3. Strategic Projects Aimed at Meeting the Target Model

3.1. Description of the Strategic Project No. 1 “Success and Self-Sustainability of the Individual in a Changing World”

The shortage of cadre for employers and income shortage for consumers emphasize the significance of more years of employment, which may be supported by medicine, a healthy environment and a holistic lifestyle. The digital revolution is transforming the labour market, demanding that participants who want to succeed possess digital and soft skills, as well as economic and legal knowledge. With this in mind, a “new inequality” is now emerging – the drastic differences in earnings and social opportunities due to having such skills. On the one hand, the pressure of today’s information society on the individual has resulted in a type of “digital oppression”, negatively impacting people’s independent and rational choices, as well as affecting human behaviour and judgement. This demands not only the development of effective approaches to individual autonomy, but also the formulation of a complex attitude to those approaches.

The extent of this challenge requires the creation of a new interdisciplinary framework, with in-depth consideration of the development of individual’s self-sustainability and independence and other related characteristics, as well as their enhancement through technology. With this in mind, a major component in this process has already been provided with the launch of the Consortium “World-class Research Centre for Multidisciplinary Research of Human Potential”, which is charged with identifying the structure of human potential and social instruments capable of developing it further. Nevertheless, the research objectives of this institute do not cover the entire spectrum of human attributes, nor do they focus on conceptualization and development of the technology for supporting individual’s self-sustainability in achieving success.  Within this strategic project, there is a new emphasis on R&D directly relating to human development, thereby significantly widening the range of opportunities for collaboration among sociologists, economists, psychologists, biologists, physicians, engineers, and specialists in digital technologies. As a result, new approaches and technologies for enhancing human experience will be developed and interlinked, along with the creation of relevant policies and institutional solutions.

The initial framework for designing a project for “human enhancement” may be drawn from human capital theory and the concept of social capital, which would allow us to specify the following areas of human enhancement: physical and mental health, life and career skills, iself-sustainability and social relations. As such, this strategic project is organized around six core areas, one of which (Area 1) concerns fundamental research into the possibilities and limitations of boosting human potential with due consideration of changes in the environment, including emerging challenges and demands.  The remaining areas are focused on developing applicable technological and institutional solutions: in the medical/biological sphere – for human health; in the psychological sphere – for the cognitive development and psychological well-being; in skills development – for professional and personal self-realization; and also developing human self-sustainability and building social connections.

3.1.1. Goal of the Strategic Project No. 1 “Success and Self-Sustainability of the Individual in a Changing World”

One of the fundamental issues in socio-economic development in recent decades, something that is actively discussed at both the political level and within academia, is how modern life sets expectations to individuals that grow ever more demanding. Stable structures for organizing one’s life, upon which one might have relied, are now part of the past, while self-sustainability, instead of being a privilege, is now a necessary factor in contemporary living. The economic value of any individual, both as a productive participant in the economy and an active, conscious member of the society and a consumer, is on the rise. However, not everybody is able to independently and responsibly (without any outside oversight) navigate towards successful, healthy and positive wellbeing. Social institutions, digital transformation, the revolution in biomedicine and education are not sufficiently focused on developing relevant skills. “Enhancement” (strengthening) of independent and successful human activity, with a particular focus on the emerging digital, social, biological and cognitive technologies, is now the challenge humanity must face. This strategic project can meet the challenge by relying on emerging technological opportunities and putting them together into a whole complex with technological and institutional instruments.

This start-up project is focused on expanding the supply and distribution of instruments for encouraging self-sustainable human activity, ensuring career success, health and social wellbeing, under conditions of constantly changing environment.

The outcomes of this project are in line with the national objective “Creating conditions for self-realization and development of talents”.

3.1.2. Objectives of the Strategic Project No. 1 “Success and Self-Sustainability of the Individual in a Changing World”

• 1. Identifying significant risks to health, welfare and success because of particular problems, population groups and life spheres that require special support for self-sustaining  activities (enhancement) and unlocking of individuals potential.

  2. Identifying key instruments (including engineering, medical, digital, social, educational, technological, etc.) to develop individuals’ abilities and expand opportunities for self-sustainable actions in response to new opportunities and requirements set by society.

  3. Developing technologies for boosting individuals’ decision-making concerning their health and cognitive functions, including new biomedical, digital and cognitive technologies, the development of portable electronic devices.

