About the Conference
HSE University is pleased to announce a call for proposals with reports to take part in the 25th Yasin (April) International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development (25th Yasin Conference).
The key events of the 25th Yasin Conference will be taking place in Moscow from April 15 to 18, 2025.
Reports on new research results will be presented and discussed as part of the Conference’s sections within three research fields:
- Economics;
- Human Capital and Society;
- Instrumental Methods and Models in Management and the Social Sciences;
- Foresight Research;
- International Relations.
These reports will be selected through reviews of proposals.
Proposals to present a report at the Conference may be filed until Monday, January 20, 2025. Applications for attending the Conference as a participant can be submitted until Thursday, April 10, 2025. Further details are available on the Conference website in the section for 'Participants'.
The Conference’s events will be held in Russian or English. Certain discussions will be bilingual with simultaneous translation services provided.
Next year’s Yasin Conference will be held mainly in a face-to-face format.
Arctic Research
The session accepts reports on issues related to the Arctic region, including economic, political, social, and cultural issues. Theoretical models of the Arctic development are also considered. In addition, the problems of the strategic and project management in the Arctic region will be discussed.
Demography and Labour Markets
This section covers a wide range of issues regarding demographic development and trends on the job market. At the sessions on demographic development, we will discuss changes in demographic processes and structures, the socio-economic aspects of demographic trends, population forecasts and models, demographic behaviour, population data sources, regional and national demographics, as well as demographic and migration policy.
At sessions on the job market, we will hold discussions on a wide range of issues concerning employment, unemployment, wage setting and differentiation, inequality on the job market and developing of labor market institutions.
Furthermore, we will look at the impact of digital transformation on the job market and labor relations.
Particular attention will be paid to the job market and its connection to education, the health of the general population.
Applications should describe the outcomes of original research. Interdisciplinary original researches at the intersection of economics with other sciences are especially welcome.
Digital Economy
Papers covering various aspects of the digital economy will be accepted for this section, including the following topics:
- digital maturity of economic and social sectors;
- digital transformation of the economy and society, e.g., as applicable to sectors, firms and regions;
- technological trends in digital economics;
- promising business models based on digital technologies;
- assessing the current state of the digital economy and its individual aspects (e.g., development and implementation of AI-based technologies);
- international ratings for digital development;
- assessing the effects of digital technologies;
- assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of sanctions on the digital economy;
- state policy in regards to the digital economy;
- digital skills and digital literacy among citizens;
- involvement of the general public in the digital environment and the issue of digital inequality.
Economic Methodology
This section is organized by the Center for History and Methodology of Economic Science of National Research University Higher School of Economics. We will accept reports examining problems in the history and methodology of economic science, the links between economic science and economic policy, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of economics and other fields of science. A special attention will be given to the 300 years Jubilee of Adam Smith, his ideas, their reception and influence. Both Russian and international experts are invited to take part.
Education
Two symposiums are taking place under the “Education” section – “Economics and Sociology of Education" and “Digital Transformation in Education”. The first symposium traditionally covers the results of theoretical and empirical studies of education through the prism of economics, sociology and politics. The second symposium addresses the issue that is currently relevant for many researchers and practitioners of education regarding the qualitative changes that have occurred at different levels of the education system in the context of widespread digitalization and the introduction of innovations and new technologies in educational processes
Financial Institutions, Markets and Payment Systems
The session is devoted to analyzing modern financial institutions, banks, financial and stock markets, as well as payment systems and risk management with respect to the macro and micro aspects of regulation. Furthermore, one key subject of interest would be the influence of innovations on financial intermediation.
Firms and Markets
The session is open to papers on the following topics: corporate governance; corporate finance; the behaviour of firms in markets for goods and services; investment, innovative and organizational behavior; the competitiveness of firms on local and global markets; state-business relations at various levels; market structures; corporate integration; problems of development on regulated markets; ESG practices and corporate performance; firms and markets in a period of the energy transition. Other topics are also welcomed. However papers on marketing, HR management and other managerial issues shall be considered in the “Management” section.
Healthcare Studies
Possible subjects for discussion may include:
• analyzing the factors affecting healthy lifestyles;
•, effective application of resources in health care systems;
• developing organizational, administrative and financial forms for the provision fo medical support;
• comparative analysis of reform processes in the health care systems of Russia and other countries;
• innovation in medical administration;
• impact of changes in organizations; bonus payments and job performance of medical workers;
• costs of medical services; inequality in access to medical support;
• influence of COVID-10 on the provision and availability of medical assistance.
Instrumental Methods in Economic and Social Studies
This section will feature reports on formal methods and Big Data analysis that can be used in the social sciences. Subjects for discussion shall include, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Big Data analysis in the economy, business and politics;
- support tools for decision-making on the basis of Big Data analysis;
- application of Big Data in economic tasks;
- application of current mathematical methods in economics, business and politics;
- mathematical, imitative and numerical simulations;
- intellectual tools and shells;
- intellectual means of supporting platforms and ecosystems;
- multiple-agent systems;
- modelling socio-technical systems;
- models and methods for administering social networks and network structures;
- big systems monitoring and analysis.
