The HSE Graduate School of Business at the Kazan Digital Week International Forum

Kazan Digital Week is one of the largest Russian and international platforms used to connect IT product developers and customers, representatives of the government and business fields, novice specialists, and professionals who have already achieved success and are ready to share their experience. This year, the Forum was held for the fifth time, with the participation of more than 16 thousand individuals from Russia and near- and far-abroad countries.

The guests were greeted by the head of the Tatarstan Republic, Rustam Minnikhanov, and head officials of the federal authorities. Forum participants noted the crucial role of the IT industry in achieving technological sovereignty. According to the expectations, digital platforms that will improve the usability of digital services and take the operation of Russian enterprises to a new level will be formed by 2030.

The share of IT in the GDP of Russia has approached 2% by the end of 2023, with the growth rates outpacing the growth of the national economy for five years in a row. The scope of the implementation of proprietary solutions and IT services exceeded 3 million rubles. However, to maintain positive dynamics, Russian business and the state have to face a number of challenges. The main one is the deficit of IT specialists, which can be overcome by training highly qualified personnel within the scope of the higher education system.

Professor Evgeny Zaramenskikh, the head of the Department of Business Informatics at the HSE University, took part in the Cybersecurity of the New Times section, together with the colleagues from Rosatom State Atomiс Energy Corporation, Kaspersky Lab company, International Business Alliance, and other organizations. The experts discussed the topic of Partnership for the sake of progress: how universities and employers can join forces to train personnel in information security.

Evgeny Zaramenskikh

“The severe shortage of IT specialists can only be resolved through the joint efforts of universities and businesses. The experience of the Graduate School of Business shows the necessity of the formation of expert and academic boards with the participation of businesses, with the active involvement of company employees in the implementation of various disciplines and students’ project activities serving as the means to jointly solve this complex problem. The Department of Business Informatics of the HSE University has accumulated many examples of effective cooperation with Russian IT enterprises. As early as next week, Kaspersky Lab specialists will start teaching classes on the subject of Information Security Basics for the students studying in the field of Business Informatics,” Evgeny Zaramenskikh shared his impressions.