Columns

How historical decisions created Indonesia's coal dependency and why floating nuclear power plants and Russian VVER-1200 reactors could become a path to energy independence. An analysis of institutional barriers to energy transition.

The 'emoji economy' concept from a WEF expert as a roadmap for Russia's technological sovereignty. Why a country in the top 10 for science lags behind in innovation, and what to do about it: 5 concrete steps from venture reform to diaspora engagement.

How consumer expectations create fuel shortages at gas stations. A mathematical model explains why lines form even when production remains stable. The role of information in market instability.

The story of how Israel's Unit 8200 transformed from a signals intelligence operation into the world's largest incubator of cybersecurity startups. How its alumni built companies worth over $200 billion—and why this model can't be replicated.

An analysis of Brazil's and Russia's energy strategies amid declining oil prices. Key takeaways from the Rio de Janeiro summit, the state's role in renewable energy development, and the contrasting approaches to energy transition in two of the world's largest emerging economies.

An analysis of Russia's solid waste management reform: the sorting rate has risen to 55%, yet landfilling has increased to 82.5%. Why the system isn't working and what needs to change for the transition to a circular economy.

An analysis of the differences in inflation management between Indonesia and Vietnam. How managed exchange rates ensure stability, the role of dollar hegemony, and the importance of digital sovereignty for developing Southeast Asian economies.

Why the global economy needs knowledge diplomacy: the skills gap, the role of universities in training specialists, collaboration with business, and the risks of global educational inequality.

How consumer cooperatives help small businesses and citizens reduce costs, optimize taxes, and build shared infrastructure. An analysis of the financial model, tax considerations, and practical case studies.

Countries across the Eurasian region are shifting toward digital evaluation of government and social programs. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, and Russia are pioneering the adoption of AI, open data, and new analytical methods to assess the effectiveness of development projects.

An analysis of digital colonialism and technological sovereignty models for developing nations. A comparison of Russia's 'fortress' approach and China's regulated openness as alternatives to dependence on Western digital platforms.

Why artificial intelligence demands deeper, not less, learning. How AI is transforming the roles of students and teachers, which skills are becoming critically important, and how to restructure the educational process.

Analysis of oil cycles in 2025-2026: Urals falling below $50, Brent rising above $120, and a new decline. How a 200 billion ruble cut in technology programs and the return of Iranian oil are affecting the diversification of Russia's economy.

Artificial intelligence as a new model for economic development: analysis of AI implementation in Russian companies, projected contribution of 46.5 trillion rubles by 2035, and its impact on manufacturing, finance, transportation, and healthcare. Data from HSE University's Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

Resale real estate has regained its appeal as new construction prices climb and mortgages become unaffordable. An analysis of falling demand for primary housing, shrinking apartment sizes, rising prices, tightening family mortgage terms, and a structural shift toward existing housing stock.

How packaging geometry affects waste sorting, why AI and digital labeling boost recycling efficiency to 93%, and how mathematical optimization of waste collection routes cuts costs by 40-66%. Technologies and case studies from the circular economy.

An analysis of Russia's federal budget deficit in 2026: how declining oil and gas revenues and rising expenditures are affecting fiscal sustainability. Ministry of Finance data, forecasts, and risks.

How creative labor and creative workers are becoming the foundation of new productive forces. An analysis of economic transformation driven by digital technologies and AI in the 21st century.

An analysis of Russia's economic diversification: oil and gas revenues declining to 30%, growth in agriculture and IT sectors, the role of defense industry, and the skills shortage challenge. Data from 2024-2025.

An analysis of bankruptcies in Russia in 2025: why individual filings are up by a third while corporate bankruptcies have fallen by a quarter. Data on overdue debt and debt pressure across the economy.

An analysis of the creative class formation through the lens of social division of labor theory. How the transformation of productive forces and the role of knowledge influence the emergence of new social groups in the economy.

An analysis of China's nuclear industry development: from technological dependence to 95% localization. A comparison of Chinese and Russian nuclear technologies, export potential, and prospects for competition in the global nuclear power plant market.

A review of Russia's government investment support system: subsidies, preferential loans, and infrastructure budget credits. An analysis of the regulatory framework and mechanisms for state incentives aimed at stimulating business investment activity.

An analysis of China's new energy vehicle industry development: market share growth to 55%, ecosystem export strategy, development challenges, and forecasts through 2030. Russia's role in China's NEV strategy.

