UN Highly Acknowledged the Foresight Center of National Research University Higher School of Economics

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.

Anticipatory governance — is a governance model based on a system of early detecting challenges and threats as well as opportunities to prevent negative scenarios and take advantage of favorable chances. Proactive approach to governance bases on Foresight and Engagement as opposed reactive, eliminating consequences ones.

UNCTAD report 2025 "Technology Foresight and Technology Assessment for Sustainable Development" analyzed various institutional models of futures studies used in different countries.

The authors’ main conclusion is that despite significant difference in political culture and national priorities the anticipatory governance is effective instrument for maintaining global competitiveness of countries and corporations.

Technology assessment methods for short-term policy decisions and technology Foresight for long-term strategic policy-making remain methodological basis for anticipatory governance.

According to the report authors, the ISSEK Foresight Center is a national leader in technology Foresight and technology assessment, possessing unique experience and competences in these areas.

Regular road maps designing for various economy sectors, active participation in development of strategy on science and technology priorities and critical technologies for Russian Government, numerous Foresight-studies for business corporations make ISSEK Foresight Center a key institution shaping the country’s technological development agenda.

The report mentions ISSEK Foresight Center’s educational initiatives, particularly Master’s Programme "Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy" as well as training activities of UNESCO Chair on Future Studies and courses on the future forecasting and strategic planning. These activities contributes to new specialists in technology Foresight and technology assessment generation capable to navigate in and shape the future.

It is particularly highlighted Foresight Center’s growing academic impact by its publication of the peer-reviewed journal "Foresight and STI Governance" since 2007.

According to the report: "Due to active collaboration with international organizations, research centers, and HEIs, Foresight Center significantly contributes to the global Foresight community."

Foresight Center’s national efforts and international initiatives play important role in futures studies potential growing, TF and TA methodologies improving, and in promotion of anticipatory governance approach enables to overcome gaps in strategic forecasting and institutional limitations, the report's authors believe.

Link to UNCTAD Report