Соколов Александр Васильевич (original) (raw)

Alexander Sokolov

Education, Degrees and Academic Titles

1995

Senior Research Fellow

1981

Candidate of Sciences* (PhD) in Probability theory and mathematical statistics
Thesis Title: Equivariant estimation in euclidean and hilbert spaces

1977

Degree in Applied Mathematics
Lomonosov Moscow State University

* Candidate of Sciences
According to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) 2011, Candidate of Sciences belongs to ISCED level 8 - "doctoral or equivalent", together with PhD, DPhil, D.Lit, D.Sc, LL.D, Doctorate or similar. Candidate of Sciences allows its holders to reach the level of the Associate Professor.

Выступления 2021 год

04 марта – Форсайт для городов: мировая практика, принципы, организация, методы и результаты.

Москва 2050, Форсайт-сессия. Москва, Финансовая академия.

18 мая – Foresight at ISSEK-HSE.

Bilateral HSE-BMBF Workshop. “Foresight - Exploring options for tomorrow´s cooperation”. Moscow-Berlin.

10 июня – The Role of “Universal Foresight” in the assessment and management of wicked-problems into moonshot-opportunities. R. Popper, L. Brooks, K. Cuhls, M. Popper, A. Sokolov, G. Velasco

Eu-SPRI 2021 Conference. Science and innovation – an uneasy relationship? Rethinking the roles and relations of STI policies. Oslo.

26 августа – Science and Technology Foresight: Use of Big Data.

Roundtable: Foresight, Politics and Pandemics. Sao-Paolo, Brazil.

26 августа – Как будущее науки и технологий повлияет на рынок труда.

Чемпионат Worldskills 2021. Деловая сессия "Манифесты футурологов. Прогнозируемое будущее рынка труда и экономики". Уфа.

27 сентября – Профессии будущего: Кем быть? Чем заниматься?

Лекция для зарубежных абитуриентов НИУ ВШЭ. Москва, НИУ ВШЭ.

8 декабря - Как создается будущее?

Цикл лекций «20х20х20» в раках нац,проекта «Культура».

9 декабря – Science and Technology Foresight at HSE University: Methodologies and Practices.

Foresight Seminar. NISTEP, Tokyo.

14 декабря – Science and Technology Collaboration with BRICS+ : Future Prospects

International Youth Forum “BRICS Plus”, India

17 декабря – Определение перспектив научно-технологического развития методами Форсайта: методология, практика, использование результатов

Стратегическая сессия «Республика Башкортостан», Уфа.

UN Highly Acknowledged the Foresight Center of National Research University Higher School of Economics

UNCTAD report acknowledged contribution of the International Research and Educational Foresight Center of HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) to development of Technology Foresight (TF) and Technology Assessment (TA) methods for policy-making in long-term planning and anticipatory governance, including into Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement.

Africa’s Food Security is the Focus of HSE University’s Expertise

International Conference on Ensuring Food Sovereignty in Africa held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia at the end of November 2025.

Participants of Foresight Workshop in Brazil Identified Global Challenges of Modernity

International Workshop on Technology Foresight became part of official programme of Brazil’s BRICS presidency. The event brought together leading experts and representatives of BRICS key research institutions to discuss priorities for science and technology development and cooperation strength. Professor Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, Head of UNESCO Chair on Future Studies, took part in the workshop.

Foresight in BRICS Countries: International Dialogue on the Future of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development

Special workshop on Foresight-studies in BRICS countries took place in the framework of XV International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’. Experts from Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Iran and India discussed the role of Foresight in STI policy, AI usage in forecasting and challenges of digital era.

International Conference on Foresight and STI Policy took place at HSE ISSEK

XV International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’organized by HSE University Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge took place on 12-14 November 2025. This year programme included nine thematic sessions and special workshop for BRICS countries. The conference traditionally became a platform for discussing the future of technology, transformation of labor markets, creative economy, role of artificial intelligence, and sustainable development, bringing together experts around the world from: Russia, China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, Australia, the UK, Malaysia and other countries.

Experts from HSE University participated in the II International Symposium 'Inventing the Future.' During the panel discussion 'Horizons of the Future: Trends, Challenges, and Scenarios,' organised by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), researchers explored the role of foresight and big data analysis in shaping visions of the future and identifying global megatrends that will drive the world’s development in the coming decades.

At an international foresight workshop on artificial intelligence held at HSE University, Russian and foreign scholars discussed the trends and challenges arising from the rapid development of AI.

