Seventh Central Russian Economic Forum
Kursk city 8 June 2018

Dear friends,

I am happy to welcome you on the official website of the Central Russian Economic Forum!

Kursk region is preparing for the 7th Forum which will take place on 8-9 June 2018.

The previous six forums induced discussions of various matters related to ways and prospects for economic development: improving competitiveness through innovations, development of the domestic market and human capital, transition to a digital economy. Come to think of it, these are all parts of one global agenda aimed at building a knowledge economy.

This is an economy where knowledge plays a crucial role and production of knowledge becomes a growth driver. A number of countries have made notable progress in building a knowledge economy, while we still have a long way to go. This, however, is the future that needs to be created today.

Economic development of Central Russia may be fueled by intellectual production. Human capital and knowledge are capable of transforming the economy and becoming its core value.

Kursk region possesses high-quality human resources. It ranks 3rd in the Central Federal district after Moscow and Moscow region and 13th in Russia in terms of the percentage of employees with academic degrees. Almost 500 specialists per 10,000 residents annually graduate from the region’s higher education institutions, which is the fourth best result in Russia. Arguably, the neighboring regions in the Central Federal district also have a substantial educational and industrial potential for expanding research activities and implementing industrial innovations.

It is obvious that a knowledge economy cannot be built without the Government’s support for science and innovations. What is the best way to provide such support amidst tough budget regulation aiming at guaranteed efficiency of all public spending? How can businesses be encouraged to increase investments in scientific research and to make wider use of R&D outputs in production? How can IT specialists remotely employed by foreign companies be brought out of the shadows? Many aspects of building a knowledge economy require important decisions.

We invite you to discuss issues related to building a knowledge economy at the 7th Central Russian Economic Forum. Scientists, colleagues from executive authorities of the Central Russian regions, municipal authorities, representatives of the business community are welcome to participate in the Forum.

The organizers of the 7th Central Russian Economic Forum will do their best to ensure the visitors’ comfortable stay in Kursk region during the Forum and the Kursk Korenskaya Fair.

See you soon in the hospitable Kursk region!

Governor of Kursk region
Alexander Mikhailov