The Laboratory for Science and Technology Studies was established in 2010 and is a research unit within HSE University's Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK).
It brings together leading staff researchers with broad-ranging research skill sets and professional competencies. The Laboratory's objective is to conduct empirically based research in science, technology and innovation policy.
HSE Initiates Development of Ethical Standard for Anthropomorphic Robots
Beyond technological solutions, the development of anthropomorphic robotics also demands ethical ones. In July 2026, the HSE Institute for Robotics Systems hosted a foresight session dedicated to developing an Ethical Standard for Anthropomorphic Robotic Complexes. Representatives from businesses, government bodies, scientific organisations, and universities gathered to discuss key ethical and legal issues surrounding the development of anthropomorphic robotic complexes. The main outcome of the meeting was a draft of the Ethical Standard.

HSE University to Launch New AI Supercomputer
HSE University is preparing to launch its second supercomputer. The new cluster will be primarily dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and will complement the existing cHARISMa supercomputer. It is scheduled to become operational by the end of 2026.

‘To Keep Pace with Technology, Foresight Itself Must Become Faster’
The Innovation and Technology Management Conference (InnoTech 2026), organised by Elsevier publishing house in partnership with Tsinghua University, has taken place in Beijing. The event focused on the challenges of managing technological development in the age of artificial intelligence. Olesia Maibakh and Danil Yatskin, researchers from the International Research and Educational Foresight Centre at the HSEInstitute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), presented the findings of the large-scale foresight study ‘IT in Russia: Development Scenarios’ conducted with the support of Yandex.

AI Changes Everything: Fractures of Global Transformations
Artificial intelligence (AI) significant impacts on the economy and society, touching on a wide range of areas, from strategic management and decision-making to everyday communication. Experts from the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) used the iFORA system to map key fractures —areas where changes have already become irreversible and will only intensify.

New Neural Network for Science and Innovation Being Developed at HSE University
HSE researchers are training large language models (LLMs) to understand Russian-language scientific terminology while improving their energy efficiency. The adapted model runs 2.7 times faster and requires 73% less memory than the original open model, allowing it to operate on more affordable hardware. The programme has passed state registration.

Updating Foresight Approaches and Methods
Participants of International Symposium "Foresight in a Rapidly Changing World" at the XXVI April International Academic Conference Named After Evgeny Yasin attempted to find answers to questions such as how to process large amounts of unstructured data, how to integrate artificial intelligence into analytical processes, and how to understand when innovation is ready to enter the market. "The world is changing, and we need to change our Foresight methodology along with it," emphasized Olesia Maibakh (HSE ISSEK Foresight Center), moderator of session "Foresight: New Approaches and Methods." The four presentations complemented each other, forming a unified picture: from a specific instrumental solution to infrastructure, from infrastructure to governance, and finally, to how to determine the moment for specific actions.

What is Common in Formula 1 Racing and Climate Intelligence? ISSEK HSE Foresight Center Held a Session on Applied Foresight Methods.
Can a Formula 1 race become a testing ground for digital forecasting, and how can climate intelligence help companies adapt to shocks? The second session of International Symposium “Foresight in a Rapidly Changing World” within XXVI April International Academic Conference named after Evgeny Yasin focused on finding answers to these questions. The discussion, which brought together experts from Russia, Canada, France, and Brazil, was moderated by Yulia Milshina, Deputy Director of the ISSEK Foresight Center (HSE University).

HSE Tops Ranking of 100 Best Universities in Russia
Forbes has published its eighth annual ranking of the best Russian higher education institutions. HSE University took first place. Its leadership was secured, among other factors, by strong support from employers and high performance in the Academic Environment metric.

Foresight in BRICS Countries: International Dialogue on the Future of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
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.

Transformation Processes and Innovation Potential Building
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.