International Relations
The formation of a new international order has entered its decisive and most acute stage. A distinctive feature of the modern period is the formation of the World Majority, which is a set of countries of the world striving to increase their independence and ability for sovereign development. The leaders of this process are such powers as China, Russia, India, the largest countries in Africa and Latin America, and the Arab states. The formation of alternative transport and logistics, trade and financial systems is increasingly active, allowing various states to participate in globalization without the threat of becoming an object of economic war from the West.
Against this background, such basic problems as leadership and hegemony in international affairs, the role of military force now and in the future, the prospects for macro-regional associations, the future of integration in modern conditions, the problem of sanctions and economic wars are actualized. The issues of the new global players in Asia and Eurasia, the negative political dynamics of the European Union, the radical transformation of the political system and US foreign policy, the general weakening of the West's ability to maintain a monopoly position in world politics and the changing world economy open up new opportunities for testing the existing theoretical and methodological apparatus and its improvement.
In practical terms, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the ongoing global changes in order to determine the most rational and perspective foreign economic and foreign policy strategy for Russia in the context of an acute military-political conflict with the United States and Europe. Important attention should be paid to the new leading powers at the global and regional level: China, India, Turkey, Iran. The relevant issues for Russia is the development of the South Caucasus and Central Asia regions, the future correlation of conflict and cooperation in the Arctic region.
Macroeconomics and Macroeconomic Policy
Reports covering research in macroeconomics and macroeconomic policies may be submitted for review for the section. Papers may be theoretical or empirical. Priority is given to works, which describe economic mechanisms and support in shaping economic policy amidst a turbulent global economic background and restrictive sanctions. In a new context, such policies should aim at ensuring social stability, lessening the effects of negative shocks and cultivating conditions conducive to improving the welfare of households. Although not all studies entail conclusions for economic policies, thus making the inclusion of such conclusive statements optional, papers featuring recommendations for economic policy are of special interest.
Those reports are prioritized that focus on issues faced by economies with a significant share of raw materials exports in aggregate demand, as well as regional heterogeneity. As such, reports may also consider Russia's economy as its research focus, or any other countries and regions with similar features of economic development.
Research should be carried out on the basis of contemporary economic theory and quantitative analysis methods drawn from academic literature. Proposals must meet the following requirements:
- inclusion of research question considered by the work;
- novelty or innovative character;
- explanation of the author’s(‘) contributions to the relevant field of academic literature.
Report topics may cover the following fields, but may go beyond them:
- monetary and tax policies in light of high volatility and uncertainty of external conditions;
- instruments for the transmission and economic consequences of internal and external shocks caused by various reasons;
- differentiation of countries, sectors and regions in terms of the level and pace of production growth based on the analysis of institutions, geography, international trade and financial markets;
- support of sustainable economic development in the context of a slowing global economy, geopolitical risks and new environmental agenda;
- dependence on the exports of natural resources and approaches to economic diversification;
- the impact of inequality in the distribution of income and human capital on economic development both domestically and at the regional level.
Management
The track Management considers submissions addressing a wide variety of theoretical problems and practical aspects of business and management. The topics cover the priority research fields determined by HSE University’s Development programme for the period until 2030.
- Current trends in management research: new business models and strategies
- Managing sustainable corporate development and ESG strategies
- Digital transformation of business: methodology, trends and technologies
- Transformation of HR systems and HRM strategies
- Transformation of marketing strategies in the face of the new conditions
- International business and new global challenges
- Cultivating creativity in business
- Supply chain transformation and operational performance
- Innovation management: new approaches and challenges
Political Processes
We welcome applications for presentations, which primarily provide a comparative analysis of political institutions and processes in Russia and other countries (with the application of qualitative and quantitative methods), as well as focus on the use of contemporary methods in computational social sciences in regards to research on political affairs and phenomena.
In addition, we are particularly interested in papers on problems of comparative and global policy, political theory, political behaviour, political culture, political methodological research, etc.
Law in the Digital Age
The rapid development of digital technologies today is resulting in major changes through all social spheres and state services. Law, as the core instrument for regulating societal relations, must contend with changing conditions, while also facilitating the effective and human-focused implementation of the latest technologies.
In addition to development and changes in the subjects of legal regulation, the emergence of digital technologies means a revolution in legal methodology. The appearance of Big Data and AI systems is helping to generate new outcomes, while also expanding the scope of legal and interdisciplinary research.
Furthermore, these trends have created serious challenges for academics, along with real-life transformation, all of which require in-depth consideration and discussion on the part of legal experts.
At this section, we will discuss the various issues in light of these trends, including the legal frameworks for public/private partnerships in the context of the digital economy, the problems posed by the application of AI as the entire legal system undergoes transformation, the role of lawyers in the digital sphere, IT in academic and practical fields, various issues related to the implementation of digital instruments in specific economic sectors and how this affects regulatory measures.