A machine learning study of Rosstat data has revealed a paradox: industries leading in digitalization experience 60-80% more problems. An analysis of two development models for Russia's digital economy.

Why Brazil-Russia agricultural partnership has become one of the key economic alliances of the Global South amid sanctions.

Olga Makashina, Professor in the Public Finance Department at Financial University, examines how effective budget support for investment activity in Russia really is.

Sometimes a single thought can completely transform how we see familiar things—you just have to read to the end. Practicing Gestalt therapist Igor Martynenko explores an idea that seems simple at first glance but unexpectedly upends conventional logic.

Platform-based work used to be considered a side hustle, but today it's a new structure in the labor market, not just temporary income. The key question is whether we'll manage to establish the rules before people are left alone to deal with algorithms.

University of Chicago professor Alex Imas explains why in the age of AI, the main scarcity may shift from producing goods to human participation—attention, trust, experience, and the uniqueness of services.

Dmitry Nazarov, Doctor of Economics, explains why AI can sound like an expert while getting things wrong—and whether we should trust it.

The dollar's decline in 2025 breaks conventional logic: for Russia, it's no longer an unambiguous benefit or a direct risk. Rodrigo Bocner explains how, in this new reality, a weak dollar simultaneously cools inflation, pressures the budget, and changes the rules of the game for the economy.

An analysis of sustainable development in Russian regions within a resource-based economy. Environmental and economic efficiency, institutional innovations, and prospects for transitioning to nature-like technologies.

Why might Russia's inflation slowdown in 2026 be temporary? Analysis of trend inflation (MCT) shows that despite CPI declining to ~5.9%, persistent price pressure remains above 7%. We examine inflation structure, Central Bank of Russia assessments, and risks for monetary policy.

After 25 years, grain interventions in Russia have yet to become a fully effective market stabilization tool. So why does the government continue to rely on this mechanism despite its questionable effectiveness?

An intellectual history of cultural exchange between India and Russia—from the correspondence between Tolstoy and Gandhi to the Soviet cult of Indian cinema and the streaming platforms of the digital age.

Small cities aren't the periphery—they're the foundation of economic resilience. Why betting on anchor towns should replace the agglomeration-driven growth model, according to an expert analysis.

Professor Sokolova discusses the Central Bank's new approach to cryptocurrencies: the regulator is ready for dialogue and planning comprehensive regulation. Public discussion to begin shortly.

Analysis of the April 2026 Iranian oil crisis: the Strait of Hormuz blockade, Brent's surge to $109 per barrel, revised forecasts of $82-134, restructuring of trade flows, Russia's role, and stagflation macro-financial risks.

An analysis of how Russia's 85 regions have weathered sanctions-related shocks. Economic resilience factors, sectoral trends, the role of diversification and entrepreneurship. A study with maps and recommendations.

Global markets are experiencing a correction in AI company stocks. We examine the differences from the dotcom crisis, the role of leverage, and investment opportunities for market participants.

Banks are transforming into infrastructure hubs with service ecosystems. Discover how BaaS, telecom integration, and Open API will define the role of banks in 5 years.

What if the world's largest tech company isn't just a business, but a tool of geopolitical struggle? The Huawei story reveals how fear, power, and ambition intertwine in a new Cold War—and why it directly affects us all.

A comprehensive analysis of the March 2026 oil crisis: Brent's 44% surge to $103, the release of 400 million barrels from reserves, the reshaping of global trade flows, and implications for the world economy. Data, charts, and forecasts from the EIA and IEA.

Professor Marina Medvedeva from the Financial University discusses how the development of agrochemical production and modern crop protection products is becoming one of the key factors in Russia's food security and agricultural sustainability.

Aleksandr Shatilov, Deputy Scientific Director at Financial University, discusses where the escalating situation around Iran may lead and which scenarios appear most likely at this stage.

Professor Alexander Shcherbakov of Financial University discusses how the development of artificial intelligence could call into question human agency itself and alter the balance of power in the global economy and politics.

A study on the impact of tight monetary policy on business: which sectors are most vulnerable to rising rates, how corporate debt loads are changing, and what banks and businesses should do to mitigate risks.

Market analyst Alexey Boldyasov examines why Russia has yet to establish a comprehensive wholesale food market system, despite approved concepts and action plans.

Oil market review for March 2026: why Brent surged 10% to $78-82, what futures and options are indicating, how the Strait of Hormuz blockade is affecting logistics, and what price forecasts analysts are offering. Risk and scenario analysis.