Alumni

Tao Ran, programme graduate from China

I am currently working as a project manager for international cooperation projects at PuE (Shanghai) Entrepreneurship Incubator Management Co., Ltd. The STI course undoubtedly gave me the ability to take on this position. This includes professional knowledge, international vision, the ability to promote project cooperation between China and Russia, understanding of the STI system, Russian culture, and having an experienced teaching team. At the same time, the summer school experience provided by ISSEK at Skoltech also provides a new perspective and direction for my career development.

Love HSE, love ISSEK, love "Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy".

Amal Abotk, programme graduate from Syria

The master's program “Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy” is a unique and valuable opportunity for students who are interested in the intersection of business and politics. One of the main reasons why I decided to enroll in the program is that it provides a unified area of knowledge that bridges the gap between the public and the private sectors. The program covers topics such as innovation project management, measurement of R&D and innovation, innovation strategies and policies, and governance, which are essential for understanding how corporate business works and how public policy affects it. By learning from both perspectives, I gained a comprehensive and balanced view of the complex and dynamic interactions between science, technology, and society.

A great advantage of the program, especially for international students like me, is that it is completely taught in English. This attracts students from different countries and cultures, which creates a diverse and enriching learning environment. During my study years, I had the chance to meet and become friends with people from Germany, Russia, Spain, USA, Singapore, and many more countries. I learned a lot from their experiences and perspectives, and I also shared mine with them. This helped me to develop my intercultural and communication skills, as well as to expand my professional network.

Moreover, I personally appreciate that the program welcomes students from different academic backgrounds, which means that I did not need to have a bachelor's degree in management or social sciences to understand the contents of the classes. The program is designed to accommodate students from various disciplines, such as engineering, natural sciences, and humanities. This allows for a multidisciplinary and creative approach to the study of science, technology, and innovation. I appreciated the diversity of knowledge and skills that my classmates brought when working in teams, and I also enjoyed the challenge of learning new concepts and methods from different fields.

I should also emphasize on the quality and friendliness of the professors who taught and trained us. The program is led by a team of experts who have extensive academic and practical experience in the field of science, technology, and innovation. They are not only knowledgeable and professional, but also supportive and cooperative. They encouraged us to participate actively in the classes and collaborate with our peers. I can say that I have built with some of them a relationship that I will cherish forever. I am very glad that I chose this program, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who shares the same interests.

Asemota Maryann, programme graduate from Nigeria

When I joined the Governance of Science, Technology, and Innovation master’s program, I had no idea just how much it would shape my career and, quite frankly, how much time I’d spend explaining to people what “governance of innovation” actually means!

Now, as an expert at ISSEK, I’ve been lucky to work in the foresight center, identifying future trends in science, technology, and innovation. Basically, I spent my days predicting the future - minus the crystal ball. The program taught me to think critically about emerging technologies and their impact, which has been incredibly useful (and has made me that friend who constantly warns people about AI taking over their jobs).

But the real plot twist? The program didn’t just prepare me for a career, it nudged me straight into a Ph.D. in Management, where I now research AI in corporate education. Turns out, I wasn’t quite done asking big questions about technology, learning, and the fine line between innovation and chaos. The insights I gained during my master's, especially around policy, strategy, and the role of technology in society continue to shape my work.

Looking back, this program didn’t just give me knowledge; it gave me a new way of looking at the world one where science, policy, and innovation are deeply connected (and where I will forever be fascinated by the latest tech trends). I’m grateful for the professors, classmates, and the occasional intellectual debates that left me questioning everything.

So, thank you for an experience that has been equal parts inspiring, thought-provoking, and mildly terrifying (in a good way). It’s been a wild ride, and I am glad I chose this program!

Raisa Mykhailychenko, programme graduate from Ukraine

Looking at the similar programmes in Europe and other countries, I considered that the Master's programme “Governance of STI” is one of the best in its field, thanks to its rich curriculum, excellent academic team and extensive networks with other universities around the world.

