The ISSEK discussed prospects for scientific cooperation with Malaysia
International workshop ‘Foresight and STI Policy: Recent Findings’ with participation of delegation from Malaysia organized by the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge took place at the HSE University. The parties exchanged experiences implementing research projects in science, technology, and innovation and discussed promising areas for further cooperation.
Russia and Malaysia are among the top-30 globally by scientific publications and demonstrate strong potential for S&T cooperation. HSE University and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology signed a Cooperation Agreement in 2024. At a recent meeting, ISSEK researchers and representatives of the Malaysian delegation shared the results of recent projects in the fields of Foresight, Science and Technology.
Mikhail Gershman, Director of the ISSEK Centre for Science, Technology, Innovation and Information Policy presented the methods for STI policy effectiveness analyzing and assessing. He noted that ISSEK specialists prepare 20–25 expert reviews annually, develop databases on STI supporting measures, and evaluate national programmes and instruments for stimulating R&D. In his opinion, these approaches can be used for comparative analysis of Russia and Malaysia innovation systems, as well as for joint publications and research in the field of STI policy.
Evgeniy Kutsenko, Head of the ISSEK Centre 'Russian Cluster Observatory' presented HSE Global Cities Innovation Index, an international research project covering more than 1,000 cities in 144 countries. The Observatory generates objective data on cities’ technological and innovative potential, including infrastructure, productivity, startups and unicorns, and creative industries. In the framework of collaboration with Malaysia, the parties discussed possibility for Malaysian cities including in the Observatory's database, as well as preparation of joint analytical reports and case studies on urban innovation policy development.
The meeting participants paid special attention to dynamics of scientific publications in Russia and Malaysia as studied by the ISSEK team. Maxim Kotsemir, Senior Research Fellow of the ISSEK Centre for Quantitative Modelling noted the diversification of joint research: while previously it concentrated in physics and nuclear energy, in recent years the focus has shifted to materials science, computer science, energy, and ecology. Experts believe the greatest potential for future collaboration lies in the social sciences, economics, biotechnology and medicine, as well as in research related to machine learning, digital innovation, new materials and carbon footprint reduction.
Olesia Maibakh, Head of the ISSEK Foresight Research Methodology and Organization Unit presented a project aimed to identify priority areas of AI basic research. Experts have developed a three-tiered framework for analyzing a technological market landscape, identifying key areas, subareas, and research challenges. As part of foresight process, researchers are conducting surveys and expert sessions to create a global map of AI research priorities.
Following the discussion, participants noted the high potential for developing joint research, data exchange, and publications, as well as the possibility of creating bilateral analytical projects to assess science policy, digital technologies, and innovative urban development.