Science and Innovation
At this section, participants will present their forecasts for technological development and innovation, with a particular focus on developing technological and innovation policies, foresight research methods, assessing and analyzing trends in research and technology, while also considering tools to manage R&D activities and their application.
Social and Cultural Processes
This session will focus on innovative research on the interactions between culture and society. Papers on either the objectified (cultural institutions, rituals, etc.) or subjective (values, identities, etc.) aspects of culture are welcome. Likewise, contributors may apply either quantitative or anthropological methods in their research.
Social and Economic History
The session will discuss research into a great variety of political and economic institutions, social and cultural norms, and other aspects of society in the past. We welcome papers on social mobility, history and memory, social transformation, comparative studies, microhistory, the history of daily and private life, etc. Economic history papers can range from quantitative studies of the evolution of an economy, technologies and institutions over time to descriptive analytical narratives and case studies.
Social Policy
Social policy is the most important tool for maintaining social stability, developing human capital, and enhancing its contribution to overall sustainable social and economic development. This session is focused on issues related to the level and quality of life of households and social policies with the aim of equalizing the chances of development for various social groups. The most important of these issues are:
1) income, expenditures and consumption of households
2) inequality and poverty;
3) quality of life and well-being;
3) household economics and family policy;
4) social insurance and pension system;
5) social services and long-term care for persons with self-care deficits
6) social protection programmes;
7) instruments of evidence-based social policy and evidence-based social programmes;
8) transformation and adaption of social policy under both internal and external challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shocks related to 2022 economic sanctions against Russia and high volatility of energy prices.
Sociology
Within the framework of the "Sociology" section, we propose to consider modern social phenomena, processes and practices, both rooted in the past and relevant today and in the near future.
We welcome research that is based both on recent field materials and well-known secondary sources, and reveals the features of the dynamics of social institutions and the social structure of society, the prospects for social mobility, the analysis of social values both at the level of society and its groups, and social actors.
Our overall focus shall be on the pragmatism of social relations, segmentation along ethnic, social, economic, cultural, symbolic, digital, gender and other lines underlying inequality. Traditionally we draw attention to the ethical, methodological and methodological aspects of conducting sociological research, their transformation in turbulent times.
The current focus of this year is also the social consequences of the pandemic, the issue of new inequalities and mobilities, the effects of solidarization and mobilization in a broad sense.
State and Local Government, and NPO sector
This session will focus on a wide range of issues related to improving public and local administration, as well as the role of non-profit organizations in dealing with issues of socio-economic development. It will also discuss problems related to strategic, programme and project management, administration of public financing, improving regulatory measures, organizing public and municipal services, building connections between state authorities and civil society, and the types and operational methods of non-profit organizations.
Theoretical Economics
The session covers the broad range of ideas in economic theory, including micro- and macroeconomics, industrial organization, political economy, social choice theory and other fields using methods of contemporary economic theory, game theory, decision theory econometrics and related disciplines.
Also, papers will be accepted in such fields as applied economics and experimental economics (e.g., neuroeconomics), which test the predictions of economic theory or explore individual or collective behaviour in regards to various problems and different contexts.
World Economy
This section will include papers on current trends and problems facing the global economy, such as: new developments in international trade, trans-border capital flow and global corporations, international migration of labour force, regional integration and international economic institutions, the energy transition and other technological innovation, and the challenges of sustainable development.
Furthermore, participants will discuss the development of national economies around the world and their relationship with global processes, changes in the impact of developing economies on global economic ties, as well as Russia’s role in the global economy. The section also invites papers on the impacts of sanctions and other economic barriers on the Russian economy, economies of other countries as well as on international economic processes.
Smart City
Over the past year, cities have intensified their use of smart city technologies, starting from public administration practices through to the day-to-day routines of citizens, thus evolving from a futurologiсal concept to a set of specific technological solutions for various aspects of urban life.
The effects of smart city technologies will include long-term and global socio-economic transformation of all aspects of highly dense system for area-based distribution of citizens, which is essentially a definition of the city. As such, the smart city concept is both the next stage in the evolution of cities as the focus for academic research and a confluence of factors contributing to this process.
With this in mind, a new field of synthetic research (digital urban studies) is emerging, encompassing computer science, applied engineering and technical sciences, social and economic sciences, urban and ecological studies – in a word, a wide range of research methods, which can dissect cities as systems of dynamic processes in the digital age.
This section under the Yasin (April) International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development will be held for the first time in 2023.
Regional and Urban Development
This session will consider the following topics: territorial development; the extent and dynamics of regional inequality; development of various sectors of economy and social sphere in the regions; regional politics; instruments to stimulate territorial development; relations between the periphery and the centre; budget policies at the subnational level; socio-economic development of cities and agglomerates; housing policy and urban development; urban policy and municipal development management; transformation of agricultural areas.