HSE ISSEK Foresight Center experts held an International Foresight Session on AI development

The International Foresight Session on AI development trends was held at M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University with the organizational and methodological support of the Foresight Center, Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, National Research University Higher School of Economics. Leading foreign and Russian scientists took part in the event.

Professor Alexander Sokolov presented UNESCO Chair on Future Studies activities at the 5th Russian Congress of UNESCO Chairs

Prof. Alexander Sokolov, Deputy Director of HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), Director of International Research and Educational Foresight Centre, Head of UNESCO Chair on Future Studies attended the V Congress of UNESCO Chairs hosted by Plekhanov Russian University of Economics on May 20, 2025 under support of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO.

HSE Foresight Centre's Work Praised by United Nations

The HSE Foresight Centre has been featured in a report by the United Nations Secretary-General as a successful example of a centralised approach to technology foresight. The document was prepared for the twenty-eighth session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, which is the United Nations’ focal point for technology foresight and technology assessment.

Indonesian Parliamentary Delegation at HSE: New Prospects for Cooperation

On 24 February, 2025, the HSE campus on Pokrovka hosted a meeting with a delegation from the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia. HSE Vice Rector and Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia Victoria Panova took part in the event alongside representatives from the university’s academic departments and research centres. During the meeting, the parties discussed key areas for strengthening academic and expert cooperation, as well as joint initiatives in science and technology, including those within the BRICS framework.

HSE and Sechenov University Collaborate to Support the Pharmaceutical Industry in Advancing Innovations

Scientists from HSE and Sechenov University have developed a methodology for identifying priority areas and breakthrough technologies to drive the pharmaceutical industry's development. Their joint research, supported by Innopraktika, aims to pinpoint key scientific directions crucial for addressing diseases with significant medical and social impact in the future. An analysis of current and projected data revealed that lung cancer, breast cancer, and stomach cancer contribute the most to the medical, social, and economic burden on healthcare systems.

'Neurotechnologies Are Already Helping Individuals with Language Disorders'

On November 4-6, as part of Inventing the Future International Symposium hosted by the National Centre RUSSIA, the HSE Centre for Language and Brain facilitated a discussion titled 'Evolution of the Brain: How Does the World Change Us?' Researchers from the country's leading universities, along with health professionals and neuroscience popularisers, discussed specific aspects of human brain function.

Director of the HSE International Research and Educational Foresight Centre Participates in UN Commission Meeting in Geneva

An intersessional meeting of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development took place on October 21–22, 2024, at the Palace of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. ProfessorAlexander Sokolov presented new methods of scientific forecasting in his report titled ‘Science and Technology Foresight: Responding to New Agenda.’

HSE Experts Help to Implement Science and Technology Foresight in Africa

The population of African countries is growing so fast that the continent is likely to play a significant role in global development. However, the socio-economic situation in African States remains dramatic. Access to high-quality education, the development of science and high technologies are crucial in addressing these challenges. Professor Alexander Sokolov, Head of the UNESCO Chair on Future Studies at HSE University, spoke at the International Forum of UNESCO Chairs and Partners ‘Transforming Knowledge for Africa’s Future.’ The event took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

‘Geographical Distance No Longer a Problem’: ISSEK Fosters Cooperation with Think Tanks in BRICS Countries

In September, the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge hosted an international working meeting with representatives from Brazilian, Egyptian, and Indian think tanks. The participants discussed opportunities for cooperation, including joint surveys, comparative studies, databases, and publications on foresight, technology, and innovation. It was also decided to draft a multilateral agreement to establish the BRICS Foresight Association.

HSE Experts Take Part in the First International Workshop on Technological Sustainability of BRICS

On September 19–20, Skoltech hosted the First International Workshop on Technological Sustainability of BRICS: University-Industry Partnerships, organised jointly with HSE University Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Center. The meeting was held as part of the BRICS working group on technology foresight and science and technology studies.

Second Congress of Young Scientists: Students Are Ready to Implement Breakthrough Projects

The 2nd Congress of Young Scientists was held at the Sirius Park of Science and Art in Sochi. HSE University representatives took an active part in it, working at various venues where a wide range of topics were discussed—from university development to machine learning and scientific cinema.

The 30th Anniversary of the UNESCO Chairs Programme Was Celebrated in Paris

Professor Alexander Sokolov, Head of the Higher School of Economics UNESCO Futures Studies Chair, took part in the International Conference “Transforming knowledge for just and sustainable futures” held to mark the 30th anniversary of the UNITWIN/UNESCO Chairs programme. The event took place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, on 3-4 November 2022.