  4. Developing digital and educational technologies for:

• identification and assistance in self-development of talents, including those that education systems traditionally fail (social, artisanal and engineering skills); 
• individualization of educational trajectories during an individual’s entire lifespan; 
• establishing sustainable social ties among individuals;
• encouraging self-sustainability and self-regulation skills.

5. Development of the models for socio-economic assessment of the effects from individual and combination of technologies of “human enhancement”. 

6. Designing tools for social and humanitarian policy with a focus on tasks of the expansion of opportunities for an individual.

7. Developing sociological and statistical instruments for the analysis of consumption and consumer choice and models and instruments for processing Big Data in this area.

8. Developing new educational programmes and modules, aimed at training specialists in “human enhancement”; developing independent life skills and self-care competencies (health and welfare).

The strategic project’s implementation will centre around six areas:

Area 1. Human development in a rapidly changing world: opportunities, risks and institutional aspects:

1.1.    challenges and demands for human enhancement in response to social, economic, technological and cultural changes;

1.2.    acceptance and rejection of technologies;

1.3.    economics of human enhancement.

Area 2. Technologies for improving human health:

2.1.    bio-printing;

2.2.    wearable electronics for healthcare needs;

2.3.    digital technologies and health;

2.4.    bio-technologies and improving people’s health.

Area 3. Neurobiological and psychological technologies for improving brain functions and expanding cognitive abilities:

3.1.    neurotechnologies for the optimization of human brain function;

3.2.    digital possibilities for improving human mental functions.

Area 4 (a single project). Skills and experience for independent success, including the identification of capabilities and points of individual talent; modelling a national system of qualifications and digital ecosystem of qualifications.

Area 5 (a single project). Cultivation of independence and self-sustainability, including digital instruments for intellectual searches, which stimulate independent choice.

Area 6 (a single project). Instruments for enhancing social connections for individual achievement, while boosting public solidarity (support).

3.1.3. Expected Results of the Strategic Project No. 1 “Success and Self-Sustainability of the Individual in a Changing World”

At the global level:

A world-class polydisciplinary (sociology, economics, psychology, pedagogy, biology, medicine, engineering, computer and cognitive sciences) academic community will conduct research in “human enhancement”, including at least four consortiums of academic institutions and corporate firms, with at least 50 researchers, and half of them would be under 39 years old.

By 2030, HSE University will be ranked among Top-50 global leaders (as per the Times Higher Education (THE) and/or Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ratings) in at least three subject areas related to human enhancement (social, engineering/technical, medical-biological sciences).

A pool of support methodologies for self-sustainable selection, health, social inclusion and goals achievement will be developed, including the following:

• intellectual search models, capable of accelerating human cognitive functions and individual selection options, as well as neurotechnology to enhance protection from false information;
• online instruments to assess individual quality of life and health;
• digital technologies to analyze the functional condition and self-diagnostics with the application of portable devices;
• digital technologies for monitoring recovery processes and operational adjustments in treatment with the application of AI, e.g., interactive support for patients and health care professions;
• a digital platform offering services for the development of independent support instruments for the purpose of extending active lifestyles and managing one’s own health needs;
• new protocols to stimulate the brain for the purpose of expanding cognitive abilities: memory, attention, cognitive control, and language abilities;
• digital interfaces, used to ensure the best execution of problem-solving, learning and cognitive abilities.

Informational, consulting and educational practices and technologies will be developed, capable of identifying individual talents and support for successful educational and professional trajectories, including:

• digital instruments to identify individual abilities and individual areas of excellence;
• digital instruments for self-assessment of the development of competencies and contemporary literacy;
• digital platform for building academic trajectories and digital services to obtain recommendations on self-instruction;
• instruments for independent composition of skills and ongoing competencies profile, as well as professional self-realization on the job market.

Sociological and statistical instruments and models will be developed, capable of processing Big Data in order to analyze areas of consumption and consumer choice, as an important area for encouraging human independence.

At the national level:

A new academic field will be implemented in Russia - “Humanitarian Information Science”.

The development of economic and normative model for a system of professional qualifications and a model of the digital platform for professional qualifications, thus increasing opportunities for effective career building.

The development of recommendations for state policy to promote instruments for supporting self-sustainable living in formal and informal institutions of human development and new digital environments.

Creation of a market of brand new consulting products and services for the state and private sectors of the economy, focused on providing support to independent individuals: by 2030, innovations and inventions shall be worth at least two billion roubles.

