‘In Cherdyn, It Feels Like You Have Reached the Edge of the Earth’
Dmitry Koshcheev
Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Management and a master’s degree in Public and Municipal Administration (both at HSE Perm). Completed a postgraduate programme in Economics at Perm State University. Currently a senior lecturer at the School of Management at the Faculty of Computer Science, Economics, and Social Sciences at HSE Perm.
Dmitry Koshcheev began his journey in science back in school, but eventually chose economics and tourism over history. In an interview with the Young Scientists of HSE University project, he shared his experiences of researching the Visim neighbourhood in Perm, tourist clusters, and how he mastered analysing 300 sources a day.
How I Got Started in Science
I got interested in research projects while I was still at school. My primary focus was related to the history of Russia’s southern territories, particularly the history of the Caucasus.
When I presented my work at a city conference for the first time, one of the jury members suggested to the others that they give me a chance to advance, noting my potential. I participated in a research competition where my work was heavily criticised, but this only sparked my determination to return to the regional conference and win. Two years later, I did.
When I came to HSE University, I already knew how to do research. However, during my undergraduate studies, I didn’t think that scientific work could captivate me. But there was someone who became my guide, my mentor, and true teacher in science in every sense of this word—Olga Isopeskul. While working on a project for her course, she suggested presenting it at an internal HSE conference. I gave a presentation, and my work won first place. Later that summer, after I had completed my bachelor’s programme, I published two academic articles based on my thesis.
During my master’s studies, I met two professors who pointed me towards my current path. Tatiana Bukina, who taught me regional economics, suggested tourism as a research area, while Elena Zueva introduced me to tourist clusters.
At first, I did not want to delve into tourism at all—it seemed trivial to me. But it turned out to be full of so many fascinating things and unexplored directions that I got excited.
The Subject of My Research
My main research topics remain focused on tourism. The mathematical aspect of tourism and tourist clusters is still underdeveloped. My goal is to make this field more objective and to strengthen its quantitative analysis.
The second area of my research is spatial economy, which deals with the allocation of productive forces within a city, region, or country. This also includes studying constructs such as clusters, networks, agglomerations, and production complexes, among others.
The third area emerged unexpectedly and involves research methods in economics as a separate field. Recently, Olga Isopeskul and I published a monograph titled ‘Conceptual and Theoretical Analysis: History, Approaches, Techniques.’ This work has opened up a fundamentally new research field. The monograph examines the evolution of approaches to theoretical analysis from 1900 to 2022. We also developed a unique method of theoretical analysis, which allowed us to generalise the experience from 125,500 publications for our book.
Why did we choose this period? First, prior to 1900, articles in databases like Scopus and Web of Science are sporadic and inconsistent. Second, the phenomenon of theoretical analysis, as we understand it today, only began to take shape in the 20th century. In the monograph, we discuss the emergence of efforts to systematise scientific literature analysis and explore its importance in scientific research during this period.

What Is Theoretical Analysis?
It is a review of prior scientific literature. Our approach involves analysing a large number of sources and translating this process into a mathematical framework.
Sources can cover any topic. In our monograph, we made, so to speak, a ‘theoretical analysis of theoretical analysis’ within social sciences. I personally worked through all 125,000 sources with minimal assistance from Python-based software tools. The work was conducted using a new method outlined in the monograph. Using this method, I developed the ability to analyse up to 300 sources per day. However, this pace is extremely exhausting, making it hard to work this way for a long period of time. My workdays often lasted from 12 to 16 hours.
My method was designed in a particular way. Articles on a specific topic typically include recurring components. For instance, if an article aims to define the essence of an object, it is likely to contain a definition text. So, we identify, document, and focus on analysing these key components rather than the entire text.
Why is this method better than automated approaches? Even the most advanced systems capable of deep analysis are not yet entirely accurate and often make errors. Furthermore, such systems are generally complex and require advanced programming skills.
What I Am Proud of
Recently, our monograph won first place in the VIII International Academus Competition for the Best Scientific and Educational Publication in the ‘Social Sciences’ category.
I also authored a monograph on tourist clusters, in which I examined elements of the system for positioning territories for tourism.

What I Dream of
I wouldn't call it a dream, but I would like to describe a fundamentally new phenomenon—something radically innovative, without existing analogues or even systemic prerequisites.
Science is a unique way of life. It involves constant searching, with no real weekends or vacations, as you're always exploring and analysing something.
On the other hand, science offers the chance to have a look beyond the known horizon, to uncover what no one else has seen. It’s the opportunity to tread paths where no one has walked before. For me, this is, to some extent, the meaning of life. I can’t imagine myself without science.
If I Hadn’t Become a Scientist
If I had had the same understanding of social processes after high school as I do now, I probably would have pursued computer science.
It’s one of the most promising fields, with a virtually limitless range of applications—including its increasing integration into economics. Computer science also involves the pursuit of solutions, new ideas, and a degree of creativity.

Scientists I Would Like to Meet
Two Michaels—Michael Porter and Michael Montford. Porter is the founder of modern cluster theory and, in a broad sense, can be credited with shaping the agenda for contemporary spatial economics.
Meanwhile, Michael Montford introduced the concept of a tourist cluster in his doctoral thesis. His perspective on the nature of tourist clusters is quite unique, differing significantly from that of most contemporary researchers.

My Interests Besides Science
I collect ethnographic materials from the Southern Kama region, process literary adaptations of legends, folklore, and myths, and use these as the basis for writing stories, poems, and narratives.
I enjoy photography, particularly capturing nature, landscapes, and historical buildings. When I have some spare time, I draw. Drawing is a meditative process for me—a way to relax and forget about time, problems, and tasks.
Among my more conceptual interests are British Studies. I’m fascinated by the language, history, and culture of the United Kingdom. Recently, I’ve also discovered a growing interest in British literature.

Advice for Those who Choose a Career in Science
Dream big and don’t be afraid to express even the most original and unconventional ideas. Sometimes what seems utterly absurd to us turns out to be true and leads to innovations that make the world a slightly better place.

My Favourite Locations in Perm Krai
One of my favourite spots in Perm is the historic part of the Visim neighbourhood. It used to be part of the city of Motovilikha, which was incorporated into Perm in the 1930s. While the central part of Perm has undergone restoration in preparation for its anniversary, old Visim has preserved the spirit of past centuries.
When you visit this place, you see intricately carved old houses, the Paradise Garden with the former factory canal—once home to water wheels and now a year-round haven for ducks—and the majestic Stefanov Holy Trinity Monastery. The area also features Mount Vyshka, which offers one of the best views of the city, along with three museums and an entire street of old merchant mansions, perfect for leisurely walks.
Last year, I visited the northern part of Perm Krai for the first time, and I was captivated by Cherdyn. During the ‘golden hour,’ when the sun begins to set behind Mount Polyud, the area is bathed in a golden light. It is an incredible feeling to walk through the historic part of the town, along Trinity Hill, and admire the ancient churches. In those moments, it feels like you have reached the edge of the earth—beyond which, to the north, lie only small villages, miles of taiga, and nothing more.
