Creative Debates: HSE University Holds Discussion on Development of Creative Industries Cluster in Perm Krai

Priority areas of the creative economy in the Perm Krai (Russia) and the importance of the educational component in the development of creative industries were discussed by experts at the plenary session ‘Development of the Creative Industries Cluster in Perm Region.’ The event was organised by HSE University in collaboration with the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Entrepreneurship of the Perm Krai at the ‘Days of Perm Business’ forum.

The discussion included representatives from regional ministries, companies in the creative economy sector of the Perm Krai, and from the Moscow and Perm campuses of HSE University, as well as the Mayor of Perm City. The moderator of the discussion, Evgeniy Kutsenko, Director of the ‘Russian Cluster Observatory’ Centre at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), outlined several topics for discussion. He emphasised that, according to the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia, the contribution of creative industries to the national GDP is 3.2%, with the added value in this sector being higher than others. Evgeniy Kutsenko invited speakers to highlight priority areas in the Perm Krai, discuss the management and coordination model in this field, and emphasise the role of education, expertise, and research in the development of creative industries and new university opportunities.

Tatiana Chuksina, Minister of Economic Development and Investment of the Perm Krai, spoke about the tasks of the ‘Creative Economy’ direction, established in the Perm Krai's socio-economic development strategy until 2035. These include the development of corporate and user software, design solutions, the creation of audio-visual content (including films), the development of the fashion industry and event industry, and the support of folk art and traditional crafts. In her speech, Alla Platonova, Minister of Culture of the Perm Krai, confirmed the importance of business and government interaction, joint work of departments for developing a management model and the film industry as an effective sector of the regional economy.

The Creative Regions of Russia ranking compiled by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge highlighted the number of university students (8th in the country) and the salary levels of specialists (12th in the country) as the strengths of the Perm Krai. At the same time, the region has unrealised potential in this direction, and the university plays a crucial role in enhancing it. Galina Volodina, Director of the HSE University in Perm, noted that the Perm campus already successfully implements an online bachelor’s programme in design (in collaboration with the HSE Art and Design School), and a professional retraining programme titled ‘Production in the Film Industry’ (in collaboration with the Perm Film Commission and Bazelevs film company).

‘We are currently negotiating with the head of the Perm Film Commission, Alena Semerikova-Volkova, to launch a programme for training screenwriters and with the director of Kaprizka animation studio, Yuri Tsodikovich, to create a programme in animation,’ said Galina Volodina.

Additionally, in 2025, the HSE campus in Perm will launch a full-time bachelor's programme in design, as well as a programme in creative industries management. In the autumn of 2024, HSE University in Perm will also organise a conference on the creative economy. This event will be a platform for bringing together experts in this field.

‘We are planning to become a centre of professional competencies in creative industries,’ emphasised the Director of the HSE campus in Perm.

In his speech, the Mayor of Perm, Eduard Sosnin, noted that the city has much to be proud of. For example, Tochka Design School is the only school in Russia where the diploma of general education includes the subject of design along with all major subjects. Graduates of this school can continue their education in the bachelor’s programme in design at HSE University in Perm.

‘It is important for us that education is “seamless” and that students stay in the city and region,’ emphasised the Mayor.

Business representatives of the creative industries expressed their requests for government support and ideas for developing the creative cluster in the region. For example, Evgeny Oshchepkov, CEO of Ozon Group, proposed an unusual collaboration with HSE University in Perm in the ‘makerspace’ format—an opportunity to try out a profession on open platforms and under the guidance of a mentor, such as learning to work with a 3D printer or in a recording studio.

Arseniy Meshcheryakov, Head of the HSE Art and Design School, noted the importance of creating a community for the development of creative industries and the important role that education plays in this. Tatiana Rivchun, Director of the HSE Institute for Creative Industries Development, explained the specific features of project-based learning in design. She stated that students develop projects for businesses at every module (there are four modules at HSE University per year), allowing companies to find specialists even during their training. All student projects from the HSE Art and Design School are posted on a special open platform.

In his concluding remarks, Evgeniy Kutsenko highlighted the need to establish creative spaces, including open workshops at HSE University, as well as a working group at the regional level to implement ideas for developing the creative industries sector and support talents.