At the level of HSE University:

For boosting research activities at HSE University and the country:

Building of Russia’s most complete collection of empirical data related to human self-sustainability and available for researchers, experts and practitioners in human development (health care, culture, educational and social policy, etc.)

For the development of education at HSE University and throughout Russia:

Creation and launch of at least 15 new educational products (academic courses, modules, CPD programmes, e-courses, etc.), for analyzing the development and/or implementation and/or use of technologies for human enhancement. Training of a cohort of researchers and professionals to engage in the development of priority economic sectors with respect to human potential in line with sector-focused strategic planning.

3.2. Description of the Strategic Project No. 2 “Social Policy for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Economic Growth”

Global challenges of poverty and inequality, which have intensified owing to rapid technological and socio-demographic changes, have put social policy instruments in the foreground for efforts to ensure sustainable development. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they served not only as the cause of social stability, but also economic resilience. In light of rising demand for sustainability, many countries have experienced a slowdown in economic growth, which, in turn, become a driver behind the transition to the development trend, based on increasing investment in the development of human potential and obtaining returns on its capitalization, which has shaped into the concept of inclusive economic growth. These substantial challenges determine the relevance of this project, which aims to achieve national objectives in protecting the population, including the health and wellbeing of individuals, as well as creating conditions for respectable and high-performance work opportunities and successful entrepreneurial activities.

HSE University is a globally recognized national leader in the development of social policy (by Institute for Social Policy), job market research, health care and education, as well as statistical and sociological research. The University’s experts carry out research and applied analytical projects when developing and helping to implement a whole range of social policies in Russia.

3.2.1. Goals of the Strategic Project No. 2 “Social Policy for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Economic Growth”

Ensuring national leadership and boosting global competitiveness of HSE University in the development of scientific instruments for social policy, aimed at maintaining social stability and fostering conditions for inclusive economic growth.

Developing methodology and preparing justification for transferring from inertial and reactive social policy to an evidence-based policy, which will help enhance the stability of the Russian state, ensure balanced development of national economy, and maintain socio-political stability in the country.

3.2.2. Objectives of the Strategic Project No. 2 “Social Policy for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Economic Growth”

1. Assessing the effectiveness of the current and developing new approaches to social adaptation policy (primarily at the level of the family) with respect to changes in wellbeing, driven by the accelerating rate of global technological and socio-cultural transformation, as well as the need for environmental social governance (ESG).  

2. Creating an open databank of scientific instruments for evidence-based social policy in the social sphere, and policy measures, aimed at increasing the inclusiveness of economic growth (maximum involvement of each citizen in its development).

3. Developing a national scientific school for monitoring and forecasting the job market.

4. Creating an open databank of new policy instruments to support sustainable development and increase the inclusiveness of economic growth.

5. Developing scientific instruments for validating ecosystems of life choices, capable of enhancing social stability.

6. The strategic project centres around five research areas, aimed at solving the specified tasks.

Area 1. “Instruments for citizens’ support and adaptation to new possibilities”.  This area is aimed at the identification and scientific systematization of access limitations to resources for shaping the appropriate level and quality of a healthy life; creation of a specific system of social policy measures, bringing down inequality in access to essential services and resources, while also reducing risks of poverty and lack of success. Projects include: 1.1. providing support to failing learners; 1.2. new social aspects in the improvement of the people’s health; 1.3. hiring policy and access to professional education for persons with health issues/disabilities.

Area 2. “Developing a national school for monitoring and forecasting the job market” – this area is aimed at devising tools for forecasting labour markets for the purpose of adjusting national project measures and state programmes. Projects include: 2.1. monitoring spatial and structural changes of the job market; 2.2. impact of labour migration on the job market.

Area 3. “’Smarteka’ of instruments for evidence-based social policy” – this area is focused on the creation and introduction of academic instruments for evidence-based social policy into administration decision-making with a view to the adjustment of national projects and state programmes, thereby contributing to an increase of social stability and stimulating the economic growth. Projects include: 3.1. theoretical and methodological aspects in the development of instruments for evidence-based social policy; 3.2. evidence-based social policy and economic growth; 3.3. application of the evidence-based policy for strategic planning in social sphere.