When I attended the HSE ISSEK Foresight Conference I was impressed by the wealth of knowledge and experience in the science, technology and innovation policy and foresight at ISSEK.
The programme combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience; as well as quantitative and qualitative methods in order to understand, explore and analyze STI with a long-term perspective.
Due to the fact that the programme attracts a wide variety of students from different disciplines and countries, during my studies I had a great opportunity to exchange knowledge and collaborate with other fellow students with diverse backgrounds. Through my curiosity, creativity and hard work, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience.
Furthermore, the Master's programme has opened up new job opportunities for me. During my studies, I worked as a consultant at Deloitte. Through my work experience in Deloitte, I appreciated the crucial role of the framework conditions for effective and efficient innovation systems through the instruments for upgrading and developing enterprises and supporting institutions for competitiveness both at the global and national levels.
Thanks to the Master's programme and my work experience, I gained a good understanding of innovation systems and their core elements including governments, industry and business, research, and broader society; and the role of governments in creating an ecosystem for the development of private sector with large companies and SMEs by enabling investment and collaboration for STI development.
As part of my internship, I worked at the Russian Venture Company and contributed to the development of the Roadmap for “Energynet“. This was a very exciting opportunity to work with high-level professionals and experts. During the internship, I was able to practice the knowledge I gained through the Master’s programme and established myself as a specialist, which gave me opportunities for further employment.

Syed Ali Nawaid Alam, programme graduate from Pakistan

The best part of the programme is its multidisciplinary nature and the programme is specially designed for all diversified groups because being an Innovator is highly admired and demanded in every kind of organizations.

Selecting the Master’s programme was one of the most serious decisions which later became a new turn in my life. After I was admitted to the programme with a full tuition fee scholarship and arrived in Moscow, I realized that it is one the best universities in Russia with a high reputation and international orientation.Before coming to this programme, I had very limited knowledge of Innovation and Management things, but I am truly grateful to all the Professors who greatly helped me to get real practical knowledge during this Master's programme. Because of this Knowledge, I participated in various Foresight events at WFYS2017 but the most unforgettable moment is a meeting with Mr. President because of my active participation in various educational and foresight events.

Olga Dremova, programme graduate from Russia

My way to become a Master's programme student wasn’t that smooth - I didn’t succeed to enroll in it the first time. However, I didn’t give up the idea of pursuing Master’s degree at HSE as it provides good opportunities for creating high-level professionals.

By the time the new enrollment process started, I had already gained significant work experience and created a clear vision of how this programme could help me to boost my career.

The programme inspires by its advanced curriculum that covers modern topics and future trends in STI.

I had a great chance to study in an international environment being present in Russia as all the courses are taught in English. I think, this programme is a good choice for those who want to deepen their knowledge on STI management, to balance current work and studies or to move their career in a new direction by getting some enlightening ideas. So my advice for the freshmen: make your motivation personal and clear, be prepared to justify it during the interview and never give up on your goals.

Nicolae Lungu, programme graduate from the Republic of Moldova

I found out that it is the best program on this subject in Russia. In addition, the University and the degree program have an international reputation for education and research, with a strong global emphasis and numerous academic awards. In particular, the course was designed to offer many job opportunities.

In fact, after graduation, my plan is to work in a company interested in developing or improving its innovation department, with the aim of gaining valuable experience in markets and businesses.
Being an international student is a unique experience. In a very short time, I adapted to the change of language, culture and climate. Until now I have learned a lot, not only academically but also personally; I made many friends and met many places. I feel much more confident in myself, of my strength and more prepared for the near future. Studying here was the best decision I ever made.

In addition, you will acquire the responsibility of giving the best of yourself to contribute to the continuous improvement of Governance of STI.

Gerardo Manzano, programme graduate from Mexico

This programme is a very flexible and well-balanced programme which allows me to go deeply into the topics I am interested in.

What is also very important is that the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge has a good reputation and well qualified researchers in some key areas, such as Foresight.

On the one hand, I do like that I have plenty of opportunities for research and there is always a person who can guide me towards the right direction. On the other hand, the programme prepares students to confront the realities of the world, so that students are well prepared to start working as soon as they finish their studies. This combination is very palpable, as I can see myself and the other students already engaging with different institutions and getting substantial achievements.
Once I learnt about an opportunity to apply for an intership in the Center for Social Innovation in Vienna, I did it without hesitation. One of the most fascinating things is that I could make a real contribution there - it was always a real pleasure to get involved in all aspects of work and apply my previous work experience. The working environment was international which allowed me, not only as a proffesional but as a person, to get to know different ways of collaborating, thinking and developing projects; this is really important in innovations because the more we are open, the more we can do for innovation.
After my graduation I am planning to apply to a PhD programme where I can continue doing research and learning about innovation with the main focus on social aspects. I am also open to an opportunity of working at institutions which specialize in helping communities, institutions and businesses to change and transform the use and impact of technologies in society.

People often ask me: "Why Russia?"

One should consider that education is becoming more homogeneous, which means that today researchers, lecturers, experts are invited to give lectures in one part of the world and next week they are on the other side of the planet. From that perspective, Russia follows this exciting trend in many fields of knowledge.

Master’s Programme 'Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy'

Alumni