Open Innovation in Russia: Case of MTS

On November 30, the GSB hosted a seminar on usage of open innovation approaches in Russia. The guest speaker was Mr. Dmitry Kurin, Director of Open Innovations and Investments at MTS and a chairman of the academic council of the GSB’s master's program Business Analytics and Big Data Systems. The focus of the seminar was on MTS, Russia’s largest mobile operator and a leading provider of media and digital services, and its application of open innovation practices. The seminar was moderated by Zeljko Tekic, a professor of GSB.

Mr. Kurin started his presentation by introducing a concept of modern telecom operators and logic of growing a digital ecosystem starting from a telecom as a base. Then, he presented how MTS uses open innovation, introduced tools and mechanisms that the company tried – highlighting what worked for MTS and what did not. The conversation continued through analysis of main drivers and barriers to adopting and using open innovation for MTS as well as how open innovation creates value for the company. The seminar ended in engaged discussion about the role of startups in building corporate ecosystems in Russia, and what is the short-term future of a venture market in Russia.

Zeljko Tekic

GSB Professor

“Seminars featuring industry experts, such as this one, offer students invaluable real-world insights and perspectives directly from seasoned professionals. These events foster an environment of learning beyond the classroom, providing students with a unique opportunity to connect theory with practical applications, enhancing their understanding of concepts in a dynamic and applicable manner. Further, interacting with guest speakers of such caliber as Mr. Dmitry Kurin promotes high value networking opportunities, allowing students to establish connections and gain potential mentorship, internships, or even future employment prospects within the industry,” said GSB Professor Zeljko Tekic.

The seminar organized in the framework of the OIDIGITAL research project (Open Innovation in Russia: Best Practices for Success in Digital World) funded by the HSE Graduate School of Business, attracted high attention from students.