Deepening Collaboration Supports Study of Innovation and Transition Economics
Three years ago, HSE and Germany’s Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on issues concerning innovation and transition economics. Prof. Dr. Jutta Günther of the University of Bremen, who is heavily involved in the collaborative relationship, will be presenting at the XVII April International Academic Conference on Economic and Social Development at a panel on Science, Technology and Innovation Policy. She recently agreed to speak with the HSE news service about the progress in collaboration between the two universities, her research interests, and some of her favourite places to visit in Moscow.
— You have been visiting Moscow as part of the cooperation between IWH and HSE to lecture on innovation as a systemic phenomenon. How would you assess this cooperation?
— Under the framework of IWH-HSE cooperation, we took the first steps to develop joint research and teaching activities. It has been a pleasure for me to teach groups of international and highly motivated students in the Master’s programme at HSE Moscow. With my colleagues from IIMS and ISSEK we have had fruitful scientific exchange, which continues now.
— What is on your current research agenda?
— In April 2014, I was appointed as Professor of Economics at the University of Bremen, which offers me an excellent research environment. My research agenda deals with the role of innovation for economies that are catching up or in transition. What drives economic development in structurally weak regions? What is the role of the state and how can innovation policy eventually contribute to sustainable development? How can we improve the measurement of innovation, and what are peculiarities with respect to economies that are catching up? These are important questions to my research group and me. There is also an emerging literature on innovation and crisis where we have contributed, and I plan further publications in that field.
— What about cooperation between Bremen and HSE now? Has anything been signed or discussed?
— We signed a cooperation agreement at faculty level (economics) in March 2015 in order to have student exchange at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. The first student exchanges from Moscow to Bremen and from Bremen to Moscow took place during the 2015/2016 winter term, which made us very happy. Exchanges in both directions will continue during the 2016 summer term. Scientific cooperation also continues with guest lecturers from both universities and joint research projects.
In February 2016, the University of Bremen and HSE Moscow signed a cooperation agreement, which is a step forward in deepening scientific cooperation. The intention is to expand cooperation to other disciplines and institutes at both universities. For example, together with the Department of Social Sciences we were able to submit an application to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for financial support of mobility for students and researchers. When we secure this support, we will have even more intensive mobility and exchange in research and teaching.
— You are not a stranger to Moscow. Is there anything you’re planning to see this time?
— First of all, I am very excited about the conference and the scientific discussion with colleagues. The programme is very promising. During my spare time, I will enjoy a walk to Red Square and a visit to Cafe Pushkin where they have the best sweets ever.
Anna Chernyakhovskaya, specially for HSE News service
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