April International Academic Conference

On  April 19-22, 2016, the National Research University Higher School of Economics with a support of the World Bank organizes the XVII April International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development. 

The April International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development is Russia’s leading academic forum on social and economic sciences, and has won international acclaim.

Over its 17-year history, the conference has covered significant ground. Its format has changed in response to the changing understanding of Russian economic and social modernization.

During its first few years, the conference was organized as a forum. At that time it was the only forum within Russia where experts, scientists, politicians and business people gathered to discuss pressing problems. Over time the April Conference took on its own distinct identity, differentiating it from the other, similar, events held in Russia. It is focused not only on discussing economic and social modernization within Russia, but also on academic research into and understanding of these processes. 

Evgeny Yasin

Chair of the Conference’s Programme Committee, Academic Supervisor, HSE

We have moved beyond arguments over direction (although they do still take place) to examining the underlying processes, and on having an intelligent discussion about them. And this is, I feel, the main distinguishing feature of our conference. The conversation is not only held at the level of expert opinion – but from an academic perspective. Discussions are not all-encompassing, but strictly focused on current issues.

One key feature of this conference is that the University hosts a dialogue between people engaged on both theoretical and practical aspects, including, the authorities, members of the business and academic communities, Russian and international experts, and their discussions revolve around academic research into current problems faced by the government and society.

Andrei Yakovlev

Deputy Chair of the Conference’s Programme Committee, Director of the Institute for Industrial and Market Studies, HSE

What distinguishes the HSE Conference from the many other forums we see today is that it combines both academic discussion and socio-political approaches.

The Conference’s programme traditionally includes sections on macroeconomics, theoretical economics, banks and finance, demography and labor market, sociology, international relations and global economics. Each year, leading Russian and international academics, international prize-winners, deliver academic reports, research presentations, and guest lectures.

Fuad Alekserov

Deputy Chair of the Conference’s Programme Committee, Head of the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Economic Sciences

The April Conference’s goal is to plunge the entire world into one melting pot, giving academics from different countries the opportunity to listen to each other, share their opinions and knowledge.

Members of the Russian Government, Presidential Executive Office, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, OECD, representatives of major Russian and international companies, politicians and well-known civil society activists all traditionally attend the Conference.

Kaspar Richter

World Bank’s Lead Economist for Russia

The April Conference offers a good opportunity to bring together researchers who have different perspectives. Its main difference from other similar events in Europe and the United States is the broad spectrum of members of government who attend. I think this is very helpful – it provides a forum where leading researchers can engage with politicians.

In 2016, the April International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development will be held for the 17th time. Over three days, the HSE will host plenary discussions, thematic sessions involving the presentation of academic reports and expert round tables on current issues in economic and social development.