‘An STI-Accelerated and Informed Future is Possible’

The Twelfth International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’ is kicking off at HSE University on November 22. Alexander Sokolov, chair of the organising committee, talked to the HSE News Service about the evolution of the foresight agenda. Two of the conference speakers, Ibon Zugasti from Spain and Mlungisi Cele from South Africa, shared some highlights of their research.

UNESCO Chair on Future Studies Opens at HSE University

In 2022, a HSE University department joined the ranks of UNESCO Futures Literacy Chairs. This builds on the work of the ISSEK International Research and Educational Foresight Centre, and the activity of the Human Capital Multidisciplinary Research Centre. Professor Alexander Sokolov, head of the new department, Director of the International Research and Educational Foresight Centre, and Deputy Director of HSE ISSEK, spoke about the establishment, aims and objectives of the UNESCO Chair on Future Studies.

HSE University Studies Human Capital as Part of Consortium

The Human Capital Interdisciplinary Research Centre (HCIRC) is a world-class research centre comprising a consortium of HSE University, RANEPA, MGIMO University, and the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS). Its work was highly rated by the RAS in 2021. Lilia Ovcharova, HSE University Vice Rector and initiator of the centre’s creation, talked to the HSE News Service about integration in international studies on active ageing, creating a database on development trends in human potential, studying the effects of digitalisation, and the centre’s priority activities for the future.

HSE ISSEK Researchers Analyse Opportunities for Scientific Cooperation between Developing Countries in BRICS + Global South Format

Volume of R&D funding and number of Scopus-indexed publications of the BRICS countries in total already exceed those of the EU-total and the United States. These metrics have opportunity for further growth if the five developing countries strengthen scientific cooperation with other countries from Global South that have significant growth potential. Researchers from the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge Alexander Sokolov, Sergey Shashnov, and Maxim Kotsemir analysed the opportunities for research collaboration within these clusters of countries along with the obstacles standing in the way of greater cooperation.

HSE University Shapes Global Chain of Foresight

The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated our swift adaptation to big challenges and strengthened cooperation ties between researchers, politicians, and entrepreneurs on national and global levels. The accumulated life and goal setting practices in the new reality will be discussed on October 15–26, 2021 by participants of the XI International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and Science, Technology and Innovation Policy’ organised by the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK).

Human Capital, Innovation, and Fintech: What the Future Holds for Eurasian Integration

To what extent do the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) benefit from an open economy? What financial, scientific, and educational policy tools will contribute to the implementation of the recently approved ‘Strategic Directions for the Development of Eurasian Economic integration until 2025’? These questions were discussed by participants in a series of expert discussions at the XXII April International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development organised by HSE University and Sberbank.

HSE University Expands Cooperation with the World's Leading Foresight Centres

HSE University has signed cooperation agreements with two of the world's leading research centres, NISTEP (Japan) and TIFAC (India), which provide their governments with analytical support to inform science and technology forecasting and science and technology policy.

Two HSE University Researchers Among Winners of Research Excellence Award Russia 2021

Elsevier (operated by Scopus) has awarded its prestigious Research Excellence Award since 2005. This year, it celebrates the Year of Science and Technology in Russia. On March 30, Elsevier awarded the winning scholars, which included Maxim Kotsemir, Research Fellow at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, and Dmitry Vetrov, Professor at the HSE Faculty of Computer Science.

From Science Fiction to Designing the Future: Annual Foresight Conference Commences at HSE University

This week, researchers from all over the world have gathered online for the 10th annual International Academic Conference ‘Foresight and STI Policy’ at HSE University. One of the cross-cutting themes of the anniversary forum, which will be held from November 9 to 13, is lessons learned from the pandemic and the crisis’s effects in future scenarios.

'I Hope That I Will Be Able to Travel to Moscow to Be with My HSE Colleagues and Friends Soon'

Jonathan Calof has been cooperating with HSE since 2009. In an interview with HSE News Service he talks about how his involvement with HSE began, what projects he has been part of, and how he has organized his online work during the recent lockdown.

Innovative Approach: Master’s Programme Prepares Managers for a Changing World

The digital era, which has come to stay, is creating demand for ever more competent managers for innovation and R&D. The English-taught master’s programme in Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation offered by HSE University enables its graduates to pursue careers in top IT corporations such as Google and Yandex, research institutions and universities, government agencies and international organizations. It also prepares them to launch successful start-ups.