Area 4. “New policy instruments and support for stable development and enhancing the inclusiveness of economic growth” – this area seeks to develop and introduce new socio-economic policy measures, aimed at contributing to social stability and boosting inclusive economic growth, including corporate policy on the basis of ESG criteria, which can effectively combine financial results and social and environmental well-being in proximity to an area where a given company is located. Projects include: 4.1. concept of a national model for boosting productivity and inclusivity of economic growth; 4.2. expanding corporate management instruments for stable development; 4.3 Smarteka for the effects from transformation and economic growth in investment in human potential.

Area 5. “Ecosystems for life choices” – this area is committed to researching life choices as a socio-psychological phenomenon and creating a bank of solutions to enhance social stability with the application of instruments for the ecosystem of life choices. Projects include: 5.1. choice as a complex socio-psychological phenomenon; 5.2. development of a core theoretical model of choice-making; 5.3. choice in various life spheres throughout the individual’s entire life.

3.2.3. Expected Results of the Strategic Project No. 2 “Social Policy for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Economic Growth”

Global outcome: Improvement of the University’s global competitiveness with respect to the development of scientific instruments for social policy, confirmed by HSE University’s entry, by 2030, into the Top-50 of global leaders in the reputable THE and/or QS ratings in three subject areas relating to social stability and economic growth.

National results: Creation of an open bank of new evidence-based instruments of social policy, focused on maintaining social stability and measures to support the improvement of inclusivity of economic growth, ensuring the transfer (translation) of academic and expert/analytical inventions and innovations in administrative decisions’ practice.

Expansion of social policy through the inclusion of ESG instruments, accompanied by the integrated monitoring of labour and social rehabilitation for needy and economically vulnerable citizens.

Research/academic outcome will include the creation of the university-based academic schools in five fields: social information science, inclusive economic growth, social stability, monitoring and forecasting trends of the job markets, new mechanisms for the adaptation of citizens and families to rapidly changing development conditions.

By 2030, doctoral students, research assistants and young researchers (under 39 years of age) will account for 50% of teams at such schools.

The applied academic outcomes will include two launched information and analytical bases: instruments for evidence-based social policy and new solutions in the policy for supporting sustainable development and increasing the inclusivity of economic growth.

3.3. Description of the Strategic Project No. 3 “National Centre of S&T and Socio-Economic Forecasting”

A key characteristic of the last decade was the rapid increase in global challenges: climate change, deepening inequality, demographic shifts, migration, transformation of social institutions, digitalization in every corner of life, changes at the workplace due to new technologies and AI, shifts in the system of human values, people’s behaviour and preferences, and abilities for finding solutions and making decisions.  The reduction in technological life cycles and acceleration of their dynamics, are expanding the field of opportunities on the one hand while driving more uncertainty with respect to the mid- and long-term future on the other. The occurrence of unpredictable shocks (such as the Covid-19 crisis), has resulted in volatility in our world, while the absence of information on the nature and future dynamics of such transformative processes makes it even harder to pinpoint and effectively react to today’s multiple challenges.

This strategic project is aimed at the identification and practical application of new and more effective approaches to predicting the future in light of dynamic changes and expanding technological opportunities. The range of quantitative and qualitative methods will be expanded for various types of data, on the basis of multidisciplinary approach, bringing together the latest achievements in social and computer sciences, cultural studies and psychology, as well as the application of models to analyze complex systems with a specific focus on the various factors linking them together. Those new methods and models will be tested on practical forecasting projects, which will be applied to various areas of human life, economy and society.

HSE University is the acknowledged leader in forecast research and foresight methodology with a truly global reputation as an expert institution. The University has carried over 100 projects in S&T and socio-economic forecasting, development of technological roadmaps, and state policy recommendations in various sectors of the economy and society. HSE also publishes the journal Foresight and STI Governance (WoS and Scopus Q1), a series of monographs with forecasts and S&T policy concepts through the Springer-Nature publishing house. The University sponsors annual international conference “Foresight and STI policy”, while also maintaining partnerships with top foresight centres around the world.  The already developed niches for forecasting methods, models and practices, as well as the University’s advanced analytical infrastructure (Big Data iFORA analysis system, supercomputers, etc.) helped to build a unique resource foundation for the successful realization of this strategic project. In addition, the widespread distribution of the project’s results throughout the global academic and professional world will help to encourage Russia’s active involvement in the long-term global agenda for S&T and socio-economic development.

