The conference programme features two dozen interesting and timely topic areas. Leading researchers from Russia and abroad will present their reports on issues in economics, education, society, demography, the situation in the labour market, and other topics. They will present the results of studies that will be used to develop the economy and society of our country.

In addition to renowned researchers and experts, the forum will also feature presentations by representatives of business and the government. The participants will be able to share experience, ideas, and best practices, discuss timely issues and the results of research. These discussions will serve as the basis for developing recommendations to develop the human, industrial, and innovative potential of Russia.

I am confident that the nine days of the conference will be very productive, and that we and our colleagues will find solutions that will help us overcome the serious challenges facing the country today.

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has come to our conference and to those taking part online. I wish you success and fruitful work!

The week and a half of the conference will feature presentations of almost two dozen expert reports prepared by HSE University specialists, as well as more than 600 papers from conference participants which will be discussed as part of thirty specialised sections.

As in previous years, there will be expert discussions featuring the participation of public officials and leading Russian and international specialists. These will cover pressing issues in economic, social, domestic and international politics. There will also be the now-traditional special and associated events, including symposiums, round tables, and other forms of opinion exchange.

I once again welcome all the participants and guests of the conference and hope that it will promote the economic and social development of Russia, as well as become a major and significant event in the scientific life both of Russia and of the world.

I wish everyone interesting, informative, and productive meetings as part of the XXIV Yasin (April) Conference!

Our conference has joined the ‘Designing the Future’ initiative as part of Russia’s Decade of Science and Technology. This means that its participants are able to make a real contribution not only to creating the image of the future Russia, but to its real-life realisation by designing and implementing key S&T development initiatives, innovative ideas and projects.

I hope that as a result of the conference, each participant will be enriched with new knowledge, and the ideas that are elaborated as part of the event will contribute to our country’s S&T independence, something which has been discussed a lot recently.

I wish everyone fruitful work and great impressions over the coming ten days!