HSE University and Rosstat Sign Collaboration Agreement

© Mikhail Dmitriev/ HSE University

HSE University and Russia’s Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) will organize working groups on issues related to statistical accounting and implement several joint research projects. On February 28, HSE Rector Yaroslav Kuzminov and Rosstat Head Pavel Malkov signed a roadmap outlining the planned bilateral cooperation.

HSE and Rosstat will undertake a wide range of joint projects regarding the use of big data, digital economy statistics, the international agenda, the popularization of statistics, and more. One of the most important areas will be education and preparing future generations of specialists in these areas.

‘Another area in which HSE and Rosstat will be working together is education,’ said Yaroslva Kuzminov.  ‘We plan to implement joint programmes of continuing professional education, actively involve Rosstat specialists as instructors and programme mentors, and establish internship opportunities for our students at the Federal State Statistics Service.’

Pavel Malkov emphasized that Rosstat and HSE University have a long-standing relationship and that the two entities have undertaken and continue to implement a large number of different projects. ‘We decided to structure the plan like a road map,’ he said. ‘I think that all these joint ventures will help Rosstat develop in accordance with the new requirements and speeds that are set for us from above, and all this, of course, will greatly benefit all Russian statistics.’

HSE First Vice Rector Leonid Gokhberg noted that several dozen research departments at HSE University are connected with statistics in one way or another. ‘We at HSE are interested in the development of statistics, and Rosstat can count on comprehensive cooperation with our university,’ he said. ‘We look forward to developing a system of regular expert discussions both at Rosstat and HSE to be held as part of the approved road map and beyond.’

Alexander Surinov, Director for Statistical Studies at HSE University, said it has already been decided to open a new master’s programme. ‘We hope that Rosstat will participate in the process and also that this programme will be an opportunity for students to get a taste of the profession.’