3.3.1. Goal of the Strategic Project No. 3 “National Centre of S&T and Socio-Economic Forecasting”

1. Development, testing and extensive application of effective instruments for long-term forecasting, thus fostering the creation of a new information foundation in order to formulate an evidence-based policy and make administrative decisions in various fields of human activity; analysis of the dynamics of global transformations and possible shocks and assessment of their possible effects.

2. Implementation of this project will contribute to achieving national targets: “Protecting the Population, Health and Wellbeing of People”, “Opportunities for Self-Realization and Development of Talents” and “Comfortable and Safety Environment for Life”, as well as the formation of conditions for Russian society to effectively respond to the major challenges, with due consideration of the correlation of humanity and nature, technology, and social institutions at the current phase of global development, along with the application of humanities and social science methods (Orders of the President of the Russian Federation No. 474, dated July 21, 2020 and No. 642, p. 20j, dated December 1, 2016, respectively).

3. Development of contemporary forecasting methods and models, scaling them up for various fields of application, broad dissemination at other academic institutions through the system of study programmes and respective training will form a culture of strategic forecasting in Russia, with regular assessment of global challenges and trends, along with the selection of promising paths for long-term development.

3.3.2. Objectives of the Strategic Project No. 3 “National Centre of S&T and Socio-Economic Forecasting”

1. Developing advanced methodologies for S&T and socio-economic forecasting; creating information framework and interdisciplinary instruments for new forecasting activities.

2. Creating a continuously working platform for monitoring global challenges and trends in technological and socio-economic development, scientific frontiers, technological breakthroughs, the emerging of new markets and products (in hydrogen energetics, pharmaceuticals, etc.).

3. Developing a series of long-term forecasts, ensuring the construction of a detailed picture of the future; determining mid- to long-term priorities in the development of science and technology, sectors of economy, social innovation and institutions; assessing the extent of upcoming changes and their social, economic, environmental and geopolitical effects.

4. Promoting the wide-scale distribution of the studies and research of the future in Russia and the world. 

This strategic project is a combination of four interlinked projects, which, taken together, can achieve a common goal:

• Observation of the foresight research methods;
• Platform for monitoring trends in science, technology, economy and society;
• System of forecasting future trends in science, technology, economy and society;
• Promoting culture and best practices of studies of the future.

3.3.3. Expected Results of the Strategic Project No. 3 “National Centre of S&T and Socio-Economic Forecasting

At the global level:

• developing and implementing original forecasting methods and models, which are globally competitive; 
• HSE University’s inclusion, by 2030, in the Top-20 academic institutions of the world in terms of total articles on foresight in Scopus/WoS Q1-Q2 journals.

At the national level:

• list of the priority areas of development for science and technology and critical technologies for the Russian Federation will be compiled; 
• “Forecast for Russia’s S&T Development up until 2040” based on newly created methodological and analytical platform, will be made to support the development of long-term technological and innovation policies;
• a series of forecasts will be prepared on socio-economic development for the purpose of supporting the formation of long-term economic and social policy;
• recommendations will be developed proposing the improvement of state policy on collection and initial analysis of data, state statistical monitoring instruments and sociological surveys;
• new foundation for the development of national S&T and innovative policy and instruments for strategic planning will be put in place due to the application of forecast results and integrated monitoring of global S&T frontiers;
• national competencies centre will be created, a world-class school in S&T and socio-economic forecasting;
• export of scientific, educational and consulting services for the development of national and corporate forecasting models will be organised, as well as specialized forecasting – at least five projects for foreign clients;
• Russian market for consulting products and services in technological and socio-economic forecasts will be developed and by 2030, the total value of services should come to at least two billion roubles.

At the institutional level:

• an Observatory for foresight research methods will be developed, covering at least 40 quantitative and qualitative methods and models used in practice, e.g., digital, cultural studies, psychological, etc.; 
• a methodology for determining global frontiers in science and technology will be developed, along with annual monitoring based on qualitative (semantic) analysis of the Big Data with due consideration of the specifics of science, technology, as well as social and economic processes;
• HSE University will initiate a global network for future studies that will include at least 15 specialized universities and research centres.

For the development of research activities at HSE University and in Russia:

• creation of a national standard for foresight research;
• original methodology for determining global frontiers of science and technologies on the basis of qualitative (semantic) analysis of Big Data with due consideration of the specific aspects of science, technology, social and economic processes will be developed;
• at least 15 new original methods for forecasting and modelling will be used in HSE University projects;
• at least 20 leading foreign experts in forecasting will take part in the University’s forecasting projects;
• development of national and international expert panels on at least 10 subject areas;
• at least two books published by reputable international publishers, and at least 30 articles in top international journals on the subject of forecasting and foresight.

