field of quality? What tools have already been introduced in Russia to encourage domestic enterprises to produce quality products and services, and how effective are these proving to be?
- Infrastructure Mortgages: Public–Private Partnership 2.0 ROSINFRA Infrastructure Congress Event International assessments suggest that in order to ensure the stable growth of the Russian economy, investment in developing infrastructure must be more than doubled – to RUB 4.4–5.4 trillion annually. At a time of reduced budgetary funding for in...
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International assessments suggest that in order to ensure the stable growth of the Russian economy, investment in developing infrastructure must be more than doubled – to RUB 4.4–5.4 trillion annually. At a time of reduced budgetary funding for infrastructure, it is important to encourage private investment into this area. In order to achieve this, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development has come up with an ‘infrastructure mortgage’ programme, at the initiative of the President. The programme includes improvements for current public-private partnership schemes and the creation of a fundamentally new mechanism for attracting investment, measures to develop more convenient and transparent legislation and guarantees for investors in infrastructure, and the development of measures for pre-project financing, among others. Will the proposed measures be effective? What results will they make it possible to achieve? Will they be sufficient to solve problems arising from the lack of infrastructure development? What else must be done to achieve a breakthrough in terms of infrastructure?
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ROSINFRA National Infrastructure Award Ceremony16:00–17:30
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- Russian Goods on Global Markets: a Glance into the Future Creating and promoting brands for domestic goods is one of the key challenges involved in expanding exports of finished products. Promoting strong and competitive Russian product brands helps to create stable consumer demand and reinforce a positi...
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Creating and promoting brands for domestic goods is one of the key challenges involved in expanding exports of finished products. Promoting strong and competitive Russian product brands helps to create stable consumer demand and reinforce a positive national image. What are the basic tools for promoting the ‘Made in Russia’ export brand, and how can it be safeguarded from a legal point of view? What role are product brands playing in promoting the image of Russia’s regions? What is the significance of franchising in promoting the image of Russian brands? What challenges are Russian companies in non-commodity sectors overcoming in gaining access to foreign markets? What role is the introduction of new industrial technologies playing in boosting the export potential of competitive domestic products? What position do regional SMEs fill in the export of finished products from Russia?
- Exporting Russian Education: New Challenges and Future Strategies A country with a globally competitive education system is able to attract the most talented people. Indeed, it is a major factor in the success of a knowledge economy. Turnover in the international education services market is in the billions, whi...
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A country with a globally competitive education system is able to attract the most talented people. Indeed, it is a major factor in the success of a knowledge economy. Turnover in the international education services market is in the billions, while exports of services and academic mobility continue to increase. The priority project “Developing the Export Potential of the Russian Education System” is a timely response to the challenges of exporting Russian education. Its goal is to increase the Russian Federation’s share of non-commodity exports by increasing the appeal of Russian education services on the international education market. The project sets out plans to enact a set of system-wide measures aimed at increasing the appeal of Russian education services. These include the promotion of Russian educational standards abroad, educational programmes, and the advantages of receiving an education in the Russian language. They will aim to secure institutional support for the promotion of Russian education services on the international education market, create special structures focusing on the development of international educational initiatives, and train qualified specialists in the field (including through continued professional development). There will also be an emphasis on training teachers capable of working in a variety of joint international educational programmes, as well as on creating and supporting professional development programmes, seminars on methodology, and academic mobility with respect to developing and implementing joint educational programmes. Stakeholders in these endeavours to improve international cooperation will include the government, business, and academic associations. The roundtable will include a presentation of the preliminary outcomes of the priority project, challenges facing Russian universities with respect to exporting services and the most effective routes to solving them, and promoting Russian education as a brand.
- Single-Industry Towns: Let’s Plan the Future In partnership with Single-Industry Town Development Foundation A year ago, the mayors of single-industry towns were presented with some specific challenges. Work is not, however, progressing at the same speed and level of efficiency in every single-industry town, and the efforts of regional and municipal auth...
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A year ago, the mayors of single-industry towns were presented with some specific challenges. Work is not, however, progressing at the same speed and level of efficiency in every single-industry town, and the efforts of regional and municipal authorities are not always sufficient. What have been the outcomes of implementing the Programme in 2017? What results have single-industry towns and regions been able to achieve? What types of collaboration between regional and municipal authorities and business have proven the most effective? What is the best way to harness the initiative of active citizens, and how can the residents of single-industry towns be encouraged to get involved in development efforts?
- Healthcare in Russia’s Regions: Performance Today and Goals for 2025 Growing investment in the health of the population is a guarantee of increased labour productivity, economic development, and the preservation of regional social stability. This is a shared challenge, involving the government, business, and citize...