Alexander Sokolov about the Importance of Science Diplomacy

Alexander Sokolov, the Deputy Director of HSE’s Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge, in a large interview with the EU research project S4D4C ('Using Science for / in Diplomacy for addressing global Challenges'), talks about aspects of science diplomacy in the HSE projects and its importance in the development of the HSE itself.

HSE University Develops Science, Technology and Innovation Forecast for South Africa

On December 4, a forum on developments in science, technology and innovation (STI) was held in Pretoria, South Africa. There, a 10-year development plan was presented, based on an S&T forecast commissioned by the South African government and developed by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

Graduation party of the Master’s Programme ‘Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation’

On 28 June, 2019 a graduation ceremony of the ISSEK Master’s Programme ‘Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation’ took place at the Higher School of Economics.

Synchronising Russian and Chinese Foresight Studies

Alexander Sokolov, Director of the Foresight Centre and Deputy Director of the HSE ISSEK, visited Shanghai (PRC) in early May to take part in the International Pujiang Innovation Forum. The forum is annually hosted by the PRC Ministry of Science and Technology jointly with the Shanghai Municipal Government to discuss and coordinate decisions in the science, technology, and innovation policy area. This year the participants shared their expectations about the period until 2035.

Measuring Science: a New Look from Vienna

Is big data going to replace conventional statistical observations of the science, technology, and innovation sphere? Participants of workshops hosted by the ISSEK and a number of partner research centres in Austria and Germany in Vienna on 6–7 March agreed that the role of statistics is only going to increase. The experts outlined the potential for cooperation in the scope of S&T research projects and educational programmes.

Joint Platform for Russian-Korean Cooperation

On January 28, HSE and the Korea-Russia Science and Technology Cooperation Centre (KORUSTEC) jointly hosted a Korean-Russian Open Lecture on Science and Technology Policy at HSE University in Moscow. Founded in 1990 following a Korean-Russian Cooperation Agreement, KORUSTEC was re-opened in 2007 as the Moscow office of the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), bringing together six similar centres in various Russian cities (NRF is similar to the USA’s National Science Foundation).

HSE Staff Members Receive University Awards

On January 18, several university staff members were awarded HSE medals and notes of acknowledgement from the Rector.

'Atlas of Future Technologies' Nominated for the Enlightener 2018 Award

The Organising Committee of the Enlightener 2018 Award has published a long list of 24 books, each of which has a chance to become the best popular science book of the new season. Among other titles, the long list includes 'Atlas of Future Technologies' which presents results of the Global Technology Trends Monitoring study. This ongoing project is being implemented by the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) for more than five years. The award winners will be announced in the early October.

25 Professions for the Future for which HSE is Training Students

The labour market is changing rapidly and radically. The changes are already apparent and are certain to become even more pronounced in the coming years. Accordingly, the question 'which professions are going to be in demand in 5-10 years’ time' becomes increasingly important: what qualifications should be acquired now to have labour market-relevant knowledge and skills upon graduation? The HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) experts addressed these issues in the scope of the targeted project to identify professions for the future.

Creators of the Future: #foresight4EU

On June 4–5, 2018, the main European foresight conference — FTA2018 conference was held in Brussels. Future in the making #foresight4EU. It was organised by the European Commission Joint Research Centre, which has a long history of partnership with the HSE ISSEK Foresight Centre. The staff of the centre Alexander Sokolov, Alexander Chulok, Sergey Shashnov, Ozcan Saritas and Maxim Kotsemir took part in the event.

Article by HSE ISSEK Researchers Appears in Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology

ISSEK staff members Gulnara Abdrakhmanova, Leonid Gokhberg, and Alexander Sokolov have written a chapter – ‘Indicators of Information and Communication Technology’ – for a 10-volume set of the Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, edited by Mehdi Khosrow-Pour (Information Resources Management Association, USA). This publication came out in July 2017.

HSE ISSEK Contributed to the Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology

Gulnara Abdrakhmanova, Leonid Gokhberg, and Alexander Sokolov prepared a chapter “Indicators of Information and Communication Technology” for 10-volume set of the Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology (edited by Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, Information Resources Management Association, USA). Its Fourth Edition will be released in July, 2017 and it is available for pre-order.

Who Studies Russian Science and How?

On February 8, Russian Science Day, the Higher School of Economics, along with the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Ministry of Education and Science, released its annual statistical data book on the state of science, technology, and innovation. Below, the Director of the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge and HSE First Vice Rector Leonid Gokhberg discusses how research on science in Russia is advancing.