For the development of education at HSE University and in Russia:

• educational modules for studies of the future will be included into at least 10 HSE University educational programmes;
• an e-course in research methods of the future will be developed and implemented at HSE University, as well as other Russian and foreign academic institutions.

3.4. Description of the Strategic Project No. 4 “Digital Transformation: Technologies, Effects and Performance”

Intensive distribution of digital technologies completely transforms the economy and social life. The development of those technologies is quite rapid and often unpredictable; as such, it is next to impossible to truly forecast its consequences. It would be a mistake to view digital transformation only from the perspective of technology – new operational models of activities will come into being, while economic and social institutions will undergo major changes, along with people’s lifestyles. In addition, a “worldwide data space” is emerging, thus helping to form the basis for machine-to-machine communication, as the globalization of the economy and personalization of goods and services intensifies. However, there is growing concern on the part of people about keeping their personal data secure, as well as privacy and security in the world of the “Internet of things”. Perhaps the biggest challenge is the progressing limitations in terms of people’s informed choices with respect to digital ecosystem solutions. The euphoria from improvement in the quality of life at the start of the digital age has faded, while a more agitated and worrisome mood has come forward.

Thus, it is necessary to create a new model for developing and implementing digital technologies, foreseeing not only assessments of technological and market perspectives, but also predicting long-term economic, cultural, and social consequences, still unforeseen on the part of society and regulators, as well as the risks and effects from promotion and distribution of those technologies. This is a pressing issue and affects all of Russia, since digital transformation is a national target for the development by 2030 (as per Regulation of the President of the Russian Federation No. 474, from July 21, 2020). To achieve this, it is important to consider multiple complex and interrelated factors beyond science and technology to ensure that the decisions that have been made were reasonable.

HSE University is a globally recognized centre of computer technology development in such key areas as Big Data, AI, cyber-physical systems and computer vision. All of these technologies lie at the core of digital transformation and generate the effects that change the entire sectors of the economy and social life. Thus, determining and carrying out specific tasks involving scientific teams in these spheres depends largely on having a clear vision of such effects.

The University has already put together research teams, reputable both in Russia and abroad. Those teams specialize in studying  the trends, risks and effects of digital transformation in economy as a whole and in individual disciplines ( ISSEK, Institute of Education, School of Sociology, Centre for Language and Brain Studies, etc.). This strategic project designs the organization of joint activities of those key teams in order to develop basic and applied computer and social technologies to help further foster digital transformation.

3.4.1. Goal of the Strategic Project No. 4 “Digital Transformation: Technologies, Effects and Performance”

Creation of the world-class interdisciplinary research centre, engaged in full-cycle development and implementation of advanced machine-learning technologies, AI and cyber-physical systems, as well as research into the effects, risks and effectiveness of the digital transformations.

3.4.2. Objectives of the Strategic Project No. 4 “Digital Transformation: Technologies, Effects and Performance”

• Creation of an international centre for competencies to develop and apply machine-learning methods and AI technologies.  The Centre will be engaged in interdisciplinary R&D work in cooperation with leading universities, academic centres and industrial partners.
• Conducting fundamental and applied research in the promising basic technologies for cyber-physical systems.
• Identification and comprehensive assessment of the effects and risks of digital transformation, relying on integrated interdisciplinary R&D work. Validation of the introduction of digital technologies in specific economic sectors and social spheres.
• Researching promising areas for the application of digital technologies; scientifically proven design of new institutions and regulations on the basis of evidence-based policy methods in order to increase the effectiveness of digital transformation.

The strategic project will be implemented in the framework of the following projects: International Competence Centre for Developing and Applying Machine-learning and AI-driven Methods; cyber-physical systems: new-generation technologies, global opportunities and challenges; research into digital transformation and its effects; efficiency of digital transformation.

3.4.3. Expected Results of the Strategic Project No. 4 “Digital Transformation: Technologies, Effects and Performance”

At the global level:

• development and implementation of the world-class, competitive technologies in machine-learning and AI, as well as technologies and devices for cyber-physical systems;
• improved positions of HSE University in computer science and IT in such reputable subject ratings as THE and/or QS.

