Research & Expertise

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Management intellectualisation, synergy with AI, and the transition to microclouds are expected to be the main trends in the digital economy over the next decade. Experts in cloud technologies gathered at HSE University for a foresight session to discuss these trends and their evolution up to 2040. They explored how process intellectualisation would develop, as well as ideas for storing data in space to minimise environmental impact.

The 25th Yasin (April) International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development brought together leading Russian and Western scientists. Among the guests was Jose Luis Cordeiro, PhD, international fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science, Chair of the Millennium Project's Venezuela node, former professor at MIPT and HSE University, and author of The Death of Death.