HSE Hosted a Round Table Discussion of the Role of Financial Technologies in Development of the Financial Sector

On 13 December, the Higher School of Economics jointly with the Bank of Russia hosted a round table discussion “Financial technologies and the future of the banking sector”. Vadim Kalukhov, director of the RF Central Bank’s Financial Technologies, Projects, and Process Organisation Department, made a presentation on major relevant trends and the Bank of Russia’s key projects.

HSE ISSEK Scholars Publish a Book on Foresight for Science, Technology and Innovation

In their new book, Foresight for Science, Technology and Innovation (Springer, 2016), Ian Miles, Ozcan Saritas and Alexander Sokolov introduce the term ForSTI to describe future-oriented analyses, informed by participative processes (to assess evidence, articulate possibilities, and propose actions), that are designed to feed into STI decision-making. The future considered is usually a long-term one; the issues examined go beyond the purely technical ones; the stakeholders involved reflect the wide spectrum of experience and knowledge relevant to these issues, and the actors whose mobilisation may be required to effect change. The book was presented during recent conference Foresight and STI conference at HSE.

Royal Foresight

This summer Alexander Sokolov, director of the HSE ISSEK Foresight Centre, took part in the International Panel of Futurists (IPF) in Morocco. The Royal Institute for Strategic Studies (IRES) invited a pool of experts to suggest long-term scenarios for the country’s development, taking into account emerging global technology and social trends and the quite strong role the traditional way of life plays in this Maghreb country.

New Book Explores Foresight in Innovation Policy and Management

Policymakers are increasingly turning to foresight techniques for guidance when addressing the wide array of problems and challenges arising in their work. A new book co-edited by Leonid Gokhberg, Dirk Meissner, and Alexander Sokolov from the HSE ISSEK, attempts to add another dimension — namely, opportunities — that can come from proper application of foresight techniques.

New Book Explores Foresight in Innovation Policy and Management

Policymakers are increasingly turning to foresight techniques for guidance when addressing the wide array of problems and challenges arising in their work. A new book co-edited by Leonid Gokhberg, Dirk Meissner, and Alexander Sokolov from the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), attempts to add another dimension – namely, opportunities – that can come from proper application of foresight techniques. Deploying Foresight for Policy and Strategy Makers: Creating Opportunities Through Public Policies and Corporate Strategies in Science, Technology and Innovation (Springer, 2016) features essays by more than a dozen scholars on various aspects of foresight application in today’s policy environment.

STI Priority Setting in the EU Countries and the Russian Federation: Best Practices

The paper presents an analysis of best practices in STI priority setting in the EU member states (UK, Germany, and Finland) and in the Russian Federation; compares priority systems adopted by various European countries; and identifies prospective subject areas for further development of international cooperation.

‘If you want to collaborate with a foreign country, you must learn its history and culture first’

On September 24, 2015, a delegation of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan (MOST) visited HSE ISSEK. During the visit, Dr. Yi-Bing Lin, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, a world class IT expert, gave an interview to the HSE news portal, in which he shared his view of the future of IT, talked about the potential of partnership between Russia and Taiwan in different areas of science, cited some theses of Karl Marx’s theory and showed pencil drawings of Russian historical figures that he had made himself.

Foresight Courses in Manchester: Evolution of HSE Expert Participation

The annual foresight courses which have been running at Manchester University since 1999 are considered some of the most prestigious and important for researchers of the future. In July 2015 two researchers at the Foresight Centre at ISSEK who have been students on the courses themselves have been invited this year to come and teach.

Russia — Brazil Summer School on Foresight & STI Policy

From June 15 to 19, 2015, the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK) held a joint summer school with Brazil’s Center for Strategic Studies and Management in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGEE). The aim of the summer school was to explore areas for collaboration for both countries and institutions in the field of Foresight and STI policy following an earlier memorandum of understanding signed between CGEE and HSE.

Foresight Must Extend its Remit

On the 30th January 2014 the HSE hosted an international seminar on methods and practices to evaluate the effect of foresight research in Russia and the EU. It was organised by ISSEK, the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge.

Futures under The Microscope

The HSE Annual Conference on Foresight and STI Policy: Cooperation, Coordination, and Challenges has come to a close. For two days (October 30-31) at the HSE premises at the foot of the Shukhov Radio Tower, signals were analysed that will sooner or later show up in contemporary socio-economic policy and in future news stories.