At the national level:

• on a regular basis (at least once a year), conduct the analysis of key government documents for the policy in the development of digital economy (including the areas specified for achieving Russia’s development goals in digital transformation by 2030;
• conduct regular assessments of socio-economic outcomes, the effects and risks expected from the variety of planned activities on digital transformation; develop recommendations to increase the efficiency of policies aimed at developing digital economy, and achieving the national objectives for 2030 under the national goal of Digital Transformation;
• regularly develop proposals on behalf of the Russian Federation with respect to the formulation of international standards and regulations in the sphere of the digital economy (under the auspices of important international organizations, such as the World Bank, OECD, IMF, etc.);
• regularly publish analytical reports and other information bulletins dealing with the problems of digital transformation, its consequences, risks and effects, for the purpose of increasing citizens, businesses, social organisations and the state’s preparedness for the “digital future”.

At the institutional level:

• a significant increase in the total number of IP outcomes in AI and cyber-physical systems, along with major improvement in the University’s position among Russian and international universities in the total number of IP items in these fields;
• a significant increase to the total number of HSE University publications on AI and cyber-physical systems in journals indexed in WoS and/or Scopus, as well as a bigger share of publications in Q1-Q2 journals. Positions of HSE University among Russian and world’s academic institutions will improve significantly in terms of a number of publications in these fields;
• development and testing of an effective model for HSE University units to work together and develop integrated market offers for digital products and services;
• significant increase in additional revenue from licensing technologies and applied R&D contracts.

For the development of research at HSE University and in Russia in general:

• creation of an international centre of competencies for the development and application of machine-learning methods and AI technologies;
• creation of leading research teams in Russia, including the top experts in AI and cyber-physical systems (in terms of total publications, created IPs, total contribution to the international open-source projects);
• creation of an interdisciplinary competence centre for cybersecurity and preventing cybercrime; 
• creation of a unique platform for developing, testing and implementing AI models, supported by the latest computational instruments;
• world-class research skills and competencies, methodologies for assessing effects, risks and outcomes in digital transformation will be formulated.

For the development of educational activities at HSE University and in Russia in general:

• development and implementation of new educational programmes (higher and CPD training) in AI, cyber-physical systems including the programmes taught in English and provided in a network format;
• development of digital services, databases, learning management systems and other IP, ensuring the digital transformation of HSE University; the services will be tested at HSE University and its partner institutions;
• creation and implementation of digital project management at HSE University and an automated assessment (grading) system for learners pursuing studies in engineering, mathematics and computer science (the service will be disseminated among other Russian academic institutions);
• creation and implementation, relying on the SaaS format, of a virtual project learning environment for an engineering university, including a selection of open-source services with modular architecture;
• development of online labs providing remote instruction to engineering specialists (based on the HSE MIEM laboratories);
• significant increase in the number of specialists with research and practical training in digital transformation and commercialization of technologies;
• significant increase in the total number of students pursuing research-based Master’s programmes with their participation in research projects involving businesses with a focus on AI and cyber-physical systems.

3.5. Description of the Strategic Project No. 5 “Evidence-based Urban Development”

The opportunity to make quality decisions in spatial development, urban planning and management, and city design is currently limited due to the deficit in systematic knowledge and appropriate methodological instrumentation. Thus, a new urban development policy, announced as a government initiative, will require:

• an up-to-date systematized knowledge about the concept of the city (as an object of management, planning and development);
• an up-to-date systematized knowledge about legal applications, concept of vertical logic in legal regulations regarding land utilisation and real-estate development;
• contemporary methods for planning and assessing economic, environmental, social, cultural, and other effects of urban policy in construction and transportation planning;
• up-to-date competencies for the job market in city and transportation planning, including competencies required by state and municipal administration.

HSE University, as an academic and educational centre, already is in possession of all necessary prerequisites to become a leader in evidence-based urban studies. Nevertheless, this could be further enhanced thanks to the synergy from the implementation of three interrelated projects, each of them serving as both an information base for other projects and a consumer of the results.

The specifics of post-Soviet urban transformation and the challenges presented to the community of specialists working in the post-Soviet cities, determine the areas where the University can become a leader not only in Russia but also globally.

3.5.1. Goal of the Strategic Project No. 5 “Evidence-based Urban Development”

Creation of the world-class research centre for evidence-based urban development by providing the scientific and applied bases for urban research, including analytical support for the government-directed initiatives “New Urban Development Policy” and “Cities of Big Possibilities”.

