UNESCO Chair on Future Studies

In the context of increasing global competition, countries arestriving to ensure technological sovereignty. Those who can ensure economic development and concentrate intangible assets and human capital are emerging as leaders. The growing demand for qualified staff leads to an increase in the role of universities and the demand for early-career scientists. The challenges and opportunities for prospective specialists in the scientific community were discussed at the ‘StratPro Platform’ strategic session at HSE University.

The XIV International Academic Conference "Foresight and Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy," organized by the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), took place at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE University) on October 28-29, 2024. Leading Russian and international scientists and experts from more than 20 countries presented research covering a wide range of topics, from the skills needed for science and technology, and the evaluation of policy effectiveness in these areas to advanced approaches and methods in futures studies that can help accelerate the implementation of national and corporate strategies and even ideas found in science fiction. A cross-cutting theme throughout the Foresight Conference was how to integrate artificial intelligence into this research area.

Maryann Asemota, from Nigeria, graduate of the Master’s in Science, Technology, and Innovation Management, now works as researcher at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK). In an interview with the HSE News Service, she shared her experience of working at HSE University, her future plans, and gave some advice on pursuing a career in academia.

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 October 14, 2024, International Partnership Day Russia–Brazil took place at HSE University. The event was organised in collaboration with the Brazilian Embassy in Moscow and marked the first Brazilian academic and scientific mission to Russia, leading to the signing of cooperation agreements between HSE University and four Brazilian universities.

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.

Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center has published the 36^th issue of the research digest. It presents the latest results of a study of demographic forecasting and its factors. The research is carried out as a part of the project "Development of multi-status demographic models for Russia accounting for the level of education and health status / life expectancy".

The social responsibility of business is growing against the background of aggravated social, economic and digital inequality. Most consumers are ready to give up the goods and services of those companies for which profit is more important than caring about people and environment. The trend towards systematic social investment is the main topic of the new issue of trendletters, produced as part of a joint project of the Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center and the UNESCO Futures Studies Chair (UNESCO Futures Literacy Chairs network).

2022 marked 20 years since the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge has been founded. To celebrate this 20th Anniversary, we selected key events and facts in ISSEK’s history that sparked reflective discussions in academia, set new milestones for HSE University, or encouraged development in various sectors of the Russian economy and public life.

Professor Alexander Sokolov, Head of the Higher School of Economics UNESCO Futures Studies Chair, took part in the International Conference “Transforming knowledge for just and sustainable futures” held to mark the 30th anniversary of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs programme. The event took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, on 3-4 November 2022.