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Growing investment in the health of the population is a guarantee of increased labour productivity, economic development, and the preservation of regional social stability. This is a shared challenge, involving the government, business, and citizens themselves. Today, some of Russia’s regions have been able to use the resources provided to achieve improved life expectancy for their populations, whilst others still lag seriously behind. An analysis of achievements and problems within healthcare will provide a basis for understanding how to improve Russian life expectancy from the present 72 to 76 years by 2025. It is clear that such an improvement will require considerable efforts on the part of federal and regional authorities, as well as additional investment and radically new approaches to healthcare. What is the secret of regional leaders in healthcare? What resources are needed to improve the health of the Russian population? What is the optimal balance between government investment in public health and investment on the part of business and citizens themselves? What is the role of the heads of regions and municipal entities in safeguarding the health of the population? What are the priority areas with respect to healthcare investment?
- The Regional Budget. Spending Can’t be Saved Regional authorities are today called upon to ensure integrated and proportional regional development, and the coordinating function they play in the economic and social development of regions is expanding significantly. Under these present-day co...
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Regional authorities are today called upon to ensure integrated and proportional regional development, and the coordinating function they play in the economic and social development of regions is expanding significantly. Under these present-day conditions, regions and their budgets find themselves in a double trap. On the one hand, a number of the country’s regions owe significant debts to the federal centre, necessitating reductions in expenditure. At the same time, spending cuts are having a negative effect on a range of key items, including investment in the development of infrastructure and the chance to raise living standards and quality of life for the population. Is it possible for regions to combine their efforts in order to solve large-scale challenges? Are interbudgetary transfers an effective tool for development or for reducing regional poverty? What key practices exist globally for combatting ineffective regional debt policy?
- Transforming Public Administration. Initial Results and Looming Challenges In autumn 2016, the Russian Government launched a portfolio of priority projects and programmes. What changes have governmental bodies succeeded in introducing to their work? What have been the initial results of implementing project management to...
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In autumn 2016, the Russian Government launched a portfolio of priority projects and programmes. What changes have governmental bodies succeeded in introducing to their work? What have been the initial results of implementing project management tools in ‘pilot’ government programmes?
What positive outcomes have been achieved for citizens and entrepreneurs? What progress is being made to ensure constructive collaboration between the state, business, and citizens in implementing projects and effective feedback systems (comparing experiences and reviewing best practices among Russian regions)?
- The Charity of Tomorrow: Trends Shaping the Social Sphere Roscongress Foundation Session Questions about developing human capital, creating a more stable socioeconomic environment, and pursuing environmentally responsible policies have never been more under the spotlight. These priorities, globalization, and progressive technologies a...
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Questions about developing human capital, creating a more stable socioeconomic environment, and pursuing environmentally responsible policies have never been more under the spotlight. These priorities, globalization, and progressive technologies are changing all aspects of society, from education and medicine to manufacturing and communications. The charitable sector is no exception. Notable trends in this area are the increased popularity of social entrepreneurship, the new concept of impact investing, innovative new social projects, the rise of the volunteer movement, and the emergence of the PhilTech sector, which creates digital products and services that are specially designed for non-profit organizations, volunteers, and social entrepreneurs. The speed and effectiveness with which new practices and tools can be integrated into the charitable sector will determine how effectively we can deal with the social challenges facing our society and ensure Russia’s future prosperity. Which modern trends in the charitable sector and which business and non-profit practices are already having a significant influence on regional social development? Are there any innovative technologies which could take charity in Russia to a new level? How can charitable projects that will help to shape the future be implemented in Russia?
- The Contribution of Innovative Clusters to Regional Investment Attractiveness A great deal of activity is in evidence today surrounding the formation of companies and the scaling-up of their operations – startups and scaleups. The largest contribution to employment growth is being provided by just 3% of the most dynamic com...
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A great deal of activity is in evidence today surrounding the formation of companies and the scaling-up of their operations – startups and scaleups. The largest contribution to employment growth is being provided by just 3% of the most dynamic companies. This poses a new challenge for national economic policy. Some answers may be found in a cluster policy. The structure of a cluster is formed by existing companies which have already established themselves, cemented their position in business or science, and matured to the point of being able to undertake joint action. Clusters can help strengthen the demonstration effect for fast-growing companies by facilitating more intensive and open communication between their members. A number of existing fast-growing companies (for example, from the list of ‘national champions’) whose competitiveness is chiefly dependent on their local surroundings, can form clusters around themselves, attracting new organizations and transforming existing ones. Are traditional support measures in the sphere of small and medium-sized businesses and innovation sufficient to stimulate the scaling-up of successful companies? What new tools can be proposed for the support of fast-growing companies, and how can old tools be reoriented for these purposes? What is the role of leading Russian clusters in the realm of cutting-edge technologies and in transforming the stream of startups into a stream of fast-growing companies?