3.5.2. Objectives of the Strategic Project No. 5 “Evidence-based Urban Development”

• Create legal foundation for urban development under ever-changing environment: provide methodological support for urban legislation so that territorial planning documentation and rules for the land use/construction development can be properly drawn up.
• Propose a system for monitoring the regulatory impact of the aforementioned documents and create of a centre of competencies in detecting, describing and comparative analysis of the spatial and social effects of urban development (construction, housing, transportation, ecology assessment) in Russian cities, as well as the application of this methodology in administrative practices at the federal, regional and municipal levels.
• Become a centre of competencies to initiate a new discourse in Russia, necessary for modelling both transport behaviour and results of housing policy in such areas as residential mobility, flexibility in selecting workplaces, and transforming the structures’ functionality. 
• Designing new instruments for transport modelling (new approaches to urban space use and split transportation demand; transformation of construction formats; growth in residential mobility and flexibility in selecting workplaces; technological innovation in transport means, as well as managing traffic and transport flows).  Initiating the implementation of new-generation transportation models at federal, regional and municipal levels.
• Stimulating new quality of administrative solutions in urban planning and administration by training qualified personnel, publications in academic and expert journals, public service, expert presentations and presenting papers at academic conferences and professional forums.

3.5.3. Expected Results of the Strategic Project No. 5 “Evidence-based Urban Development”

At global level:

• unique methods will be developed and tested, including the improvement of urban development legislation and municipal regulation; increasing the effectiveness of urban development administrative systems; reforming national housing policy; calculating availability and affordability of housing with a particular focus on the impact of changing market features on the housing/mortgage market and providing professional support in making housing affordable to various social groups; forecasting population flow within and between urban areas to justify and correct plans for capital infrastructure development; and transportation planning;
• a new transportation modelling toolset capable of competing with analogous products currently being designed and/or subject to pilot testing will be developed;
• a set of urban development practices, which are currently absent in global academic discourse, will be designed for Russian cities as well as the  patterns of post-Soviet urban transformation;
• new educational technologies will be developed, covering the latest niches in educational services;
• open databanks and a platform to display an index of successful cities, including visualizations, geographic maps and analytical materials will be made available to a wide audience;
• growth in global competitiveness of HSE University – by 2030 improving in QS ratings for at least in two subjects, related to Geography and Development Studies.

At national level:

• comparative analytical methods will be prepared to measure the performance of urban policy at the municipal level in Russia (the majority of global approaches are focused on regional levels and the data reflects this);
• legal novellas will be prepared that will increase efficiency of the city planning and urban development in Russia;
• extensive addition of new personnel thanks to the recruitment of new specialists and training and retraining of the current ones; supplying personnel for urban development and planning activities and public administration bodies.

At institutional level: 

• creation of new interdisciplinary research groups, with specialists in urban planning, spatial data analysts, geographers, sociologists and legal experts;
• introduction of new types of data on cities and urban areas in research; new open access databases with those data (e.g., new mobility), will be developed at HSE University;
• new working programmes for various degree programmes and open professional development programmes (see “At the educational level”);
• export of education: at least eight international students will be enrolled in Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, in particular, students from the post-Soviet space and countries where such processes are underway.

At research level:

• in the framework of each direction, new world-class interdisciplinary research teams will be formed, including specialists in urban planning, spatial data analysts, geographers, sociologists and lawyers;
• an open database and archive of analytical materials will be created;
• doctoral (at least one) and candidate of sciences (at least four) dissertations will be defended on topics covered by the strategic projects in various fields (law, national economy, state administration, etc.)

At applied level:

• creating new methodologies for project-based research;
• developing proposals to improve the system of collection and analysis of statistical data;
• creating an atlas of creative specializations in Russian cities;
• regularly publishing analytical materials (quarterly – on housing and utilities; annually – on land use and construction legislation and regulation in Russia);
• organizing expert support for central and federal authorities, administration of the municipalities and regional bodies.

At educational level:

• at least five new CPD programmes will be launched;
• the line of open educational programmes (at least three new working curricula), minors (at least two) and CPD programmes (at least five) will be taught;
• the degree and CPD programmes will be enriched by the evidence-based urban studies;
• more students will be taking part in research and project work.

'Priority 2030' Development Programme