Research & Expertise

XV International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’organized by HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge took place on 12-14 November 2025.  This year programme included nine thematic sessions and special workshop for BRICS countries. The conference traditionally became a platform for discussing the future of technology, transformation of labor markets, creative economy, role of artificial intelligence, and sustainable development, bringing together experts around the world from: Russia, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, Australia, the UK, Malaysia and other countries.

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.

Management intellectualisation, synergy with AI, and the transition to microclouds are expected to be the main trends in the digital economy over the next decade. Experts in cloud technologies gathered at HSE University for a foresight session to discuss these trends and their evolution up to 2040. They explored how process intellectualisation would develop, as well as ideas for storing data in space to minimise environmental impact.

In the framework of world science structure mapping the HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) for the first time has identified the most relevant for Russia research and development topics using a system of intelligent analysis of big data iFORA.

The articles in latest issue of the Foresight journal (V. 19, № 2) analyze factors that determine the effectiveness of innovative entrepreneurship ecosystems, new tools for assessing their prospects and developing a competence base.

In September, the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge hosted an international working meeting with representatives from Brazilian, Egyptian, and Indian think tanks. The participants discussed opportunities for cooperation, including joint surveys, comparative studies, databases, and publications on foresight, technology, and innovation. It was also decided to draft a multilateral agreement to establish the BRICS Foresight Association.

On September 19–20, Skoltech hosted the First International Workshop on Technological Sustainability of BRICS: University-Industry Partnerships, organised jointly with HSE University Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center. The meeting was held as part of the BRICS working group on technology foresight and science and technology studies.

Researchers at HSE ISSEK have released the third ranking of megacities based on their innovation attractiveness—HSE Global Cities Innovation Index 2024 (HSE GCII 2024). Moscow ranks ninth, while London, New York, and Tokyo lead the ranking. The top ten also include Beijing, San Francisco, Paris, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and Seoul. In addition to Moscow, 25 other Russian cities are among the top 1,000, including St. Petersburg (73), Novosibirsk (183), and others.