HSE University-St Petersburg Hosts International Expert Day of Social Entrepreneurship (original) (raw)
HSE University–St Petersburg has hosted the third expert meeting devoted to social entrepreneurship. The event featured presentations of two books that explore the roles of universities and business in creating conditions for developing a socially responsible society.
Artyom Wackengut | HSE MediaLAB
The main topic of the RepLab Expert Day was reimagining the mission of a modern university and developing positive social practices. The event gathered more than 20 experts from leading Russian universities, Universiti Teknologi UTM (Malaysia), UPES University (India), UNESP University (Brazil), ITS University (Indonesia), as well as charitable foundations and social organisations.
Researchers from HSE University–St Petersburg presented two books: Bridging Horizons: Exploring Social Entrepreneurship in Malaysia and Russia and Service Learning and the Social Mission of the University. The books cover the global role of universities and business in shaping social welfare and social entrepreneurship.
Magdalena Gaete
Head of the Satellite Laboratory on Social Entrepreneurship
'The main idea of the books is to show the role of a university as a platform for social entrepreneurship and innovations. We explore how the educational process is integrated into real social interactions. HSE University–St Petersburg is an example of a human-centred educational model. Such an approach allows us to train not just qualified specialists but also responsible citizens, to build long-term partnerships with social organisations and the international academic community,' explained Magdalena Gaete, Head of the Satellite Laboratory on Social Entrepreneurship.
Haliyana Khalid
Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation and Development at the AHIBS Business School, UTM (Malaysia)
According to Haliyana Khalid, co-author of Bridging Horizons and Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, and Development at the AHIBS Business School (UTM), the idea of publishing the book appeared after the launch of the laboratory. The scientists quickly realised that research on social entrepreneurship trends can be of great practical use.
'In the process of conducting seminars and research projects, we understood that Malaysia and Russia had rich and unique histories of social entrepreneurship. The cooperation with HSE University–St Petersburg shows what partners can achieve when they share the principles of respect and commitment to a common goal.'
Olga Dymarkskaya
Leading Fellow Researcher at the Laboratory for Reputation Management in Education
Olga Dymarkskaya, leading fellow researcher at the Laboratory for Reputation Management in Education, said that since 2021, the unit had been exploring the phenomenon of service learning. This method combines studying academic subjects and mastering socially useful skills. This is where the idea of the book came from.
'S_ervice Learning and the Social Mission of the University_ raises a global question: how can our activities make a social impact and solve significant social problems? We see that this practice starts to play a significant role in the work of Russian universities, expanding towards secondary professional education,' adds Olga Dymarkskaya.
Alexander Sorokin
Dean of the School of Social Sciences
Alexander Sorokin, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, underscored that in the two years since the establishment of the satellite laboratory with UTM, HSE University–St Petersburg has confirmed its status as the expert centre in social entrepreneurship.
'HSE University–St Petersburg is a platform for implementing initiatives and developing partnerships in social entrepreneurship, from student communities on campus to joint projects with business and NPOs. We work with such foundations as Our Future («Наше будущее»), Towards Changes («Навстречу переменам»), and other institutions in Russia. Thus, the university is implementing its third role, contributing to the development of this vital sphere both nationally and globally,' shared Alexander Sorokin.
Rosmini Omar
Dean of the AHIBS Business School, UTM (Malaysia)
Rosmini Omar, Dean of the AHIBS Business School at UTM, highlighted that the cooperation with HSE University–St Petersburg has expanded the boundaries of scientific knowledge and set world standards.
'We are building a common space that unites various theories of knowledge, cultural experiences, and economic realities. It creates a strong synthesis of knowledge, which can generate new approaches and solutions for public challenges,' believes Rosmini Omar. 'For us, partnership with HSE University–St Petersburg contributes to enhancing scientific coverage, strengthening academic ties, and shaping a global map of research on social entrepreneurship. The Expert Day demonstrates the readiness of both universities to work beyond territorial, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries.'
In autumn 2025, at the fourth meeting of the Russian–Malaysian Intergovernmental Commission on economic, research, technical, and cultural cooperation, the parties signed a roadmap for carrying out the project of the mirror laboratory on social entrepreneurship. Primary tasks for the upcoming two years include launching a double-degree master's programme between the two universities, developing joint research, and holding scientific and educational events.
'The third Expert Day proves that it is not a one-time initiative but a new tradition. Social entrepreneurship offers hybrid models, combining economic sustainability with a social mission. In BRICS+ countries and developing economies, it plays a special role by bringing together civil society, state and business. For HSE University–St Petersburg, it is important because it strengthens its position as an intellectual and practical centre in the sphere of social entrepreneurship and service learning both in Russia and at the international level,' summed up Magdalena Gaete.