UNESCO Chair on Future Studies

Researchers from the Higher School of Economics (HSE) have systematically criticized one of the pillars of global technology foresight — the Delphi method. Their study ‘Biases in expert judgements in large-scale S&T Delphi Surveys: How to cope with them?’, published in 2025 in ‘Technological Forecasting and Social Change’ journal, shows that classical expert surveys not only do not guarantee objective consensus achieving but often implicitly reinforce bias and dispersion of opinions. Researchers have proposed supplementing the Delphi survey methodology with built-in “protective mechanisms” against potential distortions.

At the 5th Forum of African Economic Intelligence Associations (Dakhla, Morocco) Prof. Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge  spoke how AI can accelerate search methods of futures studies and enhance market and competitor analysis. 

Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge has analyzed the key statements of Brazil’s plan for artificial intelligence (AI) development approved by government, which envisages intensifying of research and training highly qualified personnel as well as AI technology implementation expanding in main industries.

A new seminar series, "The Dynamics of Science Diplomacy: Bridging Pragmatism and Idealism," began in the fall of 2025. According to the seminar's coordinators, Irek Suleymanov (HSE University, Russia) and Parsifal Islas -Morales (UNAM, Mexico), these sessions are intended not only to serve as a meeting place for emerging researchers in science diplomacy with authoritative experts in the field, but also as a learning and research laboratory for the vibrant research initiatives of undergraduate and graduate students from around the world.

UNCTAD report acknowledged contribution of the International Research and Educational Foresight Center of HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) to development of Technology Foresight (TF) and Technology Assessment (TA) methods for policy-making in long-term planning and anticipatory governance, including into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement.

The book “Foresight: methods and practices” is a methodological guide for Foresight studies and forecasts development, in which 28 methods of the future studies are clearly described and analyzed. The issue continues a publication series on Foresight methods and expands a range of tools offered to use. The book addresses to specialists using Foresight for medium- and long-term forecasting.

International Conference on Ensuring Food Sovereignty in Africa held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia at the end of November 2025.

International Workshop on Technology Foresight became part of official programme of Brazil’s BRICS presidency. The event brought together leading experts and representatives of BRICS key research institutions to discuss priorities for science and technology development and cooperation strength. Professor Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Head of UNESCO Chair on Future Studies, took part in the workshop. 

Special workshop on Foresight-studies in BRICS countries took place in the framework of XV International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’. Experts from Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Iran and India discussed the role of Foresight in STI policy, AI usage in forecasting and challenges of digital era. 

In the latest issue of journal “Foresight and STI Governance” (Vol 19 No 4 2025) transformation in various spheres and primarily in education is the unifying theme of most articles.There is no set pattern in transition processes, which could serve as a success recipe. Nevertheless, the first realized projects represent new, valuable experience for searching ways to contextual adaptation of transformation transition strategies.