Professor of HSE University has delivered keynote speech at inauguration ceremony of the China-BRICS Research Center

At inauguration of the China-BRICS New-Quality Productive Forces Research Center in China Professor Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of the HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), delivered a presentation on a role of foresight studies in strategic planning. The event took place on March 25, 2026 in Beijing under the Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum Annual Conference.

The China-BRICS Research Center, established in 2026 under the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, aims to become a key international platform for experience exchange and joint research in new high-quality productive forces development. Its main mission is to promote science and technology cooperation, to elaborate innovation development models, and provide intellectual support for decision-making in BRICS member countries.

In his presentation, Prof. Sokolov emphasized that in the face of growing global uncertainty and turbulence, traditional strategic planning methods require new more sensitive tools for working with big data. AI enhanced Foresight can identify weak signals of emerging trends and potential threats already at the preliminary stages of research. This advantage is critical for managing the future and setting priorities for science and technology development in a period of increased technological competition between countries and blocs.

The audience was particularly interested in presentation of developed by HSE ISSEK the Intelligent Foresight Analytics System iFORA. It uses machine learning and natural language processing to analyze arrays of unstructured information (scientific publications, patents, market analytics, media).

Intelligent big data mining system iFORA — is a modern strategic analytics tool that meets business and policy-making needs and enables identification of hidden patterns, non-obvious insights to predict the future.

Alexander Sokolov demonstrated iFORA capabilities using an example promising technology trends analysis, including digital technologies, neurotechnologies, and robotics. He presented methods for constructing a "trend funnel" analyzing technology lifecycles and mapping centers of excellence, which enables to generate objective, reproducible data for strategic decision-making at any level, from national to corporate.

"We are witnessing how BRICS countries strength their position in global innovation race. AI-based foresight study, like the one we are developing at HSE, allows us not only to monitor the current agenda but also to shape the future, identifying growth areas and risks. The new collaboration platform being launched in China could become an important link in building a joint foresight ecosystem."

HSE University has a long-term collaboration with partners from BRICS countries in science and technology foresight area. Since 2015, the University has been involved in developing priorities for science and technology cooperation between Russia and BRICS countries as part of Russian Council for Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation with BRICS.

The HSE ISSEK regularly holds specialized seminars and conferences on foresight in BRICS countries, implements joint research projects and educational programmes, including Master’s Programme “Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy” and double degree programme with University of Campinas (Brazil).

Together with partners from China, South Africa and Brazil, the ISSEK publishes results of research in the field of science and technology foresight and innovation policy in the